Episoder

  • Learning is a natural function of the brain. As teachers, our job is to facilitate that natural function. In today’s episode, we dive into the research around how brains perform learning and the ideal conditions for optimal learning.

    We dig into Renata and Geoffrey Caine’s research on the topic, focusing on three key areas: orchestrated immersion, relaxed alertness, and active processing. We explain how each one works and how to leverage them as homeschooling parents.

    This episode is packed with information and ‘lipstick drops’ (you’ll understand after you listen). It will give you tools to create more ‘aha moments’ for you and your learners.

    Resources:

    Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attentionFind the book ‘Making Connections’ in the Brave Writer Book ShopCheck out the Brave Writer Practice PagesLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsRead all Brave Writer class descriptions Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA

  • Julie’s back!

    You may have noticed that Melissa’s been hosting the podcast solo recently. Today we learn why Julie has been absent and what she’s learned while she’s been away.

    We talk about Julie’s experience with her mother’s illness, leading Julie to reflect on how her mother created a homeschooling culture for her kids even though they were enrolled in traditional school.

    We also review how the Brave Writer’s Day Off Conference went and discuss our favorite parts.

    Join us as we celebrate Julie’s return!

    Resources:

    Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attentionCheck out the Brave Writer Practice PagesLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsRead all Brave Writer class descriptions Explore the Brave Writer Book ShopSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA

  • Manglende episoder?

    Klik her for at forny feed.

  • Is there anything better than the warm, magical feeling you get from a good book series? In today’s episode, Dawn Smith, Brave Writer’s Director of Publishing, joins us to discuss the power of children’s book series.

    We talk about the unique delight of reading a book series, getting immersed in the characters and the world they live in. We also dig into how series help build kids’ confidence through repeat exposure to an author’s writing patterns. 

    Tune in to hear some of our favorite book series and the memories they helped us make with our kids.

    Resources:

    Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attentionCheck out the Brave Writer Practice PagesLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsRead all Brave Writer class descriptions Visit the Brave Writer Book Shop to learn more about the book series we mention in this episodeSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA

  • How can you go beyond the daily grind of lessons to truly enliven your kids’ learning? In this episode, we go over two methods that you might have already observed pop up naturally in your kids’ lives: rabbit trials and rabbit holes.

    Is your kid super obsessed with something at the moment? That’s great! Feed their “rabbit hole” deep-dive with as much material and curiosity as you can.

    Does your kid jump from one related topic to another? That’s great too! They are making connections between how things work via “rabbit trails.”

    Your child’s natural curiosity is something to be fed, not fought. Join them in the hole or trail!

    Resources:

    Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attentionCheck out the Brave Writer Practice PagesLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsRead all Brave Writer class descriptions Explore the Brave Writer Book ShopListen to Episode 263: Appreciating Art with Bianca Bosker Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA

  • If you feel like an outsider when it comes to art, you aren’t alone. In fact, as Bianca Bosker explains, there’s a whole gatekeeping system built up around art: who you know, how you dress, what words you use, etc. 

    Lucky for us, Bianca Bosker spent five years finding a way past the gatekeeping. In her book and in today’s episode, Bianca brings back her findings to the rest of us, teaching us how to better seek out and appreciate art.

    If you want to find more beauty and meaning in the visual world around you, this episode will help. Bianca’s frank insightfulness is life-giving.

    Resources:

    Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attentionFind Bianca’s book, “Get the Picture,” in the Brave Writer Book ShopCheck out the Brave Writer Practice PagesLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsRead all Brave Writer class descriptions Check out the Class Schedule for Fall Sign up for Brave Writer 101 Read Bianca’s other book “Cork Dork”Read “Sister Wendy’s Story of Paintings”Read “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain”Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA Media

  • Play isn’t a reward for learning, it is the learning. In this episode, we dig into the puritanical reflex to be suspicious of anything fun, and rebuke it with developmental science and lived experience. We give ideas on how to create playful conditions for deep, sustainable learning for your kids and even yourself.

    We also break down how to evaluate homeschool learning you’re already doing: How does it look like play? How are you capitalizing on tools, clothing, kinesthetic energy, excitement, and engagement? Does the skill being honed lead to something the kids actually want to do? 

    If you’re feeling stuck and bored with your homeschooling, or if your kids are feeling that way, this is the episode for you.  

    Resources:

    Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attentionCheck out the Brave Writer Practice Pages Peruse the Brave Writer Book ShopLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs Read all the Brave Writer class descriptionsCheck out the Class Schedule for Fall Sign up for Brave Writer 101Explore Tools for the Art of WritingRead Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary HappinessRead How Children LearnRead Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for LifeSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack:
  • Chances are someone you know will have a sick child hospitalized at some point. In this episode, Melissa explains how you can best support that parent and caregiver. Melissa herself has had two of her kiddos hospitalized so her suggestions come from lived experiences.

    First, Melissa discusses the practical physical items you can bring to a caregiver in the hospital: toiletries, quality food, and a kettle or wand for warm drinks. She also describes some digital gifts that you can send. Then she describes what little acts of service you can do: doing the laundry, lending an ear, and taking care of the siblings of the hospitalized child.

    Sometimes caregivers are so overwhelmed or shy that they don’t know what to ask for. If your friend is having trouble expressing what they need, start with the items in this episode and then go from there.

    Resources:

    Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.Melissa’s Medical Summary TemplateThe embroidery kits mentioned in the episode can be found at cozybluehandmade.comCheck out libro.fm to buy audiobooks from independent sellers (rather than Amazon/Audible)Here are the nice pens Melissa mentioned in the episode: Jetpens.comCheck out the Brave Writer Practice PagesVirtually wonder through the Brave Writer Book ShopLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs Read all Brave Writer class descriptionsCheck out the Brave Writer Fall Class Schedule Join Brave Writer 101Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack:
  • Leaves changing color, evenings getting chillier–autumn is a wonderful time of the year to turn our attention toward the natural world around us. Today’s episode is all about how to facilitate nature study for your kids.

    We cover resources that can help you on your journey. We also give you specific practices you can try out with your family. 

    Most importantly, we dig into why nature study is so beneficial to educational development and well-being. Remember, if you have nature study projects that you have really enjoyed, please share them with us!

    Resources:

    Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.For all the books mentioned in this episode, check out the Brave Writer Book Shop. Learn more about the 1000 Hours Outside platform.Learn more about nature studies at JohnMuirLaws.com.Check out the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs. Read all Brave Writer class descriptions here. Check out the Brave Writer class schedule for Fall Learn more about Brave Writer 101 Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA Media

  • We tend to have a pretty clear idea of what practice looks like for musicians and athletes. But what does practice look like for writers? In today’s episode, Julie and Melissa discuss what writing practice can look like for writers of all ages and developmental stages.

    Julie and Melissa describe their own daily writing practices and those of well-known authors. Then they dive into how you can facilitate your child’s practice. They anchor their discussion with the new Brave Writer product “Practice Pages.”

    With references to Flannery O’Connor, judgy teenagers, and gleefully vindictive youngsters with the red editing pen in their hands, this conversation is as entertaining as it is informative. Enjoy!

    Resources:

    Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.Watch this space for our new Brave Writer Practice Pages—including a sample you can download (available in late October)For the books we mention in this episode, check out the Brave Writer Book ShopLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs Take a look at all the Brave Writer class descriptions Check out the Class Schedule for Fall Register for Brave Writer 101 Listen to Episode 202: “Make It Stick”Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA Media

  • Ever have one of those days where the kids won’t stop bickering, everything seems difficult, and overall there’s just bad energy? In today’s episode, we give you tips and tricks on how to turn the mood around
or at least keep your own internal peace.

    We give ideas that are focused on the body: movement and the five senses. We also give tips that are focused on the surroundings: making a small, new setting in your home or even going out to new learning spaces.

    For a full list of the ideas we share in this episode, go to our website and download the PDF we have ready for you.

    And remember, if all else fails, it’s ok to let the kids watch TV for a little bit while you hide and eat chocolate.

    Resources:

    Download our PDF of the ideas we’ve shared in this episode (link to come—we can add it to the doc later)Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.Learn more about Brave Writer’s “Becoming a Critical Thinker” workbookPeruse the Brave Writer Book ShopLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsCheck about all Brave Writer class descriptions Click here for the Class Schedule for Fall Sign up for Brave Writer 101 Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA Media

  • What does it mean to be adultist? Do children have a right to not brush their teeth
 or the right not to have cavities? Eloise Rickman joins the show today to discuss her new book, “It's Not Fair, Why It's Time for a Grown-Up Conversation About How Adults Treat Children.”

    We have a big juicy conversation about human development, education, societal structures, lived experiences, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

    If you’re looking for absolute answers, then this episode isn’t for you. But if you want to hear three homeschool moms discuss how they find the daily balance between guiding children and listening to them, you’re in the right place.

    Resources:

    Connect with Eloise on Instagram: @mightymother_Check out Eloise’s website: EloiseRickman.comFind her book, “It’s Not Fair: Why It’s Time for a Grown-Up Conversation About How Adults Treat Children” in the Brave Writer Bookshop: bravewriter.com/book-shopLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsCheck about all Brave Writer class descriptions Click here for the Class Schedule for Fall Learn more about Brave Writer’s “Becoming a Critical Thinker” workbookStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.Read the UN Convention on the Rights of the ChildWatch “School Circles” Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by

  • The sound of Moroccan Arabic, the smell of dried buffalo chips, the taste of sugary mint tea, the view of an open prairie–in today’s episode Julie and Melissa reflect on immersive learning experiences and how education becomes a part of a person for the rest of their life.

    Julie is back from her trip to Europe, having spent a significant amount of her time in Spain. Always the homeschooler, she describes events on her journey that illuminated the true meaning of learning and teaching. She and Melissa discuss the joy that comes from being a lifelong learner alongside adult kids.

    As the academic new year begins, this episode is a great way to fall back in love with education.

    Resources:

    Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics Programs Peruse the virtual bookshelves in the Brave Writer Book ShopRead all the https://bravewriter.com/online-classesCheck out the Fall Class ScheduleSign up for Brave Writer 101 Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA Media

  • As homeschooling parents, one of our biggest concerns is ensuring our children are ready for college when the time comes (if they choose that path). Today, we’re joined by Elizabeth Christie, homeschooling mom of six, who tells us about how her Brave Writers are now excelling in college.

    Tune in to hear how Elizabeth’s kids sailed through college application essays, how her daughter was recruited to be a well-paid student writing tutor, and how her son has excelled as a technical writer. 

    If you’ve ever wondered about the power of read-aloud time or chunk writing, this is the episode for you.

    Resources:

    Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.Check out all the 2024-2025 Brave Writer Mechanics and Literature Program  class descriptions.Take a look at the Class Schedule for Fall. Learn more about Brave Writer 101. Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA Media

  • “Structure” might be one of the most anxiety-provoking words for a homeschooling parent. If you feel like you’re always struggling to achieve structure in your household or if you don’t even know what level of structure is best for your kids, this episode is for you. This episode is a previously recorded webinar about parties. Yes, structure and parties are one and the same in the Brave Writer world.

    Julie explains parties are, in fact, highly structured events. They have indicators of beginning, middle, and end stages. They have the clear purposes of reducing stress, increasing interactions between people, and making memories– which happen to be the foundational pieces of deep learning. Don’t worry, Julie also gets into the details of what this practically looks like for homeschooling families. 

    This episode is full of examples of how to use the party-structure lens in your homeschooling: snacks, candles, games, movement, decorations, music, and more. You’ll be surprised how much easier learning happens with this structure, even if you have to put up with a little more confetti on the floor.

    Resources:

    Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.Create a party structure with these Tools for the Art of Writing.Find “Becoming a Critical Thinker” in the Brave Writer Book Shop.Check out all class descriptions here. Take a look at the Braver Writer fall class schedule. Sign up for Brave Writer 101. Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA Media

  • Literary analysis shouldn’t be a cold dissection that increases the distance between the reader and the text, but rather a way for the reader to more deeply engage with the text. In today’s episode, Julie lays out Brave Writer’s approach to teaching literary analysis and writer’s craft to your kids. This is a rebroadcast of a training webinar.

    Literary analysis and noticing a writer’s craft can start before your child even learns how to read, Julie explains. Daily read-aloud time, with pauses to notice feelings about the text and guess what comes next, builds your child’s critical thinking skills. Literary analysis doesn’t need to be bound to books either–using a remote while watching TV shows or movies can work in much the same way.

    Julie then goes through each age bracket, showing how literary analysis can build a deeper love of literature and greater self-awareness.

    If you find this episode helpful, be sure to check out our Brave Writer 101 training, where we coach you on giving kinder, more meaningful writing instruction to your child.

    Resources:

    Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.Find “Becoming a Critical Thinker” in the Brave Writer Book Shop.Check out all class descriptions here. Take a look at the Braver Writer fall class schedule. Sign up for Brave Writer 101. Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA Media

  • Welcome to Julie’s webinar, “The GPS of Writing: Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling.” Since Julie is taking a short break from the podcast to focus on her newest book, we’re replacing our typical podcast with a broadcast of this webinar.

    Throughout the webinar, Julie weaves a metaphor for grammar, punctuation, and spelling: Grammar is the rules of the word-party, punctuation is the decorator and bouncer, and spelling is the personal stylist.

    Most importantly, Julie reminds anxious parents that, at the end of the day, what children really need to learn is how grammar, punctuation, and spelling serve their self expression. It’s not about memorizing rules or being perfect. It’s about repeated exposure to meaningful experiences with living literature.

    Resources:

    Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.Don’t miss Fall Class Registration. Full class descriptions here.Check out the 2024-2025 Brave Writer Mechanics and Literature Programs.You can find “Charlotte’s Web” and other books in the Brave Writer Book Shop.Get free samples of our Brave Writer products.Want the digital Brave Writer products professionally printed and quickly shipped to your home? Order physical copies from The Homeschool Printing Company.Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA Media

  • Once you view time as a gift to be savored, you can start to naturally exchange agendas for rhythms and arbitrary expectations for deep learning. This is one of the takeaway messages from The Joy of Slow: Restoring Balance and Wonder to Homeschool Learning, a book by experienced homeschooling mom Leslie Martino.

    Leslie is our guest on the program today. She earned bachelor and master’s degrees in education from Columbia University, taught as an elementary school teacher, and now homeschools her four kids, ages 10-14. Her book is a meditation on the joy of slow as well as a how-to guide for homeschooling families.

    In our conversation today, we dive into creating time and space for critical reflection, the importance of depth over breadth, and savoring joyful connection with our loved ones. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the question,  “Are my kids learning fast enough?” this episode will (hopefully) bring a little peace and calm to your soul.

    Resources:

    Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.Don’t miss Fall Class Registration. Full class descriptions here.Find “The Joy of Slow” in the Brave Writer Book ShopCheck out Leslie's webinar at Brave Learner HomeLearn more at Leslie's website: LeslieMartino.com/Follow Leslie on Instagram: @lesliemmartinoSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA Media

  • What’s living literature? What does it have to do with teaching your kids grammar and spelling? Today’s episode is a recording of Julie’s webinar where she explains the heart of Brave Writer’s approach to teaching writing.

    Julie explains how immersion in rich, powerful literature is the best way to teach your child writing mechanics. She outlines the Brave Writer process in six steps: Parent reads aloud; student reads to themselves; student keenly observes what they read and asks investigative questions; student tests what they know through copywork and dictation; student corrects their own work; and student free writes.

    With specific examples and colorful anecdotes, Julie dives into the details for each step. She also breaks them down by program level: The Quill (5-7 year olds), Dart (8-10), Arrow (11-12), Boomerang (13-14), and Slingshot (15-18).

    If you’ve been looking for a distillation of what exactly Brave Writer is, this is the episode for you.

    Resources:

    Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.Don’t miss Fall Class Registration. Full class descriptions here.Check out the 2024-2025 Brave Writer Mechanics and Literature Programs.You can find “Braiding Sweetgrass” and other books in the Brave Writer Book Shop.Get free samples of our Brave Writer products.Want the digital Brave Writer products professionally printed and quickly shipped to your home? Order physical copies from The Homeschool Printing Company.Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684.

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA Media

  • Tia Levings was trapped in a high-control religion, experiencing church-sanctioned domestic abuse at the hands of her husband. Her only relief was the Trapdoor Society online message boards where she could discuss big ideas about education and human development.

    Years later, she barely escaped with her and her kids’ lives.

    Tia joins us today for an emotional, deeply meaningful episode where we discuss our intertwined stories and her new memoir, “A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy.”

    Resources:

    Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.Don’t miss Fall Class Registration. Full class descriptions here.Check out the Brave Writer Book Shop for Tia’s book and all other books mentioned on our podcastLearn more at TiaLevings.comFollow Tia on Instagram: @tialevingsSubscribe to Tia’s Substack, “The AntiFundamentalist” Watch “Shiny Happy People” on Amazon PrimeSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA Media

  • Homeschooling can be isolating, but it shouldn’t be and it doesn’t have to be. In fact, as a homeschooling family, you have unique opportunities to meaningfully connect with all kinds of folks. In this episode, we discuss how to find community as homeschoolers and why it is so important.

    We discuss connecting to your local homeschooler advocacy organization, using the internet to find like-minded homeschoolers (and even non-like minded homeschoolers), and coming up with ways to integrate non-homeschoolers into your fun learning experiences.

    We also dive into why community is important. Yes, social media can show you some reels of cool project ideas, but ongoing conversations and relationships drive deeper growth. That’s why we created Brave Learner Home. We discuss the Braver Learner Home features and invite you to join!

    Resources:

    Join the community at Brave Learner HomeWatch the Brave Writer Summer Camp webinar replaysStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.Download our free Summer Games guideDon’t miss Brave Writer’s Fall Class RegistrationListen to Episode 189. Party Schooling with Lise McGuinnessSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

    Connect with Julie:

    Instagram: @juliebravewriterThreads: @juliebravewriterTwitter: @bravewriterFacebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

    Connect with Melissa:

    Website: melissawiley.comSubstack: melissawiley.substack.comInstagram: @melissawileybooksTwitter: @melissawiley

    Produced by NOVA Media