Brave Writer
Check out my in-depth interview with Julie Bogart, founder of Brave Writer, on the Teach Your Kids Podcast
Brave Writer was founded by Julie Bogart, a seasoned homeschooling mother of five, with the mission of enriching the homeschooling experience by nurturing a passion for writing. Recognizing a gap in available resources that catered to both the technical and creative aspects of writing, Julie aimed to empower parents to be effective writing coaches. Her program stands out not only for its comprehensive approach to writing education but also for its community-oriented support structures, which have helped make it a highly acclaimed choice in homeschooling circles (Modulo) (Brave Writer).
Grades: K-12
Brave Writer’s programs are designed to cater to a wide range of ages, from young beginners to college-bound teenagers.
Cost: $49-$249
Costs for Brave Writer’s services vary. Online classes typically range from $100 to $200 per three-week session, while comprehensive year-long curriculum bundles fall within the same price range (Modulo).
Differentiation: What Makes It Special
Brave Writer distinguishes itself through its philosophy that emphasizes the development of a child’s unique writing voice over rigid instructional methods. This approach integrates creativity with the mechanics of writing, making it adaptable to the individual needs and pace of each student. The program is notably flexible, accommodating various educational methodologies like Charlotte Mason and Montessori, and supports self-expression through diverse writing projects and literature-based learning (Modulo).
How to Get Started
To begin with Brave Writer, parents are advised to assess their children’s educational needs and select from the variety of courses available, which cater to different age groups and writing stages. The program offers both independent homeschool curricula and instructor-led online classes, providing flexibility in terms of parental involvement and scheduling (Brave Writer).
How It Works
Brave Writer is designed to be integrated into daily homeschool routines flexibly. Parents can choose how involved they wish to be—either leading the learning themselves using the homeschool curriculum or opting for the structured online classes that require less direct parental involvement. Recommended daily interaction varies, but the essence is to make writing a natural and enjoyable part of everyday learning, with activities that encourage creativity and self-expression (Modulo).
What Educational Concepts It Teaches
Development of a personal writing voice
Critical thinking through literature-based analysis
Creative writing across multiple genres
Technical writing skills essential for academic success
Grammar and mechanics within the context of writing
What’s Good About It
Users often praise Brave Writer for its effective blend of rigor and flexibility, which makes learning engaging and adaptable to various learners' needs. The program’s strength lies in its ability to foster a positive writing culture at home, with parents reporting significant improvements in their children’s writing enthusiasm and competence. The community support and resources like webinars and master classes also receive high marks for their quality and helpfulness (Modulo).
What Could Be Improved
While many appreciate the program's comprehensive approach, some parents find the vast amount of resources and the open-ended nature of the curriculum a bit overwhelming at first. The lack of a structured pathway can be challenging for those who prefer more guided instruction. Additionally, the need for considerable parental involvement might not fit every family’s homeschooling approach (Modulo).
Any Advice from Parents on How to Get the Most Out of It
Experienced users of Brave Writer suggest taking full advantage of the community features like the webinars and discussion boards to get tips and support. They recommend starting with small, manageable goals to gradually integrate writing into the homeschool routine without overwhelming either the parent or child. Embracing the program’s flexibility to tailor the curriculum to the child’s interests and pace is also advised (Modulo).
Who It’s an Ideal Fit For
Brave Writer is ideal for families who embrace a holistic approach to education, valuing creativity and individual learner’s pace over traditional benchmarks. It’s particularly well-suited for parents who are ready to engage deeply with their children’s writing education and who appreciate a philosophy that integrates writing as a natural part of the learning process (Modulo).
Who It’s Probably Not a Fit For
Families looking for a highly structured, traditional approach to writing instruction might find Brave Writer less suitable. It’s also less ideal for those who prefer clear daily instructions or minimal parental involvement in the learning process (Modulo).
Ways to Get It
Brave Writer’s products and services can be accessed through their official website, offering everything from individual courses to full-year curricula. The site also provides resources like sample lessons and webinars to help parents make informed decisions
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