What if the best critical thinking curriculum is already in your closet?

This week, we explore why board games and card games do more than pass the time. From Monopoly and Settlers of Catan to Quiddler, Pandemic, and even Operation, we unpack how games build patience, strategy, communication skills, resource management, and flexible thinking—all through play. We share personal stories, favorite family games, and one powerful rule: when your child asks to play, say yes.

Ready to rethink learning? Pull out a game tonight and let it do the teaching.

Resources:

1. Find our favorite board games in the Brave Writer Book Shop
2. Brave Writer class registration is open!
3. Visit Julie’s Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!)
4. Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing
5. Find community at the Brave Learner Home
6. Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
7. Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention
8. Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa’s Catalog of Enthusiasms
9. Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!
10. Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684
11. Interested in advertising with us? Reach out to [email protected]

Connect with Julie:

1. Instagram: @juliebravewriter
2. Threads: @juliebravewriter
3. Bluesky: @bravewriter.com
4. Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

Connect with Melissa:

1. Website: melissawiley.com
2. Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
3. Instagram: @melissawileybooks
4. Bluesky: @melissawiley.bsky.social

Produced by NOVA