Brave Writer

I'm in love with this new program. I'll let you know more once I actually get the book, but I ordered The Writer's Jungle because I believe the brave writer philosophy that language is a way of life. Mentors must be reading and writing if they expect it from their kids. They know what it is to be a writer and to overcome the fear of the blank page. Here is an excerpt from their blog. Also, check out bravewriter.com. I'll post again after I've had some experience with The Writer's Jungle.

Developmental stage: What level is your child? Forget age, forget grade level. Look at actual skills. Match the work to the skill level, even if it means slowing way down or moving back a couple of years. Conversely, work that is too easy for the child can be just as inhibiting and demotivating.
Positive environment: What is the emotional temperature of your home? Are children free to share their real reactions, feelings and ideas? Can they openly state that they are bored, that their work is too hard, that they are too tired from a late night to concentrate? Likewise, do you bring a cheerful, realistic, supportive person to the table when you start the day? Are you undistracted and available to help, support and applaud the work that your kids do?
Habits: Which practices can you turn into habits that will support the natural growth in any given area? These habits don’t need to be iron-clad laws that suggest punishment more than reward. Rather, what kind of routine will give maximum opportunity for a child to cultivate the skills that will take him or her to the next level? Have you shared the benefits of the practices so that your child can see the point of the work and the direction he or she is pointed? Is there a way to validate growth? Is there a way to mix it up - habits that have a variety of applications so that the practice isn’t endlessly predictable and tedious?