Brave Learning: The Long Haul, Getting Teens to “Do School” and more!

Brave Learning

Recently on Brave Learning…

The Long Haul of Homeschooling [Public]

This post is for the veteran—the homeschooler who can teach a child to read while stir frying dinner—and also for the parent who is tired—when cracking open a new set of math books isn’t as exciting as it once was. [More]

Getting Teens to “Do School” 

The way your kids care about their interests is the same pathway to caring about academics. Let’s talk about it! [More]

It Gets Better [Public]

I can promise you that things in your life will get better because I know YOU. You are the kind of person that strives toward that end—that’s who you are. [More]

Friday Freewrite: Cold [Public]

You’re out for a wintry walk (and you’re wearing a wooly hat, heavy coat, snow pants, gloves, and boots), when a tree overhears you grumbling about the cold weather. What does the tree have to say in response? [More]

Brave Learning with Julie Bogart on Substack

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[Podcast #275] The Delights of Deep Reading

Brave Writer Podcast

Once upon a time, getting lost in a book was second nature. But in today’s fast-paced, screen-filled world, deep reading has become a struggle—not just for kids, but for adults too.

In this Brave Writer podcast episode, we explore:

  • why long-form reading matters,
  • how digital consumption affects our focus,
  • and practical ways to rebuild the habit of immersive reading.

From creating family reading rituals to understanding how books shape our worldview, we unpack strategies to help kids and parents alike reconnect with the joy of sustained reading.

Tune in and let’s turn the page together!

Show Notes

Do you remember getting lost in a book for hours, completely immersed in another world? For many of us, reading used to be an escape, a way to connect with new ideas and stories. But in today’s digital age, where our attention is constantly pulled in different directions, long-form reading has become more of a challenge—not just for kids, but for adults too.

With the rise of smartphones, social media, and quick-hit content, we find ourselves consuming words all day long—texts, emails, captions, and headlines. But this type of fragmented reading is very different from the sustained, immersive experience of reading a book. Instead of engaging deeply with a story or argument, we skim, react, and move on. This shift has real consequences, affecting our ability to focus, think critically, and fully absorb information.

Why Long-Form Reading Still Matters

Books demand our attention in a way that digital reading does not. When we commit to a novel or a lengthy piece of nonfiction, we allow the author time to build their case, develop their characters, and invite us into a richer, more complex world. This slow, deliberate process strengthens cognitive skills, deepens our ability to engage with ideas, and even fosters empathy.

Reading long-form texts also challenges our brains to retain information over time. Unlike scrolling through headlines or tweets, books require us to remember details from chapter to chapter, strengthening our memory and comprehension. This type of engagement builds patience, allowing us to form more thoughtful opinions rather than reacting instantly to soundbites.

Helping Our Kids Develop the Habit

As parents, we want to cultivate in our children a love for books that withstands the lure of digital distractions. But that doesn’t happen automatically—it takes intentional effort. Here are some strategies to bring back deep reading in your home:

  • Make Reading a Shared Activity: Group reading, whether through read-alouds, buddy reading, or silent reading sessions together, creates an environment where books are part of everyday life. Even teenagers benefit from reading alongside a parent, simply sharing the same space.
  • Create a Reading Ritual: Lighting a candle, making a cup of tea, or setting a cozy reading nook can transform reading into a pleasurable experience rather than just another task.
  • Use the Library as a Resource: Letting kids browse shelves, pick out books that interest them, and bring home a stack is an exciting way to encourage engagement with physical books.
  • Start Small and Build Up: If attention spans are short, begin with short stories, graphic novels, or poetry, and gradually work up to longer texts.
  • Encourage Rereading: Revisiting favorite books isn’t just comforting; it strengthens comprehension and helps children see new layers in stories they already love.

The goal isn’t just to get our kids to read books—it’s to help them experience the depth, joy, and transformation that long-form reading can bring. If we, as parents, model this practice, we’ll not only strengthen our own focus but also invite our children into a lifelong relationship with books.

So, let’s slow down, pick up a book, and rediscover the magic of sustained reading.

Resources

Connect with Julie

Connect with Melissa

Produced by NOVA

Brave Writer Podcast

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Advice for Newbies – Part One

Brave Writer Advice for Newbies Part One

Listen. Most homeschoolers already feel like they’re not doing enough. Do they need to feel pressure to also create a backyard farm? It’s OK if you have one! But you’re not an inferior homeschooler if you aren’t also running an urban homestead. (I needed to hear this in year 2 of my homeschool career.) You’re not missing the mark if you’re tending three gaming systems rather than three goats.

You have a career already. It’s educating your kids. If that education includes bread baking or chicken coops without sending your stress through the roof—by all means, carry on!

This post is for those of you who are adding unnecessary pressure to your home education vision and feeling at loose ends.

Your kids will be fine if you live in an apartment, near an outdoor mall.

Do you!

Lead your kids in learning. Anything you all love can teach everything you all need.

For newbies, especially, the learning curve for home education is significant. If it’s taking most of your energy: PERFECT. Rely on modern conveniences to support you.

Once you’ve got the hang of it, add an herb garden or churn one pint of whipping cream into a tablespoon of butter for fun. Or level up in MarioKart!

The key is reducing stress and finding joy in learning.

Here’s Part Two!

This post was originally shared on Instagram.
Watch the accompanying reel for more.

Brave Learner Home

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Brave Learning: Natural Stages, Valenteatime, Educating Teens, and more!

Brave Learning

Recently on Brave Learning…

The Natural Stages of Development for Home Educators [Public]

Even as a home educator, you go through your own developmental stages. Let’s talk about them because it may help you feel more comfortable with your journey. [More]

Poetry Valenteatime [Public]

If you want to shift the energy in your home from recalcitrance and curmudgeonliness (I’m picturing grumpy faces, in other words), the surefire breathe-life-into-kids mechanism is…. Poetry Teatime! [More]

A Truth About Educating Teens

If we start from the premise that we can’t get a teen to care, we are much closer to creating a healthy learning environment. [More]

Friday Freewrite: As a Toddler [Public]

Pick a book character who’s a teen or an adult. Now describe what they might have been like as a toddler. [More]

Brave Learning with Julie Bogart on Substack

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[Podcast #274] The Value of One-on-One Time

Brave Writer Podcast

Homeschooling can feel overwhelming, especially when managing multiple children. One of the most powerful ways to revitalize learning and relationships is through one-on-one time.

In this Brave Writer podcast episode, we explore how small, intentional moments with each child can:

  • strengthen connection,
  • build trust,
  • and even make academics more enjoyable.

From playing games to taking a walk, we discuss simple ways to incorporate this practice—without feeling like it’s just another thing to schedule. If your homeschool routine is feeling stagnant, this episode might be the refresh you need.

Tune in now to hear how one-on-one time can transform your homeschool and family life!

Show Notes

In the whirlwind of homeschooling, parenting, and managing daily life, it’s easy to fall into the rhythm of group activities and structured learning. But one of the most powerful tools we have as parents and educators is often overlooked: one-on-one time with our children.

Carving out individual moments with each child isn’t just a bonus—it’s essential. This intentional connection fosters trust, strengthens relationships, and enhances the learning experience in ways that structured lessons never could.

Why One-on-One Time Matters

A household is dynamic, especially when juggling multiple children, responsibilities, and a packed schedule. The thought of carving out individual time with each child might feel overwhelming, but the benefits make it worth prioritizing.

When a child gets our undivided attention, they feel valued—not as a student, a sibling, or part of the family unit, but as an individual. They experience being seen, heard and understood. This personal connection builds goodwill, making them more receptive to learning and family collaboration.

One-on-one time also allows us to shift from the role of a parent-instructor to that of a companion. Instead of directing, correcting, or instructing, we get to simply be with our child—at eye level, sharing an experience and allowing curiosity and conversation to flow naturally.

What Counts as One-on-One Time?

It doesn’t have to be elaborate or time-consuming. While big outings are wonderful, one-on-one time can be as simple as:

  • Playing a board game
  • Cooking a meal together
  • Taking a short walk
  • Sharing a bedtime conversation
  • Listening to music or a podcast together
  • Working on a creative project side-by-side

The key is engagement—being fully present, not checking off a task or sneaking in a lesson. This time isn’t about directing but about participating alongside your child.

The Ripple Effect in Homeschooling

One of the surprising benefits of one-on-one time is how it impacts the overall homeschool dynamic. When children feel connected and prioritized outside of structured learning, they become more cooperative during academic time. That one walk, that game of cards, that inside joke—these things build the trust that makes it easier to approach challenges together.

In a household where individual attention is spread thin, keeping a simple rotation can help. Whether it’s a weekly outing, a standing ritual (like weekend art nights or post-dinner walks), or even quick check-ins throughout the day, it all adds up.

A Small Shift, A Big Impact

One-on-one time is not an extravagant luxury—it’s a necessity that fuels the whole homeschool experience. It transforms our children’s relationship with learning and deepens the bond that makes our homeschool and our family life thrive.

So, if homeschooling feels like a grind, if connections feel distant, or if engagement is low, the solution might not be another curriculum tweak—it might just be more connection. Start small. Look for natural openings. Say yes to their invitations. And watch how these moments transform not just your homeschool but your relationship.

Resources

Connect with Julie

Connect with Melissa

Produced by NOVA

Brave Writer Podcast

Posted in Podcasts | Comments Off on [Podcast #274] The Value of One-on-One Time