Step into a world of educational inspiration as Manisha Snoyer welcomes Julie Bogart, a true luminary - an accomplished author, and the ingenious mind behind the Brave Writer program. The conversation dives into the world of homeschooling, exploring Julie's personal journey and her innovative methods. Both guests engage in a sincere discussion on the joys, challenges, and practical aspects of educating children at home, including ways to inspire creativity in writing. Julie's approach emphasizes the importance of parents as writing coaches and the need to make learning enjoyable. Additionally, she sheds light on the Brave Writer program, her book "Raising Critical Thinkers," and her philosophy of adapting education to align with a child's unique pace. Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone interested in the future of education, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.
Julie Bogart (@BraveWriter) is a celebrated author, curriculum creator, and dedicated homeschooling mother of five. With a passion for fostering creativity and compassion in children, she founded Brave Writer, an innovative program that has transformed the approach to teaching writing in the homeschooling community. Beyond academics, Julie emphasizes the importance of creating nurturing environments for learning and empowering parents to become effective writing coaches. Her book "Raising Critical Thinkers" showcases her commitment to enhancing critical thinking skills and self-awareness. Her years of professional experience and unique perspective on education make Julie a sought-after authority in the home education space.
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Time Codes:
[00:00:20] Manisha introduces guest, Julie Bogart.
[00:01:40] Julie discusses her personal journey into homeschooling.
[00:07:27] Emphasizing that there's no need to rush a child's education, Jule and Manisha discuss the importance of flexibility in learning timelines.
[00:08:00] Educational insights about brain maturity and its role in junior high learning.
[00:14:42] Manisha discusses the advantages of homeschooling in terms of child safety. She contrasts this with larger educational settings where issues can often be overlooked.
[00:15:57] Discussing the importance of end-of-the-year acknowledgments in homeschooling, Julie argues for a written narrative over standardized testing.
[00:22:29] Julie emphasizes the importance of enjoying the learning process at home. She suggests that this joy can be more beneficial than a rigid educational structure.
[00:32:31] Manisha speaks about shifting the focus from what children can't do to what they are already doing in terms of writing. This is a significant shift in perspective for parents and educators alike.
[00:39:49] Julie Bogart’s backstory of how she started the Brave Writer program.
[00:47:10] Manisha talks about the importance of having a helper or support system in place for parents.
[00:49:40] Julie explains the value of a reader's response model in her classes. She describes how this approach provides constructive feedback to students.
[00:54:20] Challenging the notion that education is solely preparation for the future,
Julie stresses the importance of making learning meaningful and applicable in the present moment.
[01:02:01] Discussion of the book "Raising Critical Thinkers" and its relevance in today's polarized society.
[01:06:20] Manisha wraps up the episode by thanking Julie for her insights and contributions.
This podcast is made possible through a generous grant from the Vela Education Fund
VELA Education Fund is catalyzing a vibrant alternative education ecosystem. VELA provides trust-based funding to entrepreneurs, fosters community-building and knowledge-sharing, and increases visibility through storytelling that promotes cultural awareness and acceptance of the out-of-system space. Today, VELA serves the largest community of out-of-system education entrepreneurs in the country, with over 2,000 community members. About half of VELA’s community members operate small learning environments, and the other half are ecosystem and community builders offering direct services and support across the out-of-system space. Learn more at