What Your Child Should Learn at Each Stage of a Liberal Arts-Influenced Education

Bravely Framework

The Bravely Framework framework offers a broad outline for integrating liberal arts education with global travel, and it’s entirely FLEXIBLE!

You as parents are the CEOs of your child’s education (not a school), so you are encouraged to use your creativity to select the places, people, tools and travel experiences that best suit your children’s interests and needs, creating a personalized and engaging learning experience as you explore the world together.

Instead of being driven by a curriculum with metrics, grades and standardized tests, we focus on adventure and travel as the main medium of education, supplemented by flexible online tools.

At the most basic level, just ask yourselves these five questions every day:

  1. Did my child experience and explore curiosity today? If so, great! Education is happening!
  2. Did my child make connections between people, places, and ideas they experienced today? If so, wonderful! Education is happening!
  3. Did my child practice creativity in some way today? If so, fantastic! Education is happening!
  4. Did my child develop more courage today? If so, wow! Education is happening!
  5. Did my child grow in being more aware of themselves (conscientiousness) and how they engage with the world today? If so, you are winning, mom or dad!

As we move through life together with our kids, we reach for different goals than most. We want to see character develop, competency grow, careers explored, and compassion honed. This is our idea of what “educated” means. And it’s driven by intentionality and passion.

Bravely’s Framework is influenced greatly by Sir Ken Robinson, Charlotte Mason, A Well-Trained Mind, and other innovative educators. We incorporate the studies of global worldviews and faith traditions as children begin to build a moral compass which will guide their lives. 

So let’s dig in!

What to Teach in Pre-School Years

A child at this stage is full of natural curiosity, exploring the world primarily through play, sensory experiences, and simple interactions. They are just beginning to grasp basic concepts and form connections with their immediate environment, learning through observation and hands-on activities.

Focus on having daily adventures out into the world to meet new people and stimulate their senses. Build awareness, sensory strength and resilience. Be intentional about everything you do together, drawing out learning as they play, play, play! Everything below will come naturally without a curriculum as long as you are intentional.

Literature: Enjoy fairy tales and simple stories from different cultures through colorful picture books on an app like Epic. Connect these stories to the places you visit by discussing the characters and settings.

English Language (or Mother Tongue): Naturally explore phonics and basic spelling through playful activities and storytime. Develop early reading comprehension with simple picture books and engage in basic writing activities like tracing letters and simple words. Use an app like ABC Mouse to get familiar with online learning.

Foreign Language: Introduce basic vocabulary and simple phrases through songs, games, and picture books. Explore common greetings and vocabulary in at least three languages (or more) through the language apps from Gus on the Go to build foundational language skills.

History: Explore the basics of history through fun stories and interactive activities related to ancient civilizations and famous landmarks. Build the landmarks with building blocks and talk about where it is and what it is.

Art: Create art using drawing and painting inspired by your adventures and travels. Discover local art styles through simple crafts and activities.

Music: Listen to and play basic instruments from various cultures, and enjoy singing songs and dancing to traditional music.

What to Teach in Elementary Years

At this stage, a child is developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They are eager to learn about different cultures, environments, and a broader range of subjects. They begin to make connections between their experiences, compare different ideas, and explore the world with a growing sense of curiosity.

Literature: Read aloud as a family a wide range of fairy tales, classic children’s stories, and age-appropriate novels from different cultures, connecting stories to the places you visit. The Good & The Beautiful Book List is helpful for finding the Living Books like this. Use a reading app like Epic to access books from anywhere in the world.

English Language (or Mother Tongue): Advance phonics and spelling skills through interactive lessons and reading comprehension activities using an app such as Reading Eggs (which covers it all!) Practice writing by creative storytelling (verbal and written) and making simple poems. Enhance vocabulary through diverse reading materials.

Foreign Language: Learn basic grammar and vocabulary through interactive lessons and language games. Continue with apps like Gus on the Go until the child can read in their mother tongue, then switch to Duolingo. Connect language learning to travel experiences by practicing conversation and exploring cultural traditions related to the language.

History: Discover the history of ancient civilizations and famous figures through local museums, historical landmarks, and cultural experiences. Use an app like BrainPOPJr then BrainPOP, to explore ideas and concepts as kids are interested. Follow current events by listening to a podcast like KidNuz.

Art: Try drawing and painting scenes inspired by your surroundings and travels, and learn about famous local artists and art movements. Use BrainPOP to learn about art history. Use Google Arts & Culture for finding projects.

Music: Experience traditional music and instruments from different regions, and try playing simple instruments you find along the way.

Entrepreneurship: Set up a family “market” or craft booth at local fairs to sell handmade items or services, learning about trade and business in different places. Toward the end of middle school years,

Worldview / Faith Traditions: Explore different cultures and faith traditions through local festivals, religious sites, and traditional stories as you travel.

What to Teach in Middle School Years

A child in this stage is becoming more independent in their learning. They dive deeper into global issues, start to form and articulate their own perspectives, and explore more complex ideas. They are capable of engaging in sophisticated discussions and projects, taking on more responsibility in their learning journey.

Literature: Read novels, myths, and poetry from different cultures, and analyze them in the context of your travels and experiences.

English Language (or Mother Tongue): Deepen grammar knowledge and reading comprehension with more complex texts on Epic. Work on self-directed learning with the Middle School English book from Big Fat Notebook. Enhance spelling and writing skills through writing prompts on The Learning Network from New York Times.

Foreign Language: Study intermediate grammar and sentence structures on Duolingo while reading beginner-level texts on Epic. Participate in cultural activities and conversations with native speakers to practice and apply language skills in real-world contexts.

History: Immerse into the history of the regions you visit, focusing on key events and figures through local historical sites and museums. Enjoy classes on Crash Course around areas of interest. Use an app like BrainPOP to explore ideas and concepts. Follow current events by listening to a podcast like KidNuz.

Philosophy: Engage in discussions about philosophical ideas and ethical questions inspired by different cultures and historical contexts.

Art: Explore various artistic styles and techniques found in the places you visit, and try your hand at different media.

Music: Learn about and practice playing traditional instruments, and deepen your understanding of music theory through online music lessons on Outschool for an instrument of your choice.

Entrepreneurship: Start a family business venture that relates to your travel experiences, such as offering local tours or workshops based on your skills.

Worldview / Faith Traditions: Study different belief systems and cultural practices in depth through visits to religious sites and interactions with local communities.

What to Teach in High School Years

At this stage, a child is honing their ability to think critically and creatively, often taking the lead in their learning experiences. They explore advanced concepts, consider future career paths, and apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. This stage emphasizes independence, with a focus on entrepreneurial or global initiatives as they prepare for adulthood.

Literature: Analyze classic and contemporary literature from various cultures, focusing on themes, literary techniques, and historical contexts.

English Language (or Mother Tongue): Refine advanced grammar, reading comprehension, and writing skills through critical essays, research papers, and literary analysis. Develop a sophisticated vocabulary and engage in complex writing projects.

Foreign Language: Dive into advanced language studies, including literature, history, and advanced grammar. Engage in immersive experiences through internships, exchange programs, or travel to regions where the language is spoken, aiming for fluency and deeper cultural understanding.

History: Explore detailed world and regional histories, and specialize in topics like the Renaissance or modern history through extensive local research.

Philosophy: Study major philosophical texts and thinkers, engage in critical discussions on ethics, logic, and metaphysics, and connect ideas to different cultural perspectives.

Art History: Investigate major artistic movements and artists, understanding their cultural impact and evolution through museums and galleries worldwide.

Music: dive into advanced music theory, composition, and performance, and study the evolution of music in different cultures.

Entrepreneurship: Develop and execute a comprehensive business plan for a global startup, incorporating market research, financial strategies, and pitch presentations.

Worldview / Faith Traditions: Conduct in-depth research and comparative studies of global worldviews and religious traditions through immersive experiences.

Get Started

By embracing this travel-centered educational framework, you have the opportunity to create a personalized, liberal arts-influenced learning journey for your child. At each stage—Pre-School, Elementary, Middle, and High School—your child will explore diverse cultures, environments, and ideas firsthand, fostering critical thinking, cultural awareness, and adaptability.

Through immersive experiences encountered during your travels, you can nurture their curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit while integrating studies in humanities, sciences, and the arts. This approach not only cultivates academic excellence but also prepares your child to become a compassionate and informed global citizen, ready to navigate and contribute to an interconnected world.



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