The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life Paperback – February 5, 2019

This book was the assigned reading for a Christian Homeschool Mom Book Club I belong to but, because of life, I only had half of it read when I attended the meeting. One of the criticisms that came up was how, although some of the ideas were creative and would bring some life to our homeschool, they didn't necessarily coincide with Christian values. Since I hadn't completed the book I didn't really feel like I had enough information to form an educated opinion at the time so I just took note of that criticism and moved on. Upon reading the reviews I see that other Christian parents have felt the same; however, after finishing the entire book I actually completely disagree with this. Just because Jesus isn't explicitly mentioned doesn't mean that Christian values are not represented/reflected in this book.To me Chapter 13 is the culmination of the entire book and where Christian parents (okay, all parents) need to really pay attention. This chapter is a critical assessment of the homeschool co-ops that are available to homeschooling parents and how sometimes they become too rooted in ideology and philosophy to the detriment of our connections and relationships with our family. This is exactly what Paul discusses in the book of Romans -- how Christians tend to get too hung up on the infighting of our ideologies that we lose sight of our biggest commonality -- a love of Jesus Christ. Jesus himself says that, while the Law is important, the most important commandment of all is to love God and our neighbor above all else we are instructed to do (Matthew 22:35-40 and Mark 12:28-34).Ms. Bogart's point in this chapter, and really the entire book, is exactly that -- we often get too hung up on what our ideologies are in homeschooling that we end up damaging the relationship with our family to chase ideas but our emphasis should be on loving our family above all else. The entire book is devoted to her ideas about how to bring joy to your homeschool based on her experiences. But as she points out, if we are to follow homeschooling role models we are sure to find that they are human (page 258) and if we knew the entire picture of their family life, we would see the vulnerabilities/flaws that exist in all of us. I think maybe some are also unfairly placing her on a pedestal, too, and looking for her to be that Christian role model when in fact she is someone sharing her story about what worked for her family. Our true role model should be Jesus, not Ms. Bogart or anyone else (while I do appreciate a fresh perspective from time to time!); I think that her cautioning us against elevating anyone to the position of a guru to the point where we blindly follow them is another example of how this book can be relevant to a Christian parent... and I'm certain she doesn't want that responsibility, either!So just like a beautiful sunset won't point the way to God with a neon sign but you can sense His presence in it, don't dismiss this book just because it isn't overtly Christian. If you only allow yourself to come into contact with books, songs, etc. that explicitly spell out Christian principles, you are robbing yourself of the opportunity to use your God-given gifts of analysis and discernment in a world where God's presence is often quiet and subtle. Use those gifts as you read this book and realize what it really is: a narrative about someone who has gained wisdom from her experiences as a homeschooling mom for a long time with a variety of ages, stages, and personalities, and who is using that experience and her gift for writing to help others. Use your discernment to decide what will work for your family and what won't. But just because she isn't quoting Bible verses doesn't mean a Christian parent can't benefit from this book.

I am an unexpected homeschooler. I attended public school as a kid and mostly loved it -- had some truly amazing teachers. I taught elementary school for 7 years. I pulled my kids out of public school when 9, 7, 5 after struggling with the stay/go dilemma for several years. I still dream of enrolling them in a wonderful school we all love. So I am not married to the idea of homeschooling.I have just finished my first read through of this book. I plan to now go through a second time much slower, taking notes, using the free journaling guide Julie Bogart provides on her website to accompany this book. This book is highly readable but also dense -- it is jam-packed with ideas. The enchanted education methods Julie advocates do not come naturally to me as a homeschool mom (they came more easily to me as a school teacher -- go figure!), but I have enough personal experience teaching and have read enough about mental health, self-motivation, learning and emotion, and educational research to know that Julie's assertions about learning are all well-founded and backed up by the latest research. Alongside her easily understood explanations of how learning works is practical advice -- the book is full of concrete examples and ideas. I also love that she is honest (about her own failures), encouraging, and nonjudgmental. I certainly do not agree with every single thing Julie advocates or suggests. But even when she suggests a certain approach or practice or describes what worked for her family, she often offers several alternatives or differing examples alongside her own experience (example: chores). You feel you are benefiting from her years of coaching and learning from other homeschool families. She encourages you to take what you need and what works for you, and discard the rest.As both a mother and as a homeschool parent, I find the book very encouraging and empowering. This books offers all parents a wonderful perspective on learning and enjoying family life. If and when I ever put my kids back in public school, I will certainly hang on to the mentality of learning and collaborating with my kids all the time as we live our lives. I actually think this book would be especially helpful for parents who are trying to help kids in uninspiring schools hang onto or rekindle their love of learning outside of the institutional setting. A fantastic book for school teachers as well really! If you read this book, I think you will find that what Julie advocates was embodied by your own favorite adults and teachers from your childhood/ college years. The kind of education Julie describes -- it is what I hope for my own children, whether within my own home or inside a school building.