Do you ever wish your homeschool week started with momentum instead of Monday drag? We’ve found that small, doable invitations right at the start of the week prime kids for curiosity, competence, and follow-through. Think five minutes of inspiration that launches hours of self-directed learning—no elaborate prep required. In our work with families, three tiny shifts consistently flip the “on” switch for kids: cozy learning spaces, gathering the world into the home, and playful comparison that sharpens thinking.

In this episode, we share kid-friendly prompts you can use right away: build a “hidey hole” (a cozy, distraction-light nook) to make reading and copywork inviting; curate a rotating Nature Table to grow observation, vocabulary, and seasonal awareness; and try “Movie Twins” to compare an original film with its remake, strengthening analytic thinking and family conversation. We show how five-minute Monday cues, paired with simple tools like clipboards, lamps, and labels, generate ownership and momentum all week long.

Resources:

• Fall class registration is open!
• Visit Julie’s Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!)
• Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing
• Brave Learner Home: https://bravewriter.com/brave-learner-home
• Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
• Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention
• Give your child the gift of music! Sign up for a free month of private lessons with Maestro Music and let your child discover their own musical voice: www.maestromusic.online/brave
• Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa’s Catalog of Enthusiasms
• 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
• Bluesky: @bravewriter.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissawiley.com
• Substack:

Have you ever wondered why a classroom teacher who loved her job would leave it all behind to homeschool? That’s the story of Meredith Reyes, known as @TheStringyMama. In this episode, Meredith shares what she learned teaching in California and Texas, why an unannounced active-shooter drill became the tipping point for her family, and how she’s navigated the shift from rigid classroom structures to a more flexible, tidal rhythm at home. We talk about nature as a powerful teacher, the role of interest-driven writing (yes, Minecraft counts!), and the challenges—and opportunities—of raising kids in an age of AI.

Meredith’s story is candid, moving, and deeply relatable for anyone weighing the value of school versus the joy of learning. Listen in to hear her journey and take away fresh confidence for your own path.

Resources:

• Follow Meredith on Instagram: @thestringymama
• Find Skunk and Badger in the Brave Writer Book Shop—and don’t miss our Skunk and Badger Dart!
• Fall class registration is open!
• Visit Julie’s Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!)
• Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing
• Brave Learner Home: https://bravewriter.com/brave-learner-home
• Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
• Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention
• Give your child the gift of music! Sign up for a free month of private lessons with Maestro Music and let your child discover their own musical voice: www.maestromusic.online/brave
• Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa’s Catalog of Enthusiasms
• 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
• Bluesky: @bravewriter.com
• Facebook:

One of the best parts of homeschooling is the freedom to start the year in a way that works for your family. Instead of overwhelming everyone with a full schedule on day one, you can begin with connection and fun—like a “Not Back to School” outing, a day of games, or a creative project. Personal notes to each child, wish lists of activities, and a few well-chosen dates on the calendar can keep momentum going all year. By adding subjects gradually, stocking up on creative supplies, and valuing the experience of learning, you set the tone for a joyful, sustainable year.

In this episode, we share practical tips, creative ideas, and mindset shifts to help you roll out your homeschool year gently while building curiosity, creativity, and connection. Listen in for ways to make your start feel exciting and doable—for both you and your kids.

Resources:

• Find Prang watercolors, Prismacolor pencils, and other irresistible art supplies in the Brave Writer Book Shop
• Fall class registration is open!
• Visit Julie’s Substack to find her special podcast for kids (and a lot more!)
• Purchase Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing
• Brave Learner Home: https://bravewriter.com/brave-learner-home
• Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
• Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention
• Give your child the gift of music! Sign up for a free month of private lessons with Maestro Music and let your child discover their own musical voice: www.maestromusic.online/brave
• Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters, Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic, and Melissa’s Catalog of Enthusiasms
• 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
• Bluesky: @bravewriter.com
• Facebook: