Brave Writer

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information available to us today? In our podcast, we delve into the critical need for fostering critical thinking skills in our children to navigate this complex landscape. Resources: Preorder: Becoming a Critical Thinker Workbook by Julie Bogart Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s...

As lifelong learners and educators in the homeschooling community, we understand that the journey of teaching and guiding our children is ever-evolving. Our recent podcast guest, Joshua Harris, shared his personal journey of growth and transformation, which resonates deeply with many of us who navigate the complex waters of education and parenting. Resources: Joshua Harris's website: joshharris.co...

Every writer's journey begins with the spark of inspiration, often ignited during childhood. Favorite books and characters not only entertain but also open the door to the enchanting world of storytelling. For many, including our co-host Melissa Wiley, this early love of reading sows the seeds for a future in writing. As a published author, Melissa Wiley exemplifies the journey from an avid reader...

Today’s episode is about what I call “The 4th R.” Most of us are familiar with the three R’s: Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic. But in order for those subjects to click with your kids, you need a 4th R: Relationship. Everything in your home and homeschool flows from how well you connect with your kids. This episode is meant to turbocharge for putting the relationship you have with your children at...

The new year brings a perfect opportunity to refresh and re-energize our homeschooling practices. It's not just about sticking to what has worked in the past; it's about bringing in new ideas and approaches. We encourage parents to experiment with different educational styles and activities. From introducing treasure hunts to varying learning methods with workbooks or games, these changes can reju...

In the journey of nurturing the next generation, the importance of instilling kindness and empathy in children cannot be overstated. The concept of teaching kindness extends far beyond mere politeness; it's about shaping compassionate, empathetic individuals who can positively impact their communities. Katie Doughty, a passionate advocate for childhood empathy and the founder of Team Kind Humans,...

We have always been passionate advocates for flexible and child-centered education. With our combined experience in homeschooling and traditional schooling, we've come to appreciate the unique journey each child embarks upon in their quest for knowledge and growth. While this is obviously a homeschooling podcast, we wanted to dive into some of the reasons you might choose to put your kids into the...

In our journey of homeschooling, we've discovered that education is not just about textbooks and structured lessons; it's about nurturing a child's curiosity, creativity, and joy in learning. We believe in blending structured education with elements of surprise and spontaneity, making learning an adventure rather than a chore. Resources: Geocaching: geocaching.com Bingo Card: bravewriter.com/blh-c...

In the realm of educational resources, Essie and Hsin-Fu Wu, the founders of Resilient Panda History, aim to fill a neglected niche in the homeschooling world. With a deep commitment to educating young minds about the rich tapestry of Asian American history, Essie and Hsin-Fu, both homeschooling parents, have pioneered a path for inclusive learning. Their innovative approach to education, embodied...

As seasoned homeschoolers and advocates for this unique educational journey, we have experienced firsthand the challenges and joys that come with choosing this path. Our venture into homeschooling wasn't straightforward; it involved navigating skepticism from our spouses and families, balancing our convictions with compassion and understanding. Resources: Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try t...

As the leaves turn and the days shorten, there's a distinct shift in the air – it's the cozy season, a time for warmth, reflection, and connection. This season, we're embracing the Danish concept of 'hygge' (pronounced 'hoo-ga') in our homeschooling journey. Hygge is all about creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. It's the warmth of morning light streami...

With the holiday season approaching, I’ve been hearing all kinds of advice about boundary setting. As a grandmother myself, I’ve experienced firsthand how relationships and boundaries evolve with adult children over time. I think what’s missing from most modern conversations about boundaries is how important it is to start from a place of empathy, exploration, and open communication. Boundaries sh...

As an educator deeply embedded in the homeschooling world, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of writing when taught as a natural and enjoyable practice. Yet, the essence of our message transcends the confines of any single medium. It's about fostering a love of writing in our children—seeing it not as a task but as a playground for their imagination. Resources: Sign up for our Text...

Today, we dive deeper into a topic that holds immense significance in many of our lives: divorce. It's an extension of our previous discussions, and I genuinely believe it's a conversation we need to have. Many of us know someone, a dear friend or a family member, who has experienced divorce. The question then arises: how can we show up for them? How can we support not just them, but also their ki...

Today's episode dives into the emotional aspect of divorce, especially its impact on children. From my personal experience as a child of divorce and later, as a divorced woman, I hope to shed light on finding stability post-divorce. A friend once encouraged me during my tough times saying, "Julie, keep going. We have cookies on the other side." This simple phrase became a beacon of hope, suggestin...

What do the laundry cycle and the learning cycle have in common? A lot, actually. Today, we apply KC Davis’s take on laundry to homeschooling. In her book “How to Keep House While Drowning, KC Davis talks about how the goal of the laundry cycle shouldn’t be to have all your family’s clothes clean at once. The goal is for everyone to have clean clothes to wear that day. The goal is to keep the cycl...

Have you ever stopped to marvel at the unique skills and knowledge your children possess? Sometimes, they have these fascinating insights about their favorite TV show or a little trick they’ve learned to make the perfect dessert. It’s got me thinking—our children can be our teachers too! Put your kids in the driver’s seat and watch learning flourish! Today, we're going to dive deep into the idea o...

Representation and diversity in media play a crucial role in shaping the self-worth and perception of children. We're continuing our in-depth discussion with Amber O'Neal Johnston about her book, “A Place to Belong.” We’re delving into the importance of representation, the impact of media algorithms, the benefits of innovative education methods, the significance of discussing hard history, the con...

We’re continuing our deep dive discussion into Amber O’Neal Johnston’s new book, “A Place to Belong.” Previously we talked about what led Amber to write the book, having a big juicy discussion around family culture, normalizing difficult conversations, and building a framework for inclusion within the family. We also talked about the different ways books can be viewed through a cultural lens: As m...

Amber O'Neal Johnston, the heart and soul behind heritagemom.com and a proud contributor to the Wild + Free homeschooling community, has woven her experiences into a beautiful narrative in her book, "A Place to Belong." An exploration of creating inclusive, culturally rich, and socially conscious homes, Amber's book serves as a rich resource for families across the spectrum. Today, we're diving de...

Today we’re diving deep into the book “ Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning ” by Peter C. Brown, Henry L. Rodiger III, and Mark A. McDaniel. Both of us were quite enthralled by this read, and for many solid reasons. Let’s explore why this book has made such an impact – and why we can’t stop bringing it up in conversations! Resources: Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math...

Meet Rachel Rainbolt, the visionary founder of Sage Family and one of my favorite homeschoolers. With a master's degree in marital and family therapy, Rachel has spent years guiding overwhelmed families toward peace and joy. Living on an idyllic island in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and three spirited children, Rachel embodies the essence of a life well-lived, focusing on gentle parenti...

Have you noticed the shift from reading novels, newspapers, and research papers to watching 2-minute videos or skimming 280-character tweets? If you've got a student in the house, you might've seen them use tools like ChatGPT, the latest AI wonder, to draft their college papers. It’s like a quick jump from A to Z, bypassing the entire traditional writing journey. The world's rapidly leaning toward...

In today’s homeschooling environment, misconceptions about learning often cloud our judgments. Key among these misconceptions – one I may be guilty of contributing to – is the belief that struggle is counterproductive to learning. However, it's essential to understand that effort can contribute to an effective recall process. Drawing a line between unnecessary suffering and purposeful effort becom...

There are days when you feel invincible, ready to conquer the world, and there are other days where getting out of bed feels like a herculean task. I confess, on those less-than-stellar days, I resort to watching bad sitcom reruns, while Melissa disappears into an endless loop of Instagram Reels. Sound familiar? Today, let's dive deep into the realm of motivation, unpack its moral significance, an...