Welcome to our third episode in our Natural Stages of Growth in Writing series! Today we cover the Middle School Writers stage, which typically occurs around ages 9-12.

This stage is all about building confidence, instilling in your student that they can consistently express themselves well in writing. 

We dive into freewriting practices—generating ideas and writing in short spurts. We also walk through how to do low-stakes revisions to help kids get comfortable with messing with their writing after it is on the page. We also talk about non-writing activities students can do that contribute to their writing skills.

Resources:

• Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.
• Sign up by the end of July for the Brave Writer Training
• Here’s our free Summer Games Guide 
• Check out the Middle School Writers Bundle 
• Learn more about our Building Confidence projects
• Buy the Building Confidence Bundle 
• Check out our list of Tools for the Art of Writing
• Sign up for Brave Writer Summer Camp
• View all the Brave Writer Bundles
• 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: @juliebravewriter
• Threads: @juliebravewriter
• Twitter: @bravewriter
• Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissawiley.com
• Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
• Instagram: @melissawileybooks
• Twitter: @melissawiley

Produced by NOVA Media

Welcome to our second episode in our Natural Stages of Growth in Writing series! Today we cover the Emerging Writers stage, which typically occurs around ages 8-10. 

We explain that the key to the Emerging Writers stage is partnership. Parents need to partner with their kids while writing, just like parents naturally partner with their kids while teaching them how to drive a car, or any other major life skill.

We dive into exactly what this looks like, and all of its benefits. Plus, we talk about the Brave Writer Emerging Writers Bundle and the Dart and Partnership Writing Bundle– don’t forget, they’re on sale through the end of June!

Resources:

• Big juicy questions. Memories that last a lifetime. Meaningful ways to learn grammar, spelling, and punctuation. If this way of homeschooling speaks to you, check out our Brave Writer programs: Quill (ages 5-7), Dart (8-10), Arrow (11-12), Boomerang (13-14), Slingshot (15-18). On sale through the end of June. Sale includes a free lifetime membership to Brave Learner Home. Purchase by June 30 to take advantage of this deal!
• Check out the Brave Writer Emerging Writers Bundle, on sale through the end of June.
• Check out the Dart & Partnership Writing Bundle, on sale through the end of June.
• 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: @juliebravewriter
• Threads: @juliebravewriter
• Twitter: @bravewriter
• Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissawiley.com
• Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
• Instagram: @melissawileybooks
• Twitter: @melissawiley

Produced by NOVA Media

We’re re-recording our Natural Stages of Growth in Writing series! If you’re a longtime listener, you may remember our first series on the topic. It was made up of conversations between Julie and her son. Now we’re recording in an updated format with more lessons learned and observations gleaned over the years.

In this episode, we cover the Beginning Writers stage, also known as the “Jot It Down” stage. This stage actually starts when your baby says their first word and you reflexively write it down. As they grow older and break out into passionate stories like toddlers do, jot down those stories right there in the moment. In this stage you’re teaching your child that writing is simply capturing thought in words that can be preserved for an interested audience.

Julie and Melissa share adorable anecdotes of when they did this with their own children, not only building a foundational concept of writing, but also preserving invaluable family moments.

Be sure to stick around for the end of the episode to learn about the Beginning Writers Bundle and the Quill and Jot It Down Bundle. All are one sale through the end of June!

Resources:

• Big juicy questions. Memories that last a lifetime. Meaningful ways to learn grammar, spelling, and punctuation. If this way of homeschooling speaks to you, check out our Brave Writer programs: Quill (ages 5-7), Dart (8-10), Arrow (11-12), Boomerang (13-14), Slingshot (15-18). On sale through the end of June. Sale includes a free lifetime membership to Brave Learner Home. Purchase by June 30 to take advantage of this deal!
• Check out the Brave Writer Beginning Writers Bundle, on sale through the end of June
• Check out the Quill and Jot It Down Bundle, on sale through the end of June
• Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention!
• 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: @juliebravewriter
• Threads: @juliebravewriter
• Twitter: @bravewriter
• Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissawiley.com
• Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
• Instagram: @melissawileybooks
• Twitter: @melissawiley

Produced by NOVA Media

Parenting is not just about managing behaviors but about building meaningful relationships that help both parents and children grow. Dr. Shefali, New York Times bestselling author of The Conscious Parent and The Parenting Map, proposes an approach that prioritizes connection, embraces playfulness, and redefines success.

In this episode, Dr. Shefali discusses the essence of conscious parenting, focusing on the parent's mental biases and belief systems rather than the child's actions. We explore the importance of maintaining a playful approach in parenting and education, redefining success based on individual growth, and navigating challenges with empathy. Dr. Shefali's insights on self-awareness, the inner child, and the imposter ego are enlightening and transformative.

Tune in to hear more about these valuable parenting strategies and how they can lead to a more fulfilling and joyful journey for both parents and children. Join us as we delve into the wisdom of Dr. Shefali and learn how to nurture the next generation with love and understanding.

Resources:

• Dr. Shefali's podcast: Parenting and You
• Dr. Shefali's website: drshefali.com
• Go to the Brave Writer Bookshop to buy Dr. Shefali’s book, The Parenting Map
• Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.
• 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: @juliebravewriter
• Threads: @juliebravewriter
• Twitter: @bravewriter
• Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissawiley.com
• Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
• Instagram: @melissawileybooks
• Twitter: @melissawiley

Produced by NOVA Media

There are two major pain points in homeschooling: writing and math. Our guest today helps us with the math part. Pat Murray is the founder of CTC Math, which should sound very familiar to listeners as CTC has been an incredible sponsor for many of our episodes.

Pat tells us about the all-too-common trajectory of students: They’re fine with math when they’re very young, then they don’t quite master one skill, then other skills are built on top of that missing skill, then things start to fall apart and students’ entire confidence in “being good at math” shatters.

That’s why Pat has specifically built his online math program to identify those missing skills, explain them in a very clear and concise way, and have the student implement them so they can experience immediate small victories. 

Listening to how Pat has designed his program, why he makes all levels available to subscribers, and the stories he’s accumulated over the years is a real treat. We’re so glad he joined us!

Resources:

• Sign up for a free trial at www.CTCtmath.com
• 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: @juliebravewriter
• Threads: @juliebravewriter
• Twitter: @bravewriter
• Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissawiley.com
• Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
• Instagram: @melissawileybooks
• Twitter: @melissawiley

Produced by NOVA Media

When parents map out the annual homeschooling budget, there’s a tendency to only focus on curriculum. In this episode, we encourage you to prioritize tools that really bring learning to life. Plus, we give you tips on how to get them on the cheap.

We dive into specific suggestion after specific suggestion, mainly grouped into six buckets: Writing utensils, art and handicraft supplies, baking ingredients and tools, science kits, games and puzzles, magazines and field guides.

We also give examples of experiential, rather than physical, tools that are great for homeschool families. We’re big fans of annual memberships to art museums, zoos, botanical gardens, science museums, etc. Volunteering at local theaters or animal centers can be a great way to access fun learning environments. 

The right tools make all the difference in having a happy learning life. We hope our suggestions spark creativity and joy in you and your kids! 

Resources:

• Find books we’ve mentioned on the podcast here: Brave Writer Bookshop 
• Check out our list of “Tools for the Art of Writing”
• Buy the new “Becoming a Critical Thinker” workbook 
• Sign up to attend the free Brave Writer Book Reveal webinars!
• Shop Jim Weiss audiobooks
• Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention!
• 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: @juliebravewriter
• Threads: @juliebravewriter
• Twitter: @bravewriter
• Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissawiley.com
• Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
• Instagram: @melissawileybooks
• Twitter: @melissawiley

Produced by NOVA Media

Today, we reunite with fellow podcasters and homeschool moms, Maren Goerss and Angela Sizer. We dive into their new book, Think Differently About Learning: A Homeschool Where Children and Parents Thrive.

It can be all too easy for homeschooling families to unintentionally replicate the negative aspects of traditional schooling that they were trying to avoid: Cookie cutter approaches, stress, burnout, etc. Think Differently About Learning gives a roadmap for a more joyful approach.

We talk about building an appetite for learning by honoring learning differences, rest, and small wins. Plus, we discuss relying on relationships instead of rules to guide your child in decision-making. Themes of empowerment, pleasure, and wellness weave their way through our discussion.

What Maren and Angela have to say as former traditional teachers and experienced homeschoolers is refreshing, tangible, and inspiring. Enjoy!

Resources:

• Learn more at HomeschoolUnrefined.com 
• Listen to the Homeschool Unrefined podcast 
• Go to the Brave Writer Bookshop to buy their book, Think Differently About Learning. 
• Sign up to attend the free Brave Writer Book Reveal webinars!
• Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention.
• 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: @juliebravewriter
• Threads: @juliebravewriter
• Twitter: @bravewriter
• Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissawiley.com
• Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
• Instagram: @melissawileybooks
• Twitter: @melissawiley

Produced by NOVA Media

It’s almost time for our annual book list release! Every year we curate a new list of books to be part of our Dart (ages 8-10 ), Arrow (10-12), and Boomerang (12-14) programs. Dawn Smith spearheads this undertaking and she joins us today to describe how she picks which books to be on the list.

The reason the book release is so highly anticipated is because Dawn chooses books that she knows are going to elicit kids’ buy-in, lead to big, juicy family conversations, and give kids tools to tell their own stories.

Dawn and Melissa explain the journey they go on to put together the Dart, Arrow, and Boomerang programs, how they are intentional about centering what is activating, engaging, and flexible. 

Plus, stay tuned until the end to learn how to sign up for the book list announcement webinars and the giveaways you may win!

Resources:

• Sign up to attend the free Brave Writer Book Reveal webinars!
• Check out the Brave Writer Bookshop 
• Take a look at the Skunk & Badger Dart
• 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 the new “Becoming a Critical Thinker” workbook 
• 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: @juliebravewriter
• Threads: @juliebravewriter
• Twitter: @bravewriter
• Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissawiley.com
• Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
• Instagram: @melissawileybooks
• Twitter: @melissawiley

Produced by NOVA Media

Hooray! Today’s the publication day of my (Julie’s) new workbook, “Becoming a Critical Thinker.” 

If you’re a longtime listener of this podcast, you know that I’m pretty strict about workbooks. They should lead a child to mastery, to embodiment, to knowing the content for themselves. 

That’s the approach I took to creating this workbook. I’ve reduced each of the activities to one key point. I've written just enough text for students to get that idea and then to practice it in the activity.

I designed this workbook to help students grow as critical thinkers by turning the focus to their own thoughts. Why do they believe what they believe? What flaws can they notice in their own thinking? How do they reach conclusions?

I dive into all this in-depth in today’s episode. Thank you for joining me on this special day!

Resources:

• Check out the new “Becoming a Critical Thinker” workbook 
• Buy the “Raising Critical Thinkers” book  
• 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: @juliebravewriter
• Threads: @juliebravewriter
• Twitter: @bravewriter
• Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissawiley.com
• Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
• Instagram: @melissawileybooks
• Twitter: @melissawiley

Produced by NOVA Media

Shannon Watts is the founder of Moms Demand Action, a six-million member organization she describes as “maybe the world's largest real life field experiment for what happens when you show women how their abilities and their burning desires and their values align, and how they come alive and can achieve things they never imagined possible.” We are thrilled to have her on the show today to talk about her upcoming book, “Fight Like a Mother.”

We talk about how both misogyny and motherhood shape women’s journey to, and through, advocacy. We discuss how to withstand blowback and the discomfort that comes with growth, including celebrating small wins and “finding your people.” We also touch on how social media has allowed women to bypass traditional media gatekeepers. 

Our conversation with Shannon about the intersection of motherhood, feminism, and activism is one that will keep us fueled for a long time. We hope you enjoy it.

Resources:

• Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention!
• Pre-order a copy of Julie’s new workbook, Becoming a Critical Thinker. 
• Check out Shannon’s book and other books we’ve recommended on the podcast in the Brave Writer Bookshop. 
• Get involved at MomsDemandAction.org. 
• Sign up for Shannon's Substack
• Follow Shannon's on Instagram: @ShannonWatts 
• 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: @juliebravewriter
• Threads: @juliebravewriter
• Twitter: @bravewriter
• Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissawiley.com
• Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
• Instagram: @melissawileybooks
• Twitter: @melissawiley

Produced by NOVA Media