Read-Aloud Revival ®

What is your calling in life?  For poet, songwriter, and academic, Malcolm Guite, it’s unequivocally clear–to be a storyteller.  Today on the podcast Audrey and I chat with Malcolm about the first volume in his new retelling of the classic King Arthur stories, Galahad and the Grail, illustrated by the incredible Stephen Crotts and published by our friends over at Rabbit Room Press.  Not only is Malcolm adapting the legends of King Arthur, he’s doing it in poetic ballad form, which means they are basically designed to be read aloud.  In our conversation, he tells us about the epic journey he and his publisher and illustrator undertook to visit sites connected to the Arthurian legends, how a childhood surrounded by books and stories led him to his lifelong love and study of literature and poetry, and the impact his own mother had on his journey to becoming a poet and storyteller.  In this episode, you’ll hear:  Why Malcolm chose to write this story in ballad form How woodland walks inspire Malcolm’s writing and why he knew it was time to “take up the tale”What elements and parallels of Biblical stories Malcolm wanted to restore that have often been left out of modern Arthurian retellingsLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/malcolm-guite

Learning to read can be hard. And when our kids are still learning to read fluently and well, helping them fall in love with books can feel impossible. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Today on the show, I’m sharing some strategies to help hook your developing reader. And of course, I have some suggestions for books that they won’t be able to resist. In this episode, you’ll hear:  Why helping your kids fall in love with story is the the key to helping them fall in love with reading The way short, frequent phonics and reading sessions propel budding readers toward fluency and easeHow to become a book-matchmaker for your child  Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/child-resists-reading

We all want to build those meaningful and lasting connections with our kids.  Around here, we’re usually talking about doing that through books and reading aloud. But how do we extend these connections into our everyday, ordinary parenting moments?   Today, I’m talking to one of my favorite people to listen to when it comes to relationships. Dr Matthew Breuninger is a clinical psychologist and author of Finding Freedom in Christ: Healing Life’s Hurts and in this episode he shares how safe, secure attachment forms the foundation of close relationships with our kids and how to repair them when we inevitably mess up.  He also unpacks the very common tendency a lot of us have to view our children’s behavior as a reflection on us, and offers a beautiful reminder of where our deepest identity as parents comes from (spoiler alert: it’s not your performance. ❤️) In this episode, you’ll hear:  What foundational perspective parents can offer to shape our kids relationships with us and othersWhy ruptures are inevitable in all our relationships, and how we can approach repairHow our kids become mirrors for the wounds and self-protection strategies we need to work on in ourselves Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/connecting-with-your-kids/

Today, we’re revisiting a listener-favorite episode that has some advice and an activity that I think are perfect for this time of year in our homeschools. Jon Acuff, author of All It Takes Is a Goal, joined me a while back for a perspective-shifting conversation about setting and achieving goals for our homeschools, and how looking back at our best moments, from major milestones to pockets of joy, helps us envision the kind of future we really want.  Jon also shares some practical tips for reframing the urge to compare ourselves to others, especially on social media, giving ourselves credit for what we’re already doing–because it’s definitely more than you think–and approaching goals with a “some is better than none” mindset. In this episode, you’ll hear:  How taking stock of your past best moments helps you be more grateful and present for the moments happening right nowWhy having dreams and goals bigger than your calendar is actually a gift A simple key to finding goals that work for you and your family  Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/jon-acuff

We talk a lot around here about the incredible impact stories have on our kids. They build empathy and connection, letting us walk a mile in another’s shoes. And some stories also help us see what it looks like to be brave and courageous, even in the face of fear or daunting challenges. Today, Audrey is back to talk with me about how stories inspire courage in our kids and ourselves and can connect us to profound truths, no matter how fantastical the setting. In this episode, you’ll hear:  How stories become companions to us through challenging seasons Which stories have shaped Sarah and Audrey’s own lives The ways myths can echo profound truths to us that feed our hearts and minds and inspire heroic virtue Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/inspiring-heroic-virtue

Why do we read aloud to our kids? Especially those who can read to themselves?  This is a topic that comes up all the time at Read-Aloud Revival and it’s one I’m super passionate about. It’s foundational to what we do around here and I firmly believe it’s vital to our kids becoming lifelong readers.  In this episode, we’re talking about the impact reading aloud has on our children, regardless of their independent reading level. Research shows that there are many benefits to reading aloud to your kids, and today, we’re going to focus on five of the most important ones. In this episode, you’ll hear: How books educate the heart as well as the mind, growing perspective and empathyThe incredible impact of reading aloud on academic performance, language development, information processing, expression (the list goes on!)How reading aloud builds community, strengthens family bonds, reduces stress and anxiety, and enriches time spent together Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/why

Today’s episode is a special treat featuring the return of a listener-favorite guest who happens to be one of my favorite people, too. 😉 Back on episode 209, my eldest daughter, Audrey joined me to share her perspective on what it was like growing up in our bustling homeschool family. Ever since that episode aired, listeners have asked for updates on what she’s up to and how she’s doing. Suffice it to say, she’s had a few more adventures since we recorded that episode! So I’m delighted to welcome Audrey back to the podcast to talk through some of your frequent questions about what has shaped her as a writer, the importance of boredom and wonder, and how simple conversations lay the foundation for imaginative language and writing.  In this episode, you’ll hear:  How read-alouds, audiobooks, and poetry shaped Audrey’s love of languageWhy having experiences out in the world (even in your own backyard!) is essential for budding creativesOur favorite way to help kids make connections and ask better questions and become better writers  Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the Newsletter Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/catch-up

If I were to ask you if your life ever felt tranquil, you would probably do one of two things: bust out laughing or look at me like I was from another planet. I get it, I really do.  Which is why I’m so excited to have the author of one of my absolute tippy-top recommended books with me today. Laura Vanderkam is a time management expert, mother of five, and the author of Tranquility by Tuesday: 9 Ways to Calm the Chaos and Make Time for What Matters.  Laura suggests that to bring more tranquility to our abundant, unpredictable lives, we don’t need a perfect schedule, what we need is a resilient schedule. In the book, she outlines nine ways that will help us manage the chaos and live joyful, sustainable lives.  It sounds much more accessible, right? Today, we’re going to talk about how we can actually achieve tranquility in our lives, even in the busiest phases of our lives. In this episode, you’ll hear:  How to reframe the way you think about how much time you have (hint: it might be more than you think!) Why doing something three times a week counts as a habitThe rule that gets the most resistance, and why sticking to it is so essential Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/laura-vanderkam

What if I told you there’s an Icelandic Christmas tradition where the whole point is to spend an evening sitting around, sipping hot cocoa, and reading books? Sign me up, right? Today, we’re talking about Jolabokaflod, which loosely translates to “Yule Book Flood,” how it started, and how you can bring the magic of this bookish tradition into your home this Christmas. In this episode, you’ll hear:  Where the Icelandic Yule Book Flood first beganHow Jolabokaflod is an invitation to slow down and connect with each other during the busy Christmas seasonThe only three things you need for your Jolabokaflod, plus tips from RAR members on how they celebrate  Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/icelandic-christmas

We all know there is no shortage of Christmas picture books out there.  But for a book to make it onto my kids’ Christmas stack or onto a Read Aloud Revival Christmas Book List, it has to be excellent.  And the books we choose for Christmas School? Those are the ones that go above and beyond excellent and are some of our most treasured, tippy-top favorite Christmas read-alouds. Today, I have the author-illustrator of one of my all-time favorite Christmas picture books, Red and Lulu, with me.  You might recognize Matt Tavares from his beloved books Zachary's Ball, Becoming Babe Ruth, or Growing Up Pedro or from his delightful Christmas books in the Dasher series. He’s here to tell us all about his writing and illustrating process, why he loves writing Christmas picture books, and how he created the enchanting journey of Red and Lulu.   In this episode, you’ll hear:  How he sets the mood for creating snowy, winter scenes even in the middle of summer  What Matt always keeps in mind about his audience when writing picture booksThe inspiration behind the tale of Red and Lulu and their journey to New York City Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/matt-tavares

Hey hey, it's Sarah Mackenzie! I am here with a bonus episode. I host another podcast — it's called Circle with Sarah— and it's a short, weekly podcast that helps all of us become the peace-filled, joyful mamas we're called to be. It goes up at RAR Premium every Monday during the school year.  Recently, I recorded an episode for that podcast called "God is Not Disappointed in You." And not only did it really resonate with RAR Premium members, but we got several requests from members to please post this on the Read-Aloud Revival podcast so they could share it with their friends even if their friends weren't inside RAR Premium.  Here's the episode: In our recent Circle with Sarah Retreat, you were all invited to submit questions about maintaining peace in your homeschool, because of course that was our theme, and so many of you did! It has been just a complete joy to read through those and consider them. Almost 120 questions came in actually, and we were only able to touch on a few during the retreat, and then we touched on a few more in our last Circle with Sarah Live. But as I was reading through your questions and just prayerfully considering how to answer them, one thing jumped out at me over and over again. I mentioned it, actually, at the very end of the September Circle with Sarah Live. It's this pervasive fear that so many of us have that really feeds into our anxiety about our homeschools and our kids and our parenting and our worry that we're not doing a good enough job with any of it. And the underlying belief that is a problem here is that we believe that God is disappointed in us as homeschooling moms, that we're failing Him, and He's disappointed. And I think this fear is probably exaggerated somewhat for us if we had a father or really any authority figure over us at any point in our lives who did express chronic disappointment in us. I think then it's very easy to translate that into feeling like God must also be feeling disappointed in us. That seems like the easiest thing to believe, like the truest thing. But listen to me, God is not disappointed in you.  He is not surprised by anything you are facing in your life, your motherhood, your homeschool, your marriage, any of it. He's not surprised by any of it. On your absolute worst days, He's not surprised by how you acted or reacted. He already knows the worst and hardest and most challenging things that you are facing right now, and He loves you and He's calling you to this work anyway. He actually never asks us to be good enough. And He never asks us to get this just right. And I think it's worth remembering that He didn't actually think you would do a better job than you're doing. He's all knowing. He's sovereign. He didn't think you'd do a better job than you're doing at anything, in any part of your life. And He's not disappointed in you.  I wonder if you can sit with that for just a second, like really sit with it?  I want to read from Psalm 103: "The Lord is merciful and gracious,     slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love." Later in that same psalm we read,  "For He knows our frame;     He remembers that we are dust." So He knows who we are. He knows our capabilities, He knows our limits, He knows our frame, and He remembers that we are dust. And yet He is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love. I wonder if you can say that out loud to yourself. God is not disappointed in me. Try it. How did that feel? Did it feel true? Did your voice wobble? Did you feel choked up? Did you feel like, I don't know if that's true?  Listen, this is what you can say to yourself and know it is true. God is not disappointed in me.  He is not disappointed in my kids. He is not disappointed in my homeschool. He is not disappointed in how I cook or how badly I cook. He is not disappointed in how clean I keep the house or how much laundry I got done this week, or whether I even touched it at all. Whether I ever follow through on teaching my kids chores or following up on that character issue or taking care of the parenting issues that are screaming at us in the face. He is not disappointed in how often I read aloud or how much homeschool we got done, or how many activities my kids are in, or whether my kids are still in their pajamas at 4:00 PM. None of this is a disappointment or a surprise to Him.  He loves me. He loves you. And He promises us peace that transcends all understanding. That's a big one so I'm just going to leave us here today.  We're going to come back to it again next week. But I wonder if at different points during your week, you can remind yourself, God is not disappointed in me. Write it on a post-it. Put it in a few different places. Put it wherever you brush your teeth. Put it where you wash your dishes, put it in the car when you're getting in the car to take your kids to activities or run an errand. Put it by your coffee pot in the morning.  God is not disappointed in me. Write it down. See if you can maybe start to believe that this week and we'll circle back to it next week.  You have everything you need to teach with peace that transcends with all understanding. You were made for this life. I'm praying for you. ---  If you want a podcast episode like this to start each week on the right foot, you probably want RAR Premium—that's where you get access to the CWS podcast. Find out more at rarpremium.com or circlewithsarah.com. 

Have you ever worried that you’re not meeting all of your child’s needs—academically, emotionally, spiritually, or even socially? Pretty much every day, right?  You’re not alone. Most of us have asked ourselves if we are giving our kids everything they need at one time or another. In this episode, I’m sharing a replay from one of our Circle with Sarah live sessions where RAR Community Manager Kelsey Murphy and I dug into what education is really for, because if we know what it’s for, we’re better able to answer if we’re meeting our children’s needs. I hope this conversation helps you reimagine your kids’ education in a way that eases your worries and reminds you that education is about relationships, not checklists, and that is very good news. Circle with Sarah is my homeschool mentoring program within RAR Premium. Every Monday, members get a quick five to ten minute podcast with just the encouragement they need to be the peace-filled, joyful homeschool mom they’re called to be. Learn more here.  In this episode, you’ll hear:  Why education is not about meeting all of your child’s potential needs, but about love and relationshipsThe three pillars of connection that form the bedrock of our homeschoolsSimple, practical ways to weave those three pillars into your daily life Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/education-is-for-love

Many of you will already know that I am a huge fan of The Chronicles of Narnia. Today, I want to introduce my fellow Narnia lovers to a new book that jumped right off the shelf as soon as I saw it.  Giant is a middle-grade novel by debut author Judith McQuoid where we meet Davy, a fictional working class boy from East Belfast, Ireland who is sent to work in the wealthy Lewis household in 1908. There, he forges a friendship with Jacks–as C.S. Lewis was known to his friends and family–over books, stories, and building worlds of imagination and adventure. Giant is a must-read for Narnia fans that adds a whole new depth of experience to C.S. Lewis’s world and will help you read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe in a fresh way. And today, I’m chatting with the author about what inspired her to write the book, how much of the story is fictionalized, and how the process of writing the book shaped her identity. And you’re going to love her Irish accent!  In this episode, you’ll hear:  The way her dad’s love of Narnia and Lewis’s Belfast heritage inspired Judith to write this story How Judith started with a “skeleton” draft and added layers of detail and depth with revisionsThe faith that carried Judith through the ups and downs of creating Giant Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/judith-mcquoid

Astrid Sheckels continues the wit and whimsy of childhood through her marvelous and magnificent illustrations and storytelling.  You might recognize her from the Hector Fox and Friends series or Sea Dog and Sea Dog Rescue, and she created the gorgeous cover and interior illustrations for Beyond Mulberry Glen by Millie Florence.  Today we’re chatting about her new book, Flora and the Jazzers, which Kirkus called “sumptuously illustrated” in their starred review and I couldn’t agree more. This jazz-age Cinderella story starring a ferret named Flora and set in a 1920s New York hotel is going to blow you away, I just know it.  Astrid is a New Englander who loves to paint animals in clothes, so clearly she is a woman after my own heart, and I just know you’ll fall in love with her too. In this episode, you’ll hear:  How childhood family read-alouds instilled a love for stories in AstridThe way one of Astrid’s earliest childhood drawings became the inspiration for FloraWhy a sketchbook is an ideal tool for budding creatives Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/astrid-sheckels

Peace. It sounds lovely, right? It’s what so many of us want more than anything else in our homeschools. We long for peace, even if it often feels unattainable. But what does peace actually look like in the midst of a real, chaotic homeschool day? Last month in Circle with Sarah–my mentoring program for homeschool moms inside RAR Premium–we had a retreat. And our theme? Maintaining Peace in Your Homeschool. Over four sessions, we walked through practical tips for letting go of guilt and holding onto peace when your day doesn’t go as planned–which we all know is basically every hour of every day, right?  Today, I’m sharing the first session of the retreat, called “What Do We Mean by Peace?” I hope you find encouragement for maintaining peace within the everyday rhythms of homeschooling and that you get a better picture of the peace that’s available to you right here, right now, regardless of the circumstances you find yourself in. And if you want to check out the rest of the retreat, all of the sessions are available now as part of RAR Premium (Join us right here!). In this episode, you’ll hear:  The real definition of peace (hint: it’s not always calm and quiet!) Our primary responsibility as moms and homeschoolersHow our fears cause us to lose hold of peace Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/peace

What does having a happy homeschool mean to you?  How would you describe it? What would you be doing? Our homeschools are all unique. We have different kids, different spouses, different resources, different homes, different demands on our time and energy. And yet I have a hunch that when we think about what having a happy homeschool means, our answers would be remarkably similar. As many of us are getting into the swing of a new school year, I want to revisit a topic that I think is incredibly important to keep in mind so that you can actually enjoy your homeschool this year. In this episode, you’ll hear:  The one word we want our homeschools to emulate Why your peace and contentment as a homeschool mama matters more than curriculumThe five things moms told us again and again about having a happy homeschool (with a handy acronym!) Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/homeschool-habits

Today, I have a very special treat for you! This spring, our publishing imprint here at RAR, Waxwing Books, celebrated the release of Painting Wonder: How Pauline Baynes Illustrated the Worlds of C. S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien at one of my favorite bookstores, Fabled Bookshop in Waco, Texas. I had so much fun talking to Painting Wonder’s incredibly talented author and illustrator, Katie Wray Schon, about this picture book biography of the fascinating woman behind the iconic illustrations in the works of C. S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.  We knew this conversation would be too good to keep to ourselves, so we recorded it, and now we’re sharing it with you! In this episode, you’ll hear:  Why Katie wanted to write and illustrate a picture book about Pauline Baynes Katie’s process for writing, illustrating, and revising a page-turning book What Katie would go back and tell her younger self, plus her favorite resources for aspiring authors and illustrators Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/painting-wonder-launch

One of the all-time most useful things I’ve implemented in my homeschool is Quiet Reading Time. I did Quiet Reading Time with my three eldest kids, who are now in college and beyond, during the most hectic years when I had all six at home (three of whom were babies at the time!), and I still do it with those younger three today. It has made a bigger difference in our homeschool than almost anything else. It isn’t always quiet. And it isn’t always reading, in the most traditional sense. But it is incredibly effective, and it’s still my kids’ favorite part of the day. In this episode, I’m going to talk all about how to bring Quiet Reading Time into your homeschool. In this episode, you’ll hear:  Why and how Quiet Reading Time can simplify your curriculum What Quiet Reading Time does for your kids (and for you!) How to manage reading time with littles underfoot Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/quiet-reading-time

Summer break . . . It’s often not much of a break, right? Even if you find yourself with a little less on your plate, anxiety and second-guessing have a way of filling the gaps where we want rest and relaxation to fill. To find peace that lasts throughout the school year, we can’t just “take a break.”  We need to break free from the stories and fears that keep us mired in anxiety. When homeschooling moms ask me for advice, they rarely need advice. What they’re really asking for is reassurance, a chance to take a breath and let go of anxiety or fear, so they can trust themselves and trust that the Holy Spirit will guide them. Today the RAR team selected some of our favorite pieces of wisdom on the theme of rest and reassurance from the RAR Premium private podcast, Circle with Sarah.  Think of this episode as a little vacation for your homeschooling heart.  In this episode, you’ll hear:  How acting like we know we're loved helps us let go of anxietyWhat we’re actually responsible for when it comes to raising our kids How you know when you’re doing enough in your homeschool  Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the Newsletter Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/vacation-for-your-heart

Have you ever read a book and thought, “Wow, how did the author do that?!”  Or maybe you’d love to sit down with your favorite author and pick their brain about their writing process or tips and tricks for when you get stuck. Today, the Read-Aloud Revival team has compiled some of our favorite advice about getting creative from the archives of RAR Premium’s Family Book Clubs.  Whether you write, draw, paint, or engage in any other creative pursuit, and whether you’re seven or seventy-seven–and every age in between–there’s something here to help you get your creative juices flowing. In this episode, you’ll hear:  Tips for staying with the struggle and keeping the joy in your creativityHow to create a satisfying storyAdvice for getting ideas, when to ignore your outline, and loving the process  Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/writing-advice

If you’ve been around the Read-Aloud Revival for a minute, you might know that C. S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters is one of my all-time favorite books.  It’s the book I have read and re-read the most, and it’s also the source of some of my favorite read-aloud memories with my young adult son. Today’s guest has written a book in a similar style with the modern woman in mind, and in this episode we talk about how the enemy is working the hearts and minds of women today.  Emily Wilson Hussem is the author of Sincerely Stoneheart: Unmask the Enemy’s Lies, Find the Truth That Sets You Free, as well as a speaker and YouTuber who shares her faith around the world. It was a delight to have her on the show.  In this episode, you’ll hear:  How Emily adapted C. S. Lewis’s format to get to the heart of the most common struggles in women’s livesWhy embracing friendship, connection, and community is key to thriving as women and mothersThe ways distraction, comparison, and dissatisfaction all pull us away from living in the truth of our identities as beloved daughters of God  Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/emily-wilson

On the last episode of the Read-Aloud Revival, we talked about why Shakespeare is not a school subject. I hope we were able to convince you! But if we know that Shakespeare isn’t a school subject or an item on a checklist, how do we actually do it? And how do we make Shakespeare not just doable in our homeschools, but delightful? Today, we’ll talk through a simple framework your family can use to experience one of the richest and most rewarding literary treasures in the world in a way that is absolutely magical and a whole lot of fun. I'm willing to bet that if you implement the framework that we discuss in this episode, you won’t mistake Shakespeare for a school subject ever again! In this episode, you’ll hear:  Why we don’t start teaching Shakespeare with the original textSimple, easy ways to build connections with Shakespeare’s works and with each otherHow incorporating performance makes Shakespeare come alive for the whole family Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/how-to-shakespeare

When most of us hear the name “Shakespeare,” we probably think back to a high school classroom, fluorescent lights buzzing overhead, while we struggled through Romeo and Juliet line by line—“wherefore art thou” and all that. But here’s the truth: Shakespeare was never meant to be dissected like a frog under a microscope. His work, in fact, was never meant to be read AT ALL. He meant for his plays to be experienced. To be performed, seen, heard, and felt. We tend to think of Shakespeare as a school subject. Or that we should read it as part of a rich literature curriculum in order for our children to be well-versed academically. While Shakespeare’s plays are part of a rich literary heritage, I want to make a case today that Shakespeare is not a subject at all. It’s not a thing you “should” do in your homeschool to have well-educated kids. Today, I want to talk about why experiencing Shakespeare with your kids might be one of the most joyful things you ever do together. And one of my very favorite people, Ken Ludwig, celebrated playwright, fellow Shakespeare nerd, and author of How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare, joins me to help me make my case. In this episode, you’ll hear:  What traditional classrooms often get wrong when introducing ShakespeareWhy Ken recommends having kids start with reciting and memorizing passages How Shakespeare provides an entry to point to learning and loving complex language Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes: readaloudrevival.com/shakespeare-is-not-school

Why should we read the classics?  So many of us want to read and enjoy them, but we don’t want to spend our precious free time feeling like we’re incompetent because we just don’t get it or that the internet has completely ruined our brains (is this just me?). This winter in RAR Premium, we did a whole retreat about falling in love with your reading life again, and today I'm sharing one of those sessions, called How to Read Classics (and Actually Enjoy Them). RAR Community Manager Kelsey Murphy and I talk all about how to find your way into the classics and *really* begin to relish them. Most of this translates to reading classics with your kids, but this session really is for you. We want you to discover the fun and enjoyment in classic literature because it makes your life richer and better. It also makes you a more peaceful and joy-filled mama to those sweet kids of yours.  In this episode, you’ll hear:  Helpful entry points to reading the classics How to approach classics as an invitation to learning and enjoyment (not like homework)Why watching the movie first will not get your Homeschool Mama card revoked (we promise!) Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/read-the-classics

In this episode, RAR Community Manager Kelsey Murphy and I sat down to tackle some of your listener questions.  We put our heads together to answer questions about loved ones who don’t support your choice to homeschool, curriculum overwhelm, reading aloud with older kids or a wide age range of ages, how to encourage your kids to read high quality literature, and more! In this episode, you’ll hear:  How to make peace with your choice to homeschool even when loved ones misunderstand Ways to keep connecting with older kids through reading aloud even with busy schedules The importance of “fun” books in developing your child’s reading life Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the Newsletter Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/growing-in-confidence

Today, one of my very favorite authors returns to Read-Aloud Revival.  You know him as the author of Sweep, The Night Gardener, the Peter Nimble series, and The Fabled Stables. That’s right–Jonathan Auxier is back! This time, we’re talking about the much-awaited conclusion to the Peter Nimble series, The War of the Maps. In our conversation, we delve into the guiding questions he explores during the writing process, and how each of these questions becomes a doorway for discovering who we are, whose we are, and what our work is here in the world. In this episode, you’ll hear:  Why Jonathan often explores the tension of the end of childhood in his books How trying to solve a guiding question shapes the narrative of Jonathan’s works The best way to write a story  Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/jonathan-auxier-is-back

One of my favorite reads of 2024 was The Myth Makers by John Hendrix. This gorgeous graphic novel tells the story of the remarkable friendship of C. S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. I thought I already knew quite a bit about these Inklings, but there was even more to uncover. Today, I’m delighted to share my conversation with the author and illustrator of The Myth Makers, John Hendrix. We dive into his research and writing process, exploring how the threads of the story came together.  In this episode, Jon shares a better definition of myth, and illustrates the differences between a myth, a fairytale, and a story. I even make him choose which series he’d rather bring to a desert island, The Chronicles of Narnia or The Lord of the Rings.  In this episode, you’ll hear:  John’s creative process for creating graphic novels How choose-your-own adventure stories inspired the The Myth Makers Why John chose the Lion and the Wizard as his main characters Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/john-hendrix

What comes to mind when you think of C. S. Lewis’s Narnia and J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings? There’s a good chance a lot of us are seeing very similar pictures. We’re seeing images that swept us into the whimsical world of wonder beyond the wardrobe (and into the Shire).  The beloved images of these childhood stories remain with us.  But it’s likely we don’t know much about the woman who created the iconic illustrations of the White Witch, Mr. Tumnus and Lucy, and the Pevensie children having tea with Mr. and Mrs. Beaver. Her name is Pauline Baynes, and her artwork brought the worlds of C. S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien to life. Today, author and illustrator Katie Wray Schon is here to share her gorgeous new book, Painting Wonder: How Pauline Baynes Illustrated the Worlds of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. This stunning picture book biography tells the story of the woman behind the pictures of Narnia that we know and love so much. You’re going to want to add it to your shelves! In this episode, you’ll hear:  How Katie’s own creative journey led her to Pauline Baynes’s story The joys and challenges of illustrating a book about an illustrator Katie’s advice for holding onto creativity as a source of enrichment in your life, even as a busy mama Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/woman-behind-narnia

Today, I’m thrilled to share a peek at the riches inside RAR Premium, our online community that helps you make meaningful and lasting connections with your books and helps homeschool mamas become the peace-filled, joyful mamas they’re called to be. Last summer, our Family Book Club selection was On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, the first book in the Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson. And we were lucky enough that Andrew agreed to join us to answer kids’ questions about the books.   This episode is spoiler-free, so listen in even if you haven’t read the books yet. I’m pretty sure by the end you’ll want to! We talk about the inspiration for the Wingfeather Saga, Andrew’s ridiculous made-up words (that we actually use in my house), developing a rich fantasy world, and even which Wingfeather character is most like him! In this episode, you’ll hear:  How reading aloud C. S. Lewis to his children inspired Andrew to go after his dream of writing stories for kidsThe tons of tiny, often behind-the-scenes choices that go into creating a fantasy worldWhy Andrew doesn’t write with a specific message in mind, but wants readers to connect with his books in their own way Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/wingfeather

Have you ever read a book and felt like you’d actually been to that place? Me too. Once, while standing in line at an amusement park, I met a couple who told me they were visiting from Maine. And I almost said, “Oh, I was just in Maine!” Except I’ve never actually been to Maine. I had just read a book that was set in Maine, and it was so immersive, it felt like I’d been there. That’s the power of books. They take you places. Books help us experience different narratives and cultures from all over the world and throughout history. They give us a taste of places and people we might not otherwise encounter. Reading books can enhance our real travel experiences, too. Today, I’ve invited RAR Premium Coordinator Leilani Curtis to join me to talk about how books take us places. Plus, we’ll share a very fun new booklist we’ve created and plans for a whole new series of lists that will be coming up!  In this episode, you’ll hear:  How stories help us forge connections to placesOur perspective about the way reading can inspire family adventures, big and smallTips for tailoring travel reading around your child’s interests and your destination Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/books-take-you-places

Lately here at RAR we’ve been talking about reading for refreshment—reading for the pure joy of it—and how our own reading lives can be a source of energy and joy even in the throes of the busiest seasons of motherhood. This week on the podcast, we're revisiting an episode that dives into why reading isn’t just good for us and our kids, but why reading for fun is also an important part of our jobs. In this episode, we talk about why it’s so important and what it does for our kids and for us. I hope you’ll be inspired to ramp up the reading for fun in your own life, no matter what else you have on your plate. In this episode, you’ll hear:  How modeling your own love for reading helps your kids fall in love with reading for lifeWhy even short reading breaks are beneficial Tools and resources to help you step away from the laundry and make time to read Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/reading-for-fun

Dear Duck, Please Come! is the most fun I’ve ever had writing a book.  But writing the words is only half the story for a picture book. Which is why today, I’m delighted to share my conversation with the illustrator of Dear Duck, Please Come!, Charles Santoso. Charles was born in Indonesia, raised in Australia, and now lives in Singapore. He’s illustrated tons of books we love here at Read-Aloud Revival, and I was over the moon that he agreed to illustrate Dear Duck. In this episode, we’re diving into the collaborative process of creating a picture book, the inspiration behind Dear Duck, Please Come!, and how illustrations tell a story.  In this episode, you’ll hear:  How Charles decides on the tone and style of his illustrationsThe way the world of Dear Duck developed from first sketches to the final illustrationsCharles’s best advice for aspiring illustrators  Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/how-illustrations-tell-half-the-story

At the start of a new year, we are overwhelmed with the phrase “New Year, new you!” And of course, we want to be better wives, better mothers, and better people.  This desire to improve ourselves filters into our reading lives, too. It’s easy to justify a lot of our reading if it helps us be better for our families and communities.  But what about reading for fun? What about reading fiction? When you’re a busy mom, is it worth it to carve out time to read just for the fun of it? And how would you even make that time? But reading for delight is like stopping for water on a long, dusty hike. It’s a lifesource for us mamas. Today, RAR Community Manager Kelsey Murphy joins me to talk about how to be refreshed by your reading life. In this episode, you’ll hear:  How stories nourish us in essential waysWhy you have to give yourself permission to quit books that aren’t working for youThe way reframing reading for pleasure will help you make time and model a rich reading life for your kids Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/you-can-be-refreshed

Gather your aspiring writers and littlest book lovers for this episode.  I am so excited to welcome back author Millie Florence to talk about the beautiful book we created together, Beyond Mulberry Glen. Millie and I are chatting about the making of the book from inspiration to final draft with a series of fun questions from what scene was the hardest to write to what character she’d want to hang out with for an afternoon. Beyond Mulberry Glen is a read-aloud novel for the whole family, featuring a gorgeous cover and illustrations by Astrid Sheckels. It’s Waxwing Books’s very first middle grade novel, and we can’t wait to share it with you.  In this episode, you’ll hear:  Why Millie describes her inspiration for the story as a collage of influencesThe challenges of editing the novel with the perspective of age and development as a writerWhat she loves most about middle-grade fiction Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/millie-florence-is-back

What if I told you there’s an Icelandic Christmas tradition where the whole point is to spend an evening sitting around, sipping hot cocoa, and reading books? Sign me up, right? Today, we’re talking about Jolabokaflod, which loosely translates to “Yule Book Flood,” how it started, and how you can bring the magic of this bookish tradition into your home this Christmas. In this episode, you’ll hear:  Where the Icelandic Yule Book Flood first beganHow Jolabokaflod is an invitation to slow down and connect with each other during the busy Christmas seasonThe only three things you need for your Jolabokaflod, plus tips from RAR members on how they celebrate  Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/icelandic-christmas

"Marley was dead, to begin with." That is one of the most famous first lines in English literature. It comes from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, which is perhaps the greatest Christmas ghost story ever told. What is it that speaks to so many of us about this story of Scrooge and his ghosts? Today I want to talk about what makes this story so beloved and enduring–from its original bestselling release in 1843 through countless adaptations–to the place of fondness and tradition it has in so many of our homes today.  In this episode, you’ll hear from RAR Premium members; Joe Sutphin, who did the beautiful illustrations for Little Christmas Carol; Samantha Silva, author of Mr. Dickens and His Carol; and some RAR kids on the lasting impact of Dickens’s tale and what they love so much about A Christmas Carol. In this episode, you’ll hear:  Why we love A Christmas Carol as a read-aloud for the whole familyHow Joe Sutphin illustrated and populated Scrooge’s world for Little Christmas CarolThe real backstory of why Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol, which inspired Samantha Silva’s novel Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/all-about-a-christmas-carol

As homeschooling moms, we often focus more on what we’re not doing than what we are doing. We fret about the lessons we should be teaching or the projects we should be creating. But here’s what we want you to remember (and what we try to remind ourselves): what you’re already doing is powerful. It’s purposeful. And best of all, what you’re already doing builds an enduring family culture. In this bonus episode, you’ll discover the power of what you’re already doing and why the culture we create in our homes matters much more than whatever curriculum we use. Today, we’re unlocking our most recent Circle with Sarah Live, a regular RAR Premium event where I mentor homeschooling moms like you. After all, we believe that the key to a successful homeschool is a peaceful, happy, homeschooling parent. You’ll hear about all the things you’re already doing that make a significant impact in your homeschool. Plus, you’ll get an insider look at RAR’s framework for making rich and meaningful connections with your kids through books.  There are cupcakes involved. Whether you’re ready to join RAR Premium or not, I think this episode will help you think about how you structure your homeschool and discover how the things you’re already doing have a huge impact on your family culture. Remember, you’ve got everything you need to teach with peace that transcends all understanding. You were made for such a time and such a homeschool as this. I’m praying for you. Books mentioned in this episode: James Herriot’s Treasury for ChildrenThe Vanderbeekers of 141st StBecause BarbaraA Place to Hang the MoonThe Power of MomentsWhere the Mountain Meets the MoonWhen the Sea Turned to Silver Links: Find out more about RAR Premium!RAR #248: Nurturing Creative Dreams (Your Child’s and Your Own)

How do you know a good book when you see it? I remember walking into the big, beautiful children’s section at the library with my oldest, who was a baby. I wanted to find books to read aloud to her, but it was hard to know which ones we would love.  That longing to find good books for my children was the spark that eventually became the Read-Aloud Revival podcast and RAR Premium community, where we’re always trying to find and share the very best books to read aloud with your family. Today, RAR Premium Coordinator Leilani Curtis joins me to chat about how we select the books for our booklists here at Read-Aloud Revival. We’re also going to share our best advice for being more confident in choosing books to bring into your home, whether it’s at the bookstore or the library. In this episode, you’ll hear:  How our booklists can help you choose quality books to share with your familyThree quick questions to help you decide if a book is worth a longer lookThe qualities we look for in books we recommend Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/how-we-choose-books

A library should be a kind of paradise, don’t you agree? Author and illustrator Barbara Cooney certainly thought so.  Barbara Cooney was an extraordinary author and illustrator of over 100 children’s books with stories that span the world, from the shores of Greece to the mountains of Appalachia. The more I learned about Barbara, the more I wanted to tell the story of this beautiful artist who, in every aspect of her life–from raising four children to traveling to gardening to winning awards for her illustrations–was committed to capturing the beauty in (and for!) the world. Because Barbara: Barbara Cooney Paints Her World has been nearly six years in the making. Today, I want to take you behind the scenes and introduce you to the team that made it happen, from the very first draft to the final, beautiful book you’ll hold in your hands. In this episode, you’ll hear:  The many drafts, revisions, critiques, and edits that brought me to the throughline of Barbara’s wonderfully full and creative lifeHow the art team took on the daunting task of styling and illustrating the book to echo Barbara’s style without directly imitating itHow sound design and animation bring the audio and video books to life  Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the Newsletter Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/making-because-barbara

Raising creative kids is a beautiful, worthwhile endeavor, but not one that is always neat and tidy!  In today's episode, I’ve invited two of my good friends and fellow creatives—authors S. D. Smith and Carolyn Leiloglou—for a conversation on how our creative work as adults impacts our kids. We discuss everything from the challenges of nurturing creativity in our families to the influence of stories on our hearts and minds.   S. D. Smith is the author of the wildly popular and perennial Let the Kids Speak favorite Green Ember series and is a father to four imaginative children.  Carolyn Leiloglou is the author of the middle-grade fantasy series The Restorationists and a homeschool mom to four creative kids. In this episode, you’ll hear:  How connecting with the wonder in our kids fuels and enhances creativityThe value of boredom (a best-kept creative secret!) The nuances of how we measure creative success Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/fostering-wonder-and-creativity 

What if I told you that your homeschool could be relaxed, bookish, and ordinary? If you’re anything like me, that’s music to your ears.  Our kids thrive–and we do too–when our day-to-day homeschool is relaxed, bookish, and ordinary. In fact, that's what over 726 experienced homeschool moms told me were the three most important qualities.  Today, I’m sharing a recording from a session I did at a series of homeschool conferences  earlier this year called “Relaxed, Bookish, and Ordinary”. If you’re hoping that your homeschool can be any or all of those things, listen in–I bet you’re closer to it than you think. In this episode, you’ll hear:  How a relaxed approach impacts your child’s ability to learn and your peace as a homeschoolerThe academic, personal, and relationship benefits of having a bookish homeschoolWhy you don’t need to strive for an extraordinary homeschool to do it well Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the Newsletter Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/relaxed-bookish-ordinary

Which of these two activities would be easier for you?  Describe the best life you could achieve over the next twenty years.Describe the best things that have happened to you over the past twenty years. I know that as a busy wife and mama, dreaming for the future can feel daunting. As I was reading Jon Acuff’s book, All It Takes Is a Goal this summer, I was struck by how this exercise can shift our perspectives as homeschool mamas and mentors of our children.  In today’s episode, New York Times bestselling author and speaker Jon Acuff is joining me to discuss how to actually achieve those goals amidst the busyness of daily life (hint: you’re probably already doing more than you think!).  We’ll also chat about the book he wrote with his teenage daughters, How Teens Win: The Student’s Guide to Accomplishing Big Goals, which comes out September 10, 2024. In this episode, you’ll hear:  How looking back at our best moments, big and small, can help us create a vision for the futureWhy it’s okay that your imagination for your kids is bigger than your calendarHow auditioning small goals helps you successfully transition from optimism and realism for yourself and your kids Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the Newsletter Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/best-moments-in-homeschooling

Do you have a child who dreams of being a writer? Or maybe it’s your dream? How do you support those dreams and foster creativity while also raising kids and running a household? Today, I’m delighted to welcome back author Laura Martin, who’s giving us her very best advice for how to nurture your child’s creative dreams and your own. Laura Martin is the author of some of my very favorite page-turners for kids, including The Edge of Extinction series and Glitch, and she has a new book out, Wander Lost, that I know you’ll love too.  We talk about the importance of capturing ideas as they come, what creative writing curriculum gets wrong about being a writer, and lots more. In this episode, you’ll hear:  Why Laura says that ideas are like lightning bugsHow Laura nurtures her daughter’s creativity with time, space, and access to materialsHow Laura honed in on what she needs in order to write while juggling four children Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the Newsletter Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/nurturing-creative-dreams

We recently took a poll in RAR Premium about favorite reading genres, and it turns out that historical fiction isn’t just my favorite genre, but it’s the favorite of many of you as well. Today, I’ve invited historical fiction lover and award-winning author Anna Rose Johnson to join me to discuss just what it is about historical fiction that draws us in.  We’re also chatting about the inspiration for her stories, her research process, and what her parents did to support her as a budding writer. In turn, she shares a ton of recommendations for her favorite historical fiction for young readers. In this episode, you’ll hear:  How historical fiction sweeps readers through a portal to another worldHow Anna Rose breaks down her research process into stages so it doesn’t get overwhelmingHow re-reading helped Anna Rose develop her ear and voice as a writer Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/why-we-love-historical-fiction/

If you’re a homeschooling mom, chances are good that you’re familiar with Sally Clarkson. She is one of the most beloved names in homeschooling worldwide, and it’s no wonder why.  She homeschooled her own four kids to adulthood and has been writing and encouraging homeschool moms for decades. She also happens to be one of our most frequently requested guests here at Read-Aloud Revival. So we have a treat for you today!  A few years back, Sally Clarkson joined us in RAR Premium and shared the advice she wished she could have given to her younger self. With the gifts of hindsight and experience, she tells us what she would have said if she could rewind the clock and whisper a few sage words to her younger self. She even broke it down into the advice she wishes she’d had at different phases of parenting and homeschooling!  Now we’re sharing her valuable wisdom with all of you. In this episode, you’ll hear:  Why you and your unique gifts and skills are the most essential part of your homeschoolThe key to a successful homeschool experience (hint: it’s all about you, mama!) How to cultivate trusting, open relationships with your teenagers that will get them through the hard times Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/advice-to-younger-self

In the last couple of episodes, we’ve discussed the importance of fairy tales, especially in the development of the hearts and minds of our children. And you might be wondering . . . now that you know about the Gospel connections and symbolism of fairy tales, do you need to dissect every story and present all of the details to your kids? Experts say no. But it can be incredibly edifying for you as an adult! Today, we’ll discuss how to bring these “truer than true” stories into your kids’ lives and how deepening our own understanding of their symbolism and meaning enriches our reading lives too. In this episode, you’ll hear:  Why your children don’t need you to point out the deeper meanings and connections in fairy talesHow fairy tales provide us an opportunity to shape our child’s lovesWhy simply reading fairy tales aloud to your kids is enough Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: https://readaloudrevival.com/how-fairy-tales/

How can our families cultivate healthy relationships with technology?  We’re all trying to impose limits on how, when, and why our kids interact with technology. But in our increasingly tech-driven world, it can be hard to navigate. Writer Erin Loechner is joining me on the podcast to discuss her new book, The Opt-Out Family, and to offer her life-giving take on building lasting connections with your kids.  We discuss everything from the importance of boredom to Erin’s practical and easy-to-implement advice for becoming unplugged. I hope this conversation leaves you inspired to pursue a life less documented and more delightful! In this episode, you’ll hear:  What we can learn from tech about capturing our kids’ attention Why our kids need more space for curiosity, wonder, and boredom (and how our phones tend to get in the way)Why you don’t have to be all-or-nothing with technology  Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the Newsletter Find the rest of the show notes at: https://readaloudrevival.com/more-than-technology/   

Fairy tales are the stories that shape so many of our childhoods, but they are more than just whimsical tales for children. They can hold deep, gospel truth and offer profound insight into the Christian life. They have the power to inspire hope, ignite courage, and spark delight in not only our children, but in us, too.  Fairy tales aren’t merely stories, they’re vessels of light in our modern world. They have the capacity to become companions to us, to buoy us along the journey.  In today’s show, I talk about why fairy tales are worth sharing with our families, as they shape our understanding of the world and our own part in it.  Don't miss our brand-new fairy tale book list! Text “fairytale” to 337777 or visit readaloudrevival.com/243 to see the lists. (They’re separated by age groups, and there’s something for everyone!)  In this episode, you’ll hear:  What makes fairy tales “truer than true” How fairy tales teach children about hope and confronting fearsWhy you probably need to worry less about “the weird stuff” than you think, and trust your gut on what your child is ready for Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: https://readaloudrevival.com/why-fairy-tales/

A picture book is an art gallery for the lap. 📚 That’s something we say all the time here at Read-Aloud Revival, and today we’re going to introduce you to one of our absolute favorite examples of this.   We're diving into the enchanting world of illustrated picture books with Scott Gustafson, the master illustrator behind the breathtaking illustrations in the beloved Classic Fairy Tales picture book. Classic Fairy Tales is my all-time favorite illustrated collection of fairy tales, and it’s one of our picks for the RAR Family Book Club, A Fairy Tale Summer. Scott’s breathtaking work has captivated the imagination of readers of all ages. He brings these stories to life in a way that is nothing short of magical. And because audio alone could never do these gorgeous illustrations justice, we also recorded a video of our conversation, in which Scott shares many of his fabulous illustrations on-screen.  You can find the video along with the full show notes at readaloudrevival.com/242 or on the Read-Aloud Revival YouTube page. In this episode, you’ll hear:  How Scott’s use of light and color helps the reader journey through each painted sceneWhy Scott uses people, costumes, and objects as references in his paintingsScott’s best advice for budding artists and illustrators Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the newsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/art-gallery-for-the-lap

Summer is fast approaching, and here's what we propose: a relaxed and simple summer that offers just enough structure to keep those long sticky days from melting into chaos... and just enough fun to keep your kids asking for more. Also: Fairy Tales.  Last week, I did a couple of live workshops on three simple steps to have a Fairy Tale Summer with your kids, no matter how old they are. In today’s episode, I share the workshop recording, and you can also watch the video workshop that includes all of my slides. If you want to join us at RAR Premium for a Fairy Tale Summer, head to readaloudrevival.com/fairytale or text “fairytale” to 33777, and we’ll send you an invitation. Here's what we'll talk about: How reading fairy tales can make your summer easier (and more fun)The fairy tales Sarah recommends for every ageThe tippy top thing you can do to make sure your kids make delightful memories this summer (it’s way less work than you think) Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the Newsletter

Are you intimidated by the thought of teaching Shakespeare?  You’re not alone.  A lot of people struggle to connect to Shakespeare’s work, even if they really want their kids to be familiar with his plays.  What if I told you there's a way to make teaching Shakespeare to your kids enjoyable for them… …AND delightful for you?  In today’s episode, Ken Ludwig, celebrated playwright and author of How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare, argues that the reason so many of us feel like we don’t get Shakespeare is because people don’t know why (or how!) to teach it.  But figuring out how to teach Shakespeare well is worth it, because not only was he groundbreaking in his time, but he has so much to teach us about what it means to be human.  Don’t miss this replay of our live conversation where Ken shares all his best tips on teaching Shakespeare to your kids and answers audience questions.  Plus, Sarah shares her favorite resources for helping kids get excited about Shakespeare.  In this episode, you’ll hear:  How to break down passages for young kids one at a timeIs it possible to teach Shakespeare with a wide range of ages?What do we do with Shakespeare’s—ahem—thornier content? (After all, there is a lot of it) Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/how-to-teach-shakespeare

Can you believe it? The Read-Aloud Revival Podcast is ten years old!! That means it’s time for a party! 🥳🥳 Ten years is a long time to have a podcast, but we’re not slowing down anytime soon. We’re having WAY too much fun for that. In honor of this milestone, I’ve got a Casey Kasem-style countdown for you of the top ten episodes from the first ten years of Read Aloud Revival. And as a way to say thank you to YOU for listening, if you leave us a review before April 30, 2024, you’ll be entered into our raffle to be one of ten winners of an exclusive, all-around fabulous RAR tote bag (these currently aren’t for sale, so don’t miss your chance to win!)  Ready to party? In this episode, you’ll hear:  Some of my all-time FAVORITE pieces of wisdom from our guestsHow the RAR team developed a few of our best resources for homeschoolersEssential advice for teaching from rest Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/top-10-in-10

When you hear the name Max Lucado, what comes to mind for you? Max Lucado is best known as a pastor, speaker, best-selling inspirational author, and, in many Christian families, he’s a household name. His books are written for everyone—especially those who are hurting, lonely, and discouraged. In his writing, he constantly points his readers back to the truth: that God loves you and you should let Him love you.  Max is also an author of children’s books, several of which are favorites around here. 😊 Sarah invited him to Read-Aloud Revival to discuss his newest picture book, Just in Case You Ever Feel Alone, illustrated by Eve Tharlet. It’s a cozy, gentle book, perfect for snuggling up and sharing with your kiddos. How are stories uniquely positioned to help readers feel seen and understood? Which books did Max Lucado love as a child? And what does he hope his books will do in the lives of his readers, young and old? We dig into all of it. Listen in to hear:  The power of stories to meet people where they are and touch their heartsWhy Max Lucado wanted to write a book about lonelinessHow reading with your kids builds their sense of comfort and safety Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the newsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/max-lucado

Do you ever find yourself wishing you had more time to read?   Oh, every day? (Yeah, we get that.) We’re pretty confident that every mom wishes she had more time to read.  Carving out a little time to enjoy your own reading life is worthwhile, even in those seasons when you think it’s impossible. (Sarah has six kids, and when three of them were babies age one and under, it definitely felt like an impossible season!) But reading makes us better humans, better mamas, and better women. It also makes us happier. And that matters.  Why? Because the key to a successful homeschool is a peaceful, happy mother.  When you know you can count on your reading life to be a source of joy and refreshment regardless of how tough the day is, you just might find yourself being a little happier. A little lighter. A little more joyful. On today’s show, we’re talking about how to make time for your own reading life, even when it feels like you don’t have five minutes to spare.  Listen in for: Ideas for sneaking in time to read (even on your busiest days)How to make the most of surprise pockets of timeStrategies for handling interruptions, prioritizing your reading, and finding time to pick up a book even when you’re exhausted Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/make-time-for-reading

We all want our kids to read, right? If you’re listening to this podcast, it’s probably safe to say that you want your kids to grow up to read more often than the average adult does. We want them to be lifelong learners and avid readers who read for pleasure. So it’s worth considering how we can cultivate the habits of real adult readers in our kids so that they grow up to be the readers we want them to be. And it turns out some of those skills are actually in direct opposition to how we tend to approach reading with our kids. In this episode, you’ll hear:  How choosing what to read is a skill you can help your kids developEight habits of avid adult readersPractical tips for cultivating the skills of adult readers in your kids Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/lifelong-reading-habits

Today, I’m sharing two recent episodes from my weekly coaching podcast, Circle with Sarah, that is available exclusively to members of RAR Premium. I wanted to share them with all of you because I think the message applies to most of us. A lot of us have this funny habit of focusing on getting DONE with the thing we most want to do. Of getting it over with and checking it off the list. It’s maybe more prevalent in our lives than we even realize. And I want to invite you to think about how that impacts your homeschool and how you might find your homeschooling to be easier and more joyful if you’re aware of it. If you would like this kind of encouraging boost each week, get RAR Premium and you’ll get instant access to all of the Circle with Sarah podcast episodes and new episodes every Monday. I think it’ll make a difference in the peace and joy you experience day to day in your homeschool. Head to RARpremium.com to learn more. In this episode, you’ll hear:  Why we should treat learning more like knitting, doing a puzzle, or readingHow focusing on the doing lets us rest now, instead of waiting for when we’re “done”How to reframe your goals to focus on doing, rather than being done Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/doing-not-getting-done

This year at Read Aloud Revival, we’re focusing on reading for joy. It’s so easy for reading to become another thing on your to-do list, but when we make reading a source of joy, of respite from our busy lives, it’s like running into a clear creek on a hot, dusty hike. Nurturing your reading life nurtures you, which in turn helps us be better moms, better homeschoolers, better parents, better women. Today I’m joined by Jennifer Pepito, creator of The Peaceful Press, which offers fabulous curriculum for homeschoolers, and she is the author of our spring RAR Premium Mama Book Club pick, Mothering by the Book: The Power of Reading Aloud to Overcome Fear and Recapture Joy. In this episode, you’ll hear:  How fiction can teach us as much about parenting our kids as a bevy of parenting manualsWhy connecting with your kids is the heart of homeschoolingFinding the balance between giving your all to mothering and letting go of the outcomes Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/how-books-make-us-better-moms

There is something kind of tragic that happens when our kids become readers of their own right. It doesn’t always happen, of course, and there are ways for us to prevent it. But it’s awfully common. That thing I’m talking about? When reading starts to feel like school. It happens to all of us at one point or another, and it’s very common especially at this time of year when school is well underway. Parents will notice a significant drop in how much their kids are reading for pleasure…if they’re reading for pleasure at all.  Obviously this isn’t what we want for our kids. But it’s easy to feel frustrated or panicked that our kids no longer seem to enjoy reading.  The good news? This is simpler to guard against than you might think. Today, I’m revisiting an episode from a few years ago about what to do when reading becomes a slog. What do we do when reading starts to feel like school? In this episode, you’ll hear:  The proven, positive impacts of free, voluntary readingWhy curriculums with long book lists raise red flags for meIdeas for making reading an invitation to enjoyment, not another thing to check off the list Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/when-reading-isnt-fun

What are fairy tales? Why do we love them so much? And why do these stories continue to capture the imaginations of countless generations? To help me answer those questions, I’m welcoming author Sarah Arthur to the podcast. Personally, I fell in love with Sarah’s writing through A Light So Lovely, on the spiritual legacy of Madeleine L’Engle. And when I found out she was working on a young adult fantasy, and that it was a sort of love letter to fairy tales? I had to have her on the show. She joins me to talk about what makes fairy tales so powerful, the benefits of embracing the imaginative and the fantastical in our reading, and lots more. Sarah Arthur is the author of a dozen books for teens and adults, including the bestselling Walking with Frodo: A Devotional Journey through The Lord of the Rings. After over 25 years working with youth she plays a wicked game of Four Square—but absolutely refuses to eat cold pizza from a box, ever. She has served as preliminary fiction judge for the Christianity Today Book Awards, was a founding board member of the annual C. S. Lewis Festival, and co-directs the Madeleine L’Engle Writing Retreats. She’s a mom of sons, a writer, and today’s highly esteemed guest. In this episode, you’ll hear:  The elements that draw us into fairytalesHow “escapist” fiction actually helps us understand the truthHow imaginative stories create an invitation rather than a prescription for experiences Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/how-fairy-tales-enchant-us

Today, I’ve got another Best Of RAR episode for you. I wanted to revisit this episode because it feels extra relevant this time of year as we’re thinking about setting goals and resolutions for the year ahead. Personally, I tend to feel a little overwhelmed by it and I bet some of you can relate. And when it comes to books and goals for our reading lives, one of the things we hear at Read Aloud Revival all the time is, “There are so many books and so little time!” There are SO MANY good books we want to read aloud with our families and we’re always trying to figure out how to fit more in. But we don’t want our read-alouds to become merely another item on our lengthy to-do lists. So how do we quell the bookish overwhelm? That’s what I’m breaking down in this replay of an Ask Sarah episode with that exact question. In this episode, you’ll hear:  What it really means to read aloud “every day”Why it’s okay if you don’t get to all of the books (promise!)Simple ways to expand the genres you and your kids read Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/how-to-quell-overwhelm

Today we’re airing one of my favorite episodes from last year, all about Jolabokaflod, which is a Christmas “book flood,” in the Icelandic tradition. What if I told you this tradition makes your life easier, not harder?  During Jolabokaflod, you gift members of your family with new books, and everyone drinks hot cocoa and spends the whole of Christmas Eve reading. If I didn’t get your attention before, I’ve got it now. There is so much that happens this time of year that adds to our to-do list, that puts more on our plates, but Jolabokaflod is truly a joy. It is a moment of rest and refreshment for you too. In this episode, you’ll hear:  Where the tradition came from3 super-simple steps to your own JolabokaflodHow other mamas just like you have made the tradition their own I hope you bring this tradition to your family and that you have a wonderful, wonderful Christmas. Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/how-to-jolabokaflod

I know that if you’re an RAR Family, you are raising kids who love to read, because that’s what we do around here! And with a love of reading often comes the inspiration to write. And those young writers will come to you looking for feedback on their stories. But what if we, as parents, don’t see ourselves as experts or writers and feel like we don’t have much to offer in the way of feedback? It happens for a lot of homeschoolers. We know that homeschools are fabulous places to grow young writers, but that we can also feel a little ill-equipped as their writing mentors. Which is where today’s guests come in. Brett Harris and Kara Swanson were both homeschooled and they share a commitment to mentoring young writers and helping parents become better mentors to their own young writers. They’re here to reassure you that you do know what makes a good story, and share some of their best advice for giving your child useful feedback on their creative writing. In this episode, you’ll hear:  Six key elements of story that you probably already know, but just didn’t have words forQuestions to ask your young writer that will set them up for future story–and even career–successWhy expressing your support for your child’s writing is probably the most important thing you can do Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/how-to-give-feedback

I want to introduce you to one of my new favorite authors. She's younger than most published authors. In fact, she says she decided to publish her first book at nine years old. When she was 10, she attended her first writing conference. When she was 13, she self published her first book. She was homeschooled. You probably could have already guessed that. And she has been on a roll ever since. Now she's 20 and she's making books I know your families are going to love. Millie Florence shares her journey from whispering stories to herself under the covers to published author, plus her advice for aspiring young writers and their parents. In this episode, you’ll hear:  How Millie’s homeschool experience informed her writing, and vice versaWhy it was so important that Millie’s parents took her professional writing aspirations seriouslyWhy Millie encourages young writers to choose quantity over quality in their projects Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/advice-for-young-writers

On today’s Best of Read Aloud Revival episode, I’m replaying one of our most popular episodes. Without fail, at every homeschool conference, at least one person comes up to me and says, “Dyslexia was not even on my radar until I listened to the episode with Marianne Sunderland.” And that’s because most of us don’t understand what dyslexia really is and the signals to look for in our kids. And we don’t know what to do when they do show signs of having a dyslexic brain. It’s important to remember that a dyslexic brain is not a disorder. Nothing needs to be fixed. It’s the way God made your child’s brain. And it’s genetic, so it’s the way God made your brain or your husband’s brain too. Dyslexia means your child processes language differently, which means we need to teach dyslexic brains in a way that makes sense to dyslexic brains. If you have any academic frustrations with your kids of any age, listen to this episode. Even if dyslexia is nowhere on your radar, I encourage you to listen. You might be surprised. In this episode, you’ll hear:  Dispelling myths about dyslexia as a learning disability or sign of low intelligenceSigns and signals to look out for beyond difficulties with readingHow homeschooling can provide better support for dyslexic kids than traditional schools Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the Newsletter Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/is-my-child-dyslexic/

By far the most popular episode we’ve ever done here on Read Aloud Revival is the episode with my oldest daughter, Audrey, when we looked back together on homeschooling from her vantage point as a sophomore in college. We discussed what worked, what didn’t, and about our homeschool experience in general. And last spring, at the Great Homeschool Conventions, you all kept asking me when Audrey would be back on the podcast. She’s now about to start her senior year at Franciscan University, so it seemed like a great time to check back in with her and get her perspective now that her college experience is almost complete. Today, she’s answering your questions from inside the RAR Premium forum and the RAR Instagram. In this episode, you’ll hear:  What gave Audrey the solid foundations for writing as an English majorAudrey’s advice for high school students and college freshmenWhat parents can do to help their children build a strong sense of faith Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/questions-for-homeschooling-graduate

There is one question that plagues us, that we all ask, and that we ask all the time: Am I doing enough? When we constantly ask ourselves if we’re doing enough in our homeschool, it makes it difficult to stay present and engaged and actually enjoy it. Whether you’re relatively new to homeschooling or a seasoned veteran, we all wonder. Today, I'm sharing the last of my sessions from The GHC Conferences 2023. This one is all about taking the overwhelm out of that question and practical advice for putting your worry to rest. In this episode, you’ll hear:  Why “Am I doing enough?” is an incomplete questionWhy we have to remember that our kids are not recipesWhat’s at the heart of good education Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/doing-enough-homeschooling

Today, I’m sharing another session from the Great Homeschool Conventions in 2023 all about homeschooling with babies and toddlers. If you are homeschooling with babies and toddlers underfoot, this one's for you. Or if you have a friend who is homeschool with babies and toddlers, this one's for her, so please share it! Full disclosure: My favorite part about going to the Great Homeschool Conventions is all the babies I get to snuggle and hold. So I created a session that would ensure I got maximum baby snuggles. This session was so much fun because the room was absolutely packed with babies and toddlers and there is something just next-level about being in a room with so much life. I LOVED it. In this session, I talked about the lessons I learned from homeschooling with my own babies and toddlers underfoot, and strategies for not just surviving this time, but enjoying it, too. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why your babies and toddlers are not a distractionThree strategies for handling fussy, grabby toddlers in your homeschoolPractical tips for doing less in your homeschoolFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/homeschooling-with-babies

Are you struggling with how to tackle reading in your homeschool? Maybe you have a child who’s a later reader or is having a tough time connecting with reading. Or maybe you have a kid who’s an advanced reader and they’re outpacing books that fit their emotional and social development. Either way, it can be hard to know what to do to help your child build a strong relationship with reading that they’ll carry with them throughout their lives. Today, I’m sharing a session from the Great Homeschool Conventions that I led with my friend and colleague Colleen Kessler of Raising Lifelong Learners. In this conversation, we’ll talk about the challenges that come up with readers at both ends of the bell curve and how to help your differently wired kids fall in love with reading. In this episode, you’ll hear:  Three practical strategies for helping struggling readers: read-alouds, phonics, and timeSigns your child might be dyslexic and recommended resources for working with a dyslexic brainHow to help your advanced reader develop discernment in their book choicesFind the rest of the show notes at: https://readaloudrevival.com/differently-wired-kids/

During my hardest year of homeschooling, I had a 12, 10, 8, and 1 year old, and twin newborns. Life was… a little chaotic. One week, a friend of mine who had homeschooled all three of her kids asked, “So how's homeschooling going?” And naturally, I burst into tears. I’m not sure she saw that coming. But then, maybe she did.  Anyway, she asked me how I was keeping the kids on track for their schoolwork and how much they could do when I wasn’t able to lead them, and when I looked at her with a blank stare, she said, “Okay, I’m going to come over tomorrow and I’ll bring some spiral notebooks.” So, I cleared a path to the door and she came and she showed me how a 25 cent notebook could completely change our homeschool for the better. Today, we're going to talk about those spiral notebooks-- the one simple tool that has had the biggest impact on my homeschooling life. In this episode, you’ll hear:  How the spiral notebook system combats overwhelm when you’re being pulled in too many directionsHow I used the spiral notebooks in our homeschoolThe modified system that we use in our homeschool now Find the rest of the show notes at: https://readaloudrevival.com/spiral-notebooks-for-homeschool 

Imagine that your child is grown up, and his or her reading life looks a lot like yours does right now. How do you feel about that?  Is your reading life something you want your kids to emulate when they’re adults?  What if we built for ourselves the kind of reading life that we’d be delighted for our own kids to imitate?  Novelist Katherine Paterson once wrote that “a fondness for books is catching.” I think she’s right. It’s much easier to be drawn into a reading life when the people around you also have a rich reading life. And if you’re someone who wants to raise kids who love to read - that’s probably why you’re here, right? Modeling our own rich reading life is an incredibly important strategy in making that a reality. Which means that reading – not just to your kids, not just for your kids, not just about how to be a better mother to your kids – but reading for the sheer joy of reading, is one of your most important jobs as a mother. And regardless of what your reading life looks like today, it’s OK. Keep listening.  In this episode, you’ll hear:  Why modeling your own enjoyment of reading is such an important piece of raising kids who love to readHow reading reduces stress, makes us happier, improves focus and more!How to overcome the hurdles and read more (in fact we have a printable for that!)Find the rest of the show notes at: https://readaloudrevival.com/mom-reading-life/

Today, in this Best Of Read Aloud Revival episode, we’re revisiting a conversation about a series I absolutely adore: The Penderwicks, by Jeanne Birdsall. The Penderwicks follows the escapades of four spirited sisters, Rosalind, Skye, Jane, and Batty. The books are a modern nod to Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, and they’ve won tons of awards including the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, several ALA Notable Children’s Book Awards, and the Massachusetts Children’s Book Award. Since recording this interview for RAR episode 100, Jeanne unknowingly planted the seed for my own book, A Little More Beautiful, the Story of a Garden when I visited her and her Northampton, Massachusetts, home. So now, of course, we like to call A Little More Beautiful “our book.” The first book in the Penderwicks series, The Penderwicks, A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy is our RAR Premium Family Book Club pick for this summer. That means we’ve got a full Family Book Club Guide with all the trimmings available now for members AND if you and your kids sign up for RAR Premium, they will have a chance to meet Jeanne Birdsall live on Zoom on August 25th. In this episode, you’ll hear:  How Jeanne got her start writing in her 40s and why it’s never too late to follow a dreamAbout Jeanne’s character-driven writing process and why she always envisioned the Penderwicks as a seriesWhere Jeanne gets her inspiration  Find the rest of the show notes at: https://readaloudrevival.com/penderwicks-book-club/

In this episode, I’m answering more of your questions. You’ve sent in some fabulous messages and I’m going to tackle them rapid-fire for you and answer as many as possible today.  Today I’m sharing about when to use Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) or teach composition, when and how to start using the library, and what to do when a teenager doesn’t enjoy reading. In this episode, you’ll hear:  Why you don’t need to rush your kids into composition, and what I do insteadStrategies for handling books you’d rather your kids didn’t check out of the libraryHow to encourage older, dyslexic kids in reading Find the rest of the show notes at: https://readaloudrevival.com/teaching-writing/

Full show notes can be found here: You Don't Need to Make the Most of Your SummerGet RAR Premium HERE>>

In today’s episode, I’m answering your questions! Listeners have sent in some fabulous questions for me, and I’m going to attempt to tackle them rapid-fire, including about where I get my favorite art prints, what to do with late-night readers, what to do if you don’t feel like you read aloud well, and more. In this episode, you’ll hear:  My favorite places to find bookish artWhat I do if my kids stay up too late readingHow I handle assigned reading in my homeschool Find the rest of the show notes at: https://readaloudrevival.com/late-night-readers/

Two weeks ago I shared the first 5 of 10 mistakes I’ve made in my homeschool -- believe me, I’ve made many, many more than that!  But I’m highlighting 10 that stick out most prominently to me. So in the last “Best of Read-Aloud Revival” episode, I shared the first 5 and today I’m sharing the next 5.  Hopefully, hearing these will keep you from making the mistakes I have. Homeschooling is a joy and a gift and it’s hard and wonderful and messy and effective -- it’s all of those things at once. I can promise you won’t get it perfect, and I can also promise that you don’t NEED to get it perfect.  In this episode, you’ll hear:  Two big mistakes new homeschool parents often makeWhy you have to avoid the comparison trap in your homeschoolWhy more isn’t better when it comes to your homeschoolOne of the hardest lessons I’ve learned in my years of homeschooling Find the rest of the show notes at: https://readaloudrevival.com/5-more-homeschool-mistakes/

I’ve been homeschooling for a long time, and just like every other homeschooling mom I know, I’ve made a ton of mistakes.  When I was new to homeschooling, I craved the insight of people who had been doing it for a while:  What do you wish you did more of?  What do you wish you worried less about?  What would you do differently if you were starting over again? These are the kinds of things I wanted to know. At the time I’m airing this particular show, I have two college students who were homeschooled the whole way through. Our third child is about to graduate this spring and will also head to University. And then we’ve got three more -- ages 11, 9, and 9. And yeah… we’re doing things a little differently this time around.  A couple of years ago I shared on this podcast some of my mistakes in homeschooling-- and they all remain true. So, it seemed like a good idea to talk about those mistakes again.  Over this episode and the next one, I’ll be sharing 10 mistakes I’ve made in my homeschool -- five in this episode, and five in the next.  If you heard these a few years ago when I first aired them, you might have a new take -- after all, you’re new in a new season of life than you were then. And if you haven't heard, I hope you enjoy.  In this episode, you’ll hear:  What really makes a difference in the quality of your homeschool (hint: it’s not agonizing over which curriculum to use)What I wish I’d known then that keeps overwhelm at bay nowWhy it’s okay for your homeschool to be ordinaryFind the rest of the show notes at:  https://readaloudrevival.com/5-homeschooling-mistakes/

Why do we make things mean more than they actually mean? We all do it.  We realize a kid doesn’t know how to tie their shoes at age 12, and we tell ourselves we’re forgetting to teach SO MANY IMPORTANT THINGS.  We feed our kids frozen pizza for dinner twice in a week and think it means we don’t care about their health.  We sleep late and tell ourselves we’re lazy.  We have a late reader and think it means we’re not good at this “teaching reading” thing.  We make things mean what they don’t mean ALL THE TIME. And today? Today we’re gonna talk about it. I’m sharing something we’ve been talking about in Circle with Sarah, which is our homeschool coaching program in RAR Premium. Recently I did a couple of episodes on why we need to keep data in its place in our homeschool and not make things mean what they don’t mean.  I wanted you to hear it, so I’m sharing those two episodes in one RAR Podcast for you here.  In this episode, you’ll hear:  Why you have to learn to separate the data from your self-worth and value How to make use of what the data is actually telling youJournal prompts to help you suss out what the data is telling you and what you’re making it mean Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the Newsletter Find the rest of the show notes at: https://readaloudrevival.com/its-just-data/

Today, I’m sharing a conversation with my friend and colleague, Cindy West. Cindy teaches at No Sweat Nature Study, a homeschool nature study program that takes the guesswork out of nature study by teaching your kids directly. Cindy is also the host of the No Sweat Nature Study podcast, which features short episodes about nature. (My kids absolutely love it!) Cindy and I recently had a conversation for her community about how to use picture books to teach nature study and today, I wanted to share it with you. Because nature study kind of has a name for itself in the homeschooling world. We've sort of built it up as the supreme science activity and it can be wonderful - getting out in nature, observing and learning about the world around us … But we also tend to put a lot of pressure on ourselves about it. There are just times in life when getting out in nature is harder than others – maybe you have a new baby, maybe someone has allergies, maybe the weather is just plain terrible.  There are plenty of reasons why you might need or want to do some of your nature study from the couch or the kitchen table. And that’s why on today’s episode of the Read-Aloud Revival Podcast, Cindy and I are talking about teaching nature study through books. In this episode, you’ll hear:  How “living literature” helps you kids make connections between books and the world around themHow making connections through picture books can relieve some of the pressure around nature studyWhy picture book biographies are great launching points for all ages Find the rest of the show notes at: https://readaloudrevival.com/cozy-couch-nature-study/

I have a theory that if I were to ask a hundred of today’s children’s book authors and illustrators to name a book that had a profound impact on them, I bet an unusually large number of those authors and illustrators would mention the work of E.B. White. I cannot count the number of times I’ve heard authors say that E.B. White’s books have made such a huge difference in their lives and writing. I’m a big E.B. White fan myself, and while I love Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little, my absolute favorite is The Trumpet of the Swan. And that’s what we’re reading this spring in RAR Premium for our Family Book Club. Plus, we’re going to look closely at first-lines (E.B. White was a master of this) for a WOW: Writer’s on Writing Event. It’s going to be quite the fabulous E.B. White spring here at RAR!    So today, we’re revisiting an episode from 2017 with children’s book illustrator Melissa Sweet discussing her children’s biography of E.B. White, called Some Writer. In this episode, you’ll hear:  How each story informs Melissa’s process of creating mixed media illustrationsHow a family of crafters and makers inspired Melissa to become an artistHow Melissa’s research into E.B. White’s work led to the visuals for Some Writer  Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterMentioned in This Episode: RAR #202: For Kids Who Don't Like Sad Stories Books Mentioned in This Episode: Charlotte’s Web Stuart Little  The Trumpet of the Swan Some Writer A Boy, A Mouse, and a Spider The Baby Bear Series The Pinky and Rex Series The Boy Who Drew Birds Brave Girl Balloons Over Broadway A Splash of Red You Nest Here with Me The Right Word A River of Words

Every year, the Read-Aloud Revival team watches the American Library Association’s Youth Media Awards together. This is the award show where the medals that are considered the most prestigious in children’s publishing are given. Today I’m joined by Kortney Garrison, our Community Director, Kara Anderson, our Creative Director, and Harmony Harkema, or brand new Managing Editor at both Read-Aloud Revival and Waxwing Books. We are going to talk about the winners that were announced on January 30, 2023. We’ll talk about the books we were delighted to see honored, as well as some books that we think should have been honored.  And you know we have opinions about that. ;) In this episode, you’ll hear:  The impact the awards can have for authors and illustratorsThe announcements that made us cheerThe book gems that didn’t make the list and why we love them Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the Newsletter Find the rest of the show notes at: https://readaloudrevival.com/books-that-won/

Oh boy, do we have a treat for you today! Our team here at Read-Aloud Revival has been hard at work on a brand new booklist for you and I’ve invited Kortney Garrison and Kara Anderson from the RAR team back to this side of the podcast to tell you all about it. Nature study can be an intimidating subject that carries a lot of expectations in the homeschooling world. It’s something we want to do, but it can get pushed to the side because we don’t always have the energy to tramp around the woods with a watercolor set. So this project started with our team asking, how can we simplify nature study and make it more likely to happen? Could it really be as simple as reading a book and doing an activity? We think so! And that’s where our brand new booklist and activity guide comes in. In this episode, you’ll hear:  Why we chose 12 books per season, and why you don’t have to read them allHow we paired books and activities to make them as accessible as we couldHow the guide brings know, do, and love to nature study Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: https://readaloudrevival.com/simple-homeschool-nature-study/

What do you do if you notice that your child isn’t finishing books? How can you get your kids to widen their reading taste outside of a single genre? How can you describe what you do for literature on a high school transcript when you take a more relaxed Read-Aloud Revival approach to the subject? And what can you do to help boost your child’s emotional intelligence and reading comprehension while reading?  Today, I’m answering listeners’ questions about their kids’ reading habits, from bouncing from book to book to getting stuck in a genre rut, and more. In this episode, you’ll hear:  Is it okay if your child is reading from rather than through?How can we expand our child’s reading repertoire (without assigning them books)?How to describe literature on a high school transcriptHow picture books can help a child having difficulty with social and emotional cues Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie: Read Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the Newsletter Find the rest of the show notes at: https://readaloudrevival.com/when-your-child-doesnt-finish-books/

I want to help you think about what’s most essential in your homeschool.  I’ve invited Kortney Garrison and Kara Anderson from the RAR team to chat with me about a favorite book when it comes to essentializing. We've been talking and thinking about the book Essentialism by Greg McKeown a lot here at Read Aloud Revival, especially as it relates to homeschooling. We're reading the book in our Mama Book Club in RAR Premium in January and I will tell you this book is easily one of the books I can say has changed my life. That is not an exaggeration. I think Read Aloud Revival itself has been built on the principles in Essentialism. I've probably reread it a dozen times.This book has changed the way I've thought about my own life and maybe this is due to me being a mother to half a dozen kids but this idea of less but better really appeals to me.  Today, Kortney, Kara, and I are going to dig into just the first chapter and how it relates to our homeschools. In this episode, you’ll hear:  Defining Essentialism and why the concept is so needed for homeschool parentsHow doing less, but better can help us set priorities in our homeschools and avoid decision fatigueHow comparing your kids’ progress to the baseline, not the ideal, can give you a better perspective on your successes Find the rest of the show notes at: https://readaloudrevival.com/essentialism-for-homeschoolers/

The Long Winter is the sixth book in the Little House on the Prairie series. It was first published in 1940, and is an autobiographical novel. Laura Ingalls Wilder based the series on her actual life as a child, settling the west. This particular story, The Long Winter, was set in the southwestern Dakota Territory during the severe winter of 1880-1881 when Laura was 14 years old.  Even if you haven’t read the rest of the Little House books, I think you want to read this one. You can read any of the Little House books as stand-alones, but I’m betting that if you give your kids a taste of any of them, they’ll want to keep reading more stories from Laura. And truly, it’s no wonder why. Laura Ingalls Wilder is, to my mind, unparalleled as one of the finest novelists in children’s literature, ever alive. In this episode, you’ll hear:  How Ingalls Wilder creates an immersive experience with deceptively simple writingWhy re-reading can be the best kind of reading, for us and for our kidsHow to handle troubling or problematic content in books with your kids, and why I believe we need to have those discussionsBut there is an elephant in the room with the Little House on the Prairie books and we need to talk about it. Today, we’re talking about what makes The Long Winter so gripping and so beloved, as well as how we handle problematic texts with our kids and why I believe that scenes and language we may find troubling aren’t reasons to leave great books on the shelf. Find the rest of the show notes at: https://readaloudrevival.com/219/

In this bonus episode, you'll hear: How Sarah's Jolabokaflod really wentCan we actually fall in love with the homeschooling lives we already have?All-new for 2023 -- Circle with Sarah: RAR Premium Homeschool CoachingFor the full show notes, head here.  

What if I told you that there’s an Icelandic Christmas tradition where you spend an entire day (or evening) reading books and sipping hot cocoa? And it’s what you’re SUPPOSED to be doing. Yes, this is a real thing! It’s called Jolabokaflod, and in this episode, you’ll hear:  Where the tradition came from3 super-simple steps to your own JolabokaflodHow other mamas just like you have made the tradition their ownDuring Jolabokaflod, you gift members of your family with new books, and everyone drinks hot cocoa and spends the whole of Christmas Eve reading. If I didn’t get your attention before, I’ve got it now. Today, I’m talking about when and how this tradition started, and how your family can make Jolabokaflod part of your Christmas traditions. Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/218/.

By now, most of us are knee deep in our homeschool year. And no matter how far into your year you are, and no matter what’s happened that you either did, or didn’t, expect to happen, I’m willing to bet that something funny has happened: You’re carrying around a lot of pinecones. What on earth do I mean by that? In this episode, you’ll hear:  All the ways we end up with a metaphorical 56-pound backpack of homeschool curriculumWhat are these pinecones (and why do I keep picking them up?)How to decide which homeschool curriculum you really need for the rest of the school yearFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/217/

Is it really possible to teach from rest? Even if you’re teaching a lot of different ages? And even if you feel a bit underwater, pretty much every single day in your homeschool? Let’s talk about it.  This fall in Circle with Sarah, we’re diving deep into the principles of Sarah’s first book, Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler’s Guide to Unshakable Peace… and today we’re sharing some of it with you. So let’s get nitty gritty. Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/216/.

Chances are good that you’re already familiar with the picture book sensation turned childhood classic, Bear Snores On. But do you know the woman who wrote it? Karma Wilson has come up with some of her best ideas while eating ice cream or visiting the zoo. She was saved as a child, in a way, by C.S. Lewis’s Narnia.  And… she homeschooled her own kids for many years as a way to ensure that they would love reading as much as she felt they deserved to love it. Find the rest of the show notes here https://readaloudrevival.com/215/.

Have you ever asked yourself, “Am I doing enough?” I think we’ve all asked that question. If you’re homeschooling your kids, you might ask it every single day. It might even wake you up at night and feel like an elephant sitting on your chest. 🐘 Today, we’re going to talk about it. Find the rest of the show notes https://readaloudrevival.com/214/.

It’s Victorian London in the late 1800’s… and it’s been five years since the Sweep disappeared. Orphaned and alone, Nan Sparrow has no other choice but to work for a ruthless chimney sweep named Wilkie Crudd. She spends her days doing dangerous work–sweeping out chimneys. The job is thankless, but with her wits and will, Nan has managed to beat the deadly odds time and time again. This time, though, she gets stuck in a chimney fire. She wakes to find herself unharmed in an abandoned attic. And she is not alone. Huddled in the corner is a mysterious creature—a golem—made from soot and ash. The golem we’ll come to know as Charlie. He’s large and lovable, and Nan, our heroine, will raise him almost like her own child. He is, after all, her protector.  Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster This book, written by Jonathan Auxier, won the 2019 Sydney Taylor Book Award. And it has won a place in my all-time tippy top favorite books. It’s a Charles-Dickens-like adventure about the everlasting gifts of friendship and wonder. In this episode, I want to introduce you to the book… and to the man who wrote it. Find the rest of the shownotes at https://readaloudrevival.com/213/.

Have you ever REALLY worried about one of your kids? What should you do if you don’t feel like you read aloud well? What’s the point of poetry memorization? What would you tell a mom who is confused about all the different homeschooling philosophies and methods? How do I know that I’m doing enough? What about homeschooling high school? These are all questions you might have…  I’ve had them too. Andrew Pudewa and I answered questions just like these at all five Great Homeschool Conventions in 2022. Today on the podcast, we’re sharing a recording of that session with you. Find the rest of the show notes here https://readaloudrevival.com/212/.

Last time on the Read-Aloud Revival, I told you about the inspiration for the creation of Waxwing Books and our first book,  A Little More Beautiful: The Story of a Garden.  In this episode, I’ll take you on the rest of the adventure, from connecting with illustrator Breezy Brookshire to bringing on editor Michael Green, and finding art director Cara Llewellyn. Find the rest of the show notes here https://readaloudrevival.com/211/.

It’s time! It’s time! It’s time! 🥳 We are SO excited to open pre-orders for our first release at Waxwing Books.  It’s a story about seeing and being seen for readers who love Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney or The Library by Sarah Stewart and David Small. Find the rest of the show notes here https://readaloudrevival.com/kickstarter/.

Way back in August 2018, I was fortunate to spend a morning with the author of The Penderwicks, Jeanne Birdsall. It was a glorious morning, truly, and something surprising came of it. A little idea popped into my head, and it just sort of… rooted itself. Actually… the idea that popped into my head didn’t just stay an idea.  It became something much bigger resulting in our biggest, newest project here at Read-aloud Revival: we’re launching a boutique publishing house. Today, I’m telling you all about it.  Find the rest of the show notes here https://readaloudrevival.com/210/.

When I ask experienced homeschool parents what they wish they had done more often or focused more on, they never–not ever–say anything academic.  Nope. Reminiscing homeschool parents tell me something else entirely. And do you know what they say? Relationships. They always, always talk about something related to the relationships nurtured during their homeschooling years.  Relationships & Reading Aloud In fact, their favorite memories very often revolve around the memories they made and the books they shared. Reading aloud is not only the best tool for helping our kids academically succeed across the curriculum, it also helps them: Grow in empathy and compassionBear witness to people overcoming obstacles, facing struggles, and pressing onwardWalk a mile in someone else’s shoesConnect ideas and think more clearly about the world around them and their role in itFind the rest of the show notes here https://readaloudrevival.com/00/.

In today’s Special Edition of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast, you’ll meet the man behind Make Way for Ducklings. Robert McCloskey was the first to win two Caldecott Awards, and his books are arguably among the most celebrated picture books of all time. His most popular picture book wouldn’t stay on the page, either. His ducks became permanent sculptures fixed in Boston Public Garden, and even made a way for international diplomacy as part of the START Treaty between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. in 1991.  A picture book is a powerful piece of art.  Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/robert-revisited/.

Here at Read-Aloud Revival, we’re in the thick of getting a huge project together for you. We are launching our own publishing imprint, Waxwing Books.  Our first release is a picture book, written by me, and illustrated by none other than the gorgeously talented artist, Breezy Brookshire.  It’s called A Little More Beautiful: The Story of a Garden. August 10th is the big day. That’s the day you’ll be able to pre-order the book on Kickstarter and get some pre-order exclusives, like a brand new book bag and some other goodies.  While we get those pre-orders ready for you, we’re revisiting some Special Edition podcasts. These are my all-time favorites.  This one is fabulous to listen to as a family, so if you happen to be road tripping together, play it in the car. Enjoy! Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/barbara-revisited/.

Early on, pretty much everyone in my world told me we were making a huge mistake in homeschooling. It was weird, it was unknown to them, and of course, we are afraid of things that are weird and unknown.  I actually didn’t know anyone in my personal life who was homeschooling. I read some blogs and books (of course!), but I just had a very strong hunch that we should do this home education thing. So we did, and I’m so glad.  I loved it – not every minute of it (ha!) – but now that my oldest kids are adults, I’m so grateful for the time I got with them during all of those growing up years.  Today, I have a treat for you. My oldest daughter, Audrey – 20 years old at the time we’re recording this, just finished her sophomore year at Franciscan University of Steubenville as an English major, and she is joining me on the show.  Audrey was homeschooled her entire education. And there were some rocky years! When Audrey was 12 – so you know, 6th grade-ish, I also had a 10-year-old, an 8-year-old, a 1 year-old, and twin newborns.  Yes. Three babies age 1 and under. It was… a lot. We’re going to talk about that, plus: what was most helpful for Audrey’s futuredid she feel “prepared,” for going away to college and becoming an adult? (you’re going to love her answer, I think!)what she really remembers about that time with babies (💗 😭) Mama’s with newborns – you just need to hear this. 💖We’re also answering YOUR questions!Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/209/.

Summer is almost here. And probably, you have things you’d like to do this season. Maybe lots of things! (Perhaps … too many things? 😬) Not to fear! In this episode, the RAR Leadership Team is back to share an easy tool for determining your direction this summer. In this episode, you’ll hear: how setting a compass will help us this summerwhy (in homeschooling) a compass is more helpful than a mapquestions to ask yourself as you choose your own directionFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/208/.

When I was a kid, I read voraciously. I could lose myself for hours in stacks and stacks of books. The reading wasn’t that high quality, mind you. I could usually be found reading The Babysitter’s Club or a Christian historical romance, though I also loved Roald Dahl and Lois Lowry (anyone else remember the Anastasia Krupnik series?) and nonfiction, too.  Then I became a mom, and reading felt decadent.  I read books to nurture my marriage, how-to books on parenting (some far better than others, ahem). But overall, reading just got… harder. It was something I did to improve myself. Not something I got swept away in. Reading for pleasure felt like a splurge, and often it was a splurge I couldn’t figure out how to justify.  But here’s the thing — reading for fun is part of the job. My life is richer when I’m reading for pleasure, and so is my kids’! In fact, I’ve found that their reading lives feed off the energy in mine.  So how am I going to nurture my own reading life this summer? And what might get in the way? It’s a question worth asking for all of us, and joining me to ask it today on the podcast are RAR Community Director, Kortney Garrison and Managing Editor, Kara Anderson. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why reading is a priority in our lives (hint: it’s not too decadent!)Ways to nurture your reading life this summer How to know what to readFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/207/.

Do you want to teach your kids Shakespeare? Do you want to them to carry a love for The Bard in their hearts, and remember passages from the most famous plays ever written? Maybe your answer is YES!  BUT …  Shakespeare seems overwhelming. And adding it feels stressful. So today, RAR Community Director Kortney Garrison and I are breaking down how to teach Shakespeare in a simple, low-pressure way that your kids will actually enjoy and look back on fondly. In this episode, you’ll hear: a million ways to teach Shakespeare (and maybe only one you want to avoid)how to start with your goals when creating a Shakespeare teaching planwhat Kortney and I actually do Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/206/.

When Mandy called in to ask about her daughter, who likes to be read to, but doesn’t really enjoy reading herself, I was all ears. If you can relate, consider: when your child was 2, 3, 4 … did he/she like being read to?  Most small children LOVE being read to. They climb right into your lap and relish every minute. It’s about the story, yes, but it’s also about the connection.  We really, really want our kids to love reading. So naturally, we worry when they don’t.  I wonder if that same connection is what our non-reading kids are actually seeking.  We’re often tempted to think our kids are lazy, or aren’t true readers, but laziness is rarely at play here (especially in the case of a dyslexic child).  So why don’t some of our kids love reading? And what on earth can we do about it?  That’s what I’m addressing today on the podcast from a mama who suspects her child may be dyslexic, and worries that she doesn’t enjoy reading. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why kids may prefer being read to (hint: it’s not because they’re lazy!)Whether it’s OK to do a lot of reading aloud to older kids (short answer: heck yes)How different modalities make reading accessible at a different levelFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/205/.

We get many questions about how I organize books in my home library, and today we’re talking all about it. I’m going to break down my system and hopefully help spark ideas for how to best organize books at your house.  Here’s the thing: Your home library should serve your family’s reading life. And that might mean organizing it in a different way than you think. It also means the organization isn’t the goal. (Keep reading to see what I mean.) I’ll give you a peek at a few of my own bookshelves throughout this post, which are definitely not gorgeous or Instagram-worthy. 😅  But they areuseable. And they’re used… a lot! In this episode: how to focus on your home library’s goal (which may be different than you think!)how to cut down on time searching for booksideas for organizing your family’s books without making it a full-time jobFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/204/.

Do your kids read for fun in high school?  According to Dr. Daniel Willingham in Raising Kids Who Read, the average high schooler reads 6 minutes per day for pleasure. What that really means, he explains, is that a few kids read for pleasure quite a lot… and most don’t read for pleasure at all. Karen recently called in to ask me what my own kids read for fun in high school… and I’ve got lots of suggestions in this post! In this episode, you’ll hear: deciding what goal you have for your high schooler’s reading lifewhether high school reading should be “hard”tons of recommendations from my teens and adult children (weird, I now have 2 of those!)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/203/.

If you have a child who struggles with sad stories…a child who gets really uncomfortable when bad things happen and wants you to stop reading (or wants to stop reading themselves)… then this episode is for you. And actually, it’s for them, too! In fact, it’s an episode you might like to listen to with your kids. In this episode, you’ll hear: What to do if your kids get upset while reading sad storiesWhy you can predict what terrible thing might be coming (and when in the story it’ll happen)What the author is doing and whyHow to help your kids hang on to the story, and get all the way through to the hopeFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/202/.

Are you or your kids feeling overwhelmed by a long book list? Today I’m sharing how reading fewer books (yup!) can help our kids love books more. Yep. We’re going to talk about reading fewer books.  What could it mean for your kids’ reading lives (and yours too!), to focus on reading fewer books and making the time spent reading them more enjoyable and richer? Maybe even to have a reading life that is rich, relaxed, and leisurely?  If you or your kids are overwhelmed by a long book list, this sounds pretty great, right? Tune in or read on to hear: The difference between reading a book and completing a bookWhy my own kids don’t track the number of books readHow to make time for (quite possibly) the best kind of readingFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/201/.

We’re just a little excited here at RAR this week. First, it’s our 200th episode! 🥳 And second, it’s March, which here in the northern hemisphere meets *melting*. It also means a new season, and it’s a great time to name what matters, and set some intentions for how we want to finish out this homeschool year. This week, the whole team will walk you through a simple process we’ve been using here at RAR in order to name what matters – and how to get there. In this episode, you’ll hear: How to name what matters most this spring Your FREE cheat sheet to making a plan for your own homeschool that’s doableAnd … what we’re reading this spring! 📚🌱Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/200/.

Every year, our Read-Aloud Revival Team watches the American Library Association Youth Media Awards together. These are the official awards of ALA. Some you’ll recognize, like the Caldecott, the Newbery and the Coretta Scott King Awards. But others are not quite as well known … The ALA Youth Media Awards honor books that have been published in the previous year, so this year’s awards ceremony in January 2022 was honoring books that had been published in the year 2021 only. For this episode the RAR team gathered together to talk about the announcements that made us cheer, the familiar faces that we loved seeing win, and …  …just a few books that we think should have gotten some ALA love. 😉 Tune in to hear: about our favorite book winners and people who took home honorsother books published in 2021 that the RAR team lovestons of book recommendations! (Don’t worry – they’re all linked below!)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/199/.

“Which curriculum should I use?” It’s the question I get asked most often.  I suspect there’s another layer just underneath the surface of that question. A layer that sounds a bit like, “I’m tired. I’m overwhelmed. I don’t want to screw this up. Can you just tell me which curriculum is the best, so I don’t mess this really important thing up?” At least, that’s the kind of thing that went through my mind back in my early homeschooling days, when I asked that question myself. I’m answering this very question on today’s podcast episode.  Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/198/.

If you’re reading this, I’m guessing you want to read more, but are struggling to do it as much as you’d like. It can be a real challenge to find time to read for pleasure in your already busy day. I get it! On today’s episode of the Read-Aloud Revival, I’m sharing all my best tips to help you read more, ditch the guilt (this is part of your job, right?), and fall back in love with your own reading life. In this episode you’ll hear… what to do when you’re in a season of it feeling impossible to cultivate your own reading lifehow to find time to read (really!)how to get some recommendations from me Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/197/.

Shouldn’t helping our kids love reading be the point of literature education?  So why is it that most kids enjoy reading less and less, the further they get into their school years? And why do we insist on using literature curriculum when we know it doesn’t help our kids fall more in love with books?  Today I want to share an easier, simpler, more delightful (and less expensive!) path to giving our kids a fantastic and enjoyable literary education. On today’s podcast, I dive into why it’s OK to ditch formal literature curriculum, and a better model for moving forward In this episode:  our true goal for a solid literary educationwhat I do instead of using a literature curriculumwhy reading for academic ‘success’ is kind of defeating the purposeFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/196/.

Stressed about getting to all the books you want to read? Wondering how you can possibly read as many books as you’d like to with your kids?  On today’s episode of the Read-Aloud Revival, I’m talking about that all-too-familiar feeling of “So many books, so little time!” If you’ve ever felt that way, this one is for you! In this episode you’ll hear… how many books should we be aiming for, anyway?what’s the best way to prioritize what to read next?is re-reading worth the time, when there are still so many books we haven’t ever read?Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/195/.

If your inbox is anything like mine, you might be experiencing a little “you-need-to-buy-this-for-Christmas” fatigue. I always like to remind myself that Christmas will come and the Baby King will be born, no matter what I buy or don’t. No matter what I get checked off on my merry-making list . . . . . . or don’t. No. Matter. What. Goodness, what good news that is. 🥰 Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/blessings-pressed-down-shaken-together/.

Sometimes, it can seem like the holiday season is over before we even had a chance to truly celebrate. And so this year, we’re wishing you a relaxing read-aloud Christmas, full of plenty of cocoa, warm blankets, and snuggles with your favorite people. If all of that sounds like a dream – we’ve got what you need to make it happen. So listen in to this special episode, and Happy Thansgiving and a Merry, Merry Christmas! In this episode, you’ll hear: how to be more present this holiday season (it’s what our kids want most of all)ideas for the best Christmas picture books, novels and audiobookseverything happening at RAR to help you celebrate Advent, Christmas and beyondFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/193/.

When my kids were young, I tried narration in my homeschool. But instead of working how it was supposed to, it made my oldest daughter freeze with panic. She actually started hating books she had previously loved. Read-aloud time became fraught. And the quality of her education suffered for it. In today’s episode, I’m diving deep into the Charlotte Mason (CM) idea of narration, and offering an idea for what to do if narration simply isn’t a good fit for your family.  In this episode, you’ll hear:  What’s the goal of narration anyway?What my family does instead of narration (and we like it so! much! better!)A reminder of what we’re going for (spoiler alert: narration isn’t the only way to get it)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/192/.

If you have a child with ADHD or dyslexia and want him/her to love reading, this episode is for you.  I’m sharing tips and tricks to help kids with ADHD enjoy reading and read-alouds in this episode of The Read-Aloud Revival. You’ll hear… audiobooks: help or hindrance?what worked for one of Sarah’s dyslexic kidsSarah’s go-to resource for all things related to homeschooling a child with ADHDFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/191/

Looking for my favorite stories about Christian saints and heroes? You’re in the right place! That’s what I’m talking about in today’s short episode of the Read-Aloud Revival. (Heads up, I’m Catholic, so a lot of these titles will be of special interest to Catholic listeners. 🥰) There are lots of wonderful stories of Christian heroes, but these are some of my favorite short picks, perfect for mixed-age groups. You’ll hear… my favorite non-gory picks (because some of these stories can get… well, gruesome)recommendations for a wide age-rangeBible hero ideas (including a favorite on audio)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/190/.

Many of us worry about how screen time impacts our kids’ reading life. So how do we manage screens in a way that still makes it likely our kids will love to read? That’s the question I’m answering in today’s short episode of the Read-Aloud Revival.  You’ll hear… the case for helping kids engage with screens in a healthy waytwo times a day we go screen-free at our househow to set goals to help kids want to read morehttps://readaloudrevival.com/189/.

If you take your kids to the library and they consistently choose books you aren’t excited about them reading… what can you do?  That’s the question I’m answering in today’s short episode of the Read-Aloud Revival.  You’ll hear… Sarah’s favorite places to check book reviewsan alternate way to get library booksdealing with silly books 🙃 vs ones those our kids really aren’t ready for 😬Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/188/.

How can we find books that engage both an 8- and a 4-year-old?  That’s the question I’m answering in today’s short episode of the Read-Aloud Revival.  You’ll hear… why we shouldn’t leave picture books behinda tip for keeping kids engaged with longer booksa few book suggestions! (naturally 😉)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/187/.

Should my kids’ reading correlate with their history studies? Many of make it a point to make sure our reading lines up with the time period we’re learning about in history. Is that a good idea? That’s the question I’m answering in today’s short episode of the Read-Aloud Revival.  You’ll hear… what I wish I worried about less when it comes to teaching historya tip for helping kids track reading by time periodthe value of re-reading the same books over againFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/186/.

Should I use Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons? That’s the question I’m answering in today’s short episode of the Read-Aloud Revival.  You’ll hear… Yes, if it works for you. No, if it doesn’t.My own experience and my favorite alternatives A reminder: look for the easiest way to teach that also nurtures your relationship with your kids 💗Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/185/.

What should you do if your developing reader skips words when reading? That’s the question I’m answering in today’s short episode of the Read-Aloud Revival.  You’ll hear… Actually, we all do skip words when reading, but…Sarah shares a simple tip (🐢 🐢🐢)An idea if your child does this too (🎧 + 📚)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/184/.

Should we avoid abridged or adapted versions of classics? That’s the question I’m answering in today’s short episode of the Read-Aloud Revival.  You’ll hear… what abridged or adapted versions of the classics can offerwhat happened when Sarah’s daughter read an abridged version of Heidihow adapted books can lead to better, richer readingFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/183/.

Today I’m sharing five books you’ll love, plans for RAR this fall (books clubs and writing and events you don’t want to miss!), and answers to your questions about reading a book a day. Wondering if including re-reading is a good idea, or how to stay awake while reading aloud? (You aren’t the only one! 🥱) Tune in to hear: 5 books your kids will adore (including a picture book that seems to always grab kids)some book ideas for you, Mama – I made you a list!a secret audiobook strategy 🤫 😉Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/182/.

In this episode, we’re offering some tips and ideas to help you with the nitty gritty of reading more picture books.  The whole RAR team is back, and we’re answering your questions about reading a picture book a day. In this episode, you’ll hear: the best way to create a picture book routineif reading the same books again and again is OK (YUP! 👍)when and if to buy a particular book, and new way of thinking about investing in booksFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/181/.

We’re all on board with reading picture books to our younger kids, but that has to stop at some point, right? Ohhhhhh no. No, it does not.  What do our kids stand to gain… and how on earth can we read picture books with older kids and teens? A lot.  Here at RAR, we’re always saying that there is nothing a novel can give your kids that a picture book can’t. Honestly, a picture book might just be able to do it better, with an art gallery to match. In this episode, we’re breaking down how to get big kids and teens on board with reading picture books, what they can gain from them, and we’re also sharing some book ideas we think they’ll love. In this episode, you’ll hear: No such thing as reading levels for picture books – and what this means for youStrategies for inviting teens into exploring picture booksRecommendations for big kids and teens (📚)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/180/.

Last time on the Read-Aloud Revival podcast, we talked about what happens (and what our kids gain) when we read aloud a book a day. In this episode, we’re digging in to how to look closely at a picture book—how to see what we might otherwise miss.  You may be surprised at how much is there in a picture book, just waiting to be seen and heard! No lesson plans are needed. Just you, your kid(s), a book plucked from your shelf. Ready? Let’s do this. In this episode, you’ll hear: What about just reading, and not doing anything extra?How open-ended questions change the reading experience for everyoneHow to look at a picture book in a brand new wayFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/179/.

What would happen if we read a book a day with our kids? That’s the idea we’re exploring today in a brand new episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast. And we’re also issuing a challenge: we dare you to read a picture book a day with your kids – for a week, a month… or more.  And you’ll even hear some profound insights, like how a good picture book is like a baked potato. 🥔 😆  All the details are in today’s episode. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why it’s worthwhile to read a book a day with our kids of all ages (so MANY reasons)What to read with kids of all ages—you know we have lots of ideas! Printable trackers for your own book-a-day challengeFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/178/.

In today’s Special Edition of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast, you’ll meet the man behind Make Way for Ducklings. Robert McCloskey was the first to win two Caldecott Awards, and his books are arguably among the most celebrated picture books of all time. His most popular picture book wouldn’t stay on the page, either. His ducks became permanent sculptures fixed in Boston Public Garden, and even made a way for international diplomacy as part of the START Treaty between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. in 1991.  A picture book is a powerful piece of art.  In this episode, you’ll hear: what it was like having Robert McCloskey for a Dad one of the hardest parts of his life as a successful artistwhat his picture books gave the worldFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/special-edition-robert-mccloskey/.

Science is everywhere. It’s in everything we do, everything we see. And yes, everything we read.  Books offer a delightful opportunity to talk about science, both through their illustrations and their text. We just need to know a few things to look for and a few questions to ask.  Today we’ll find out how to think like a scientist, and how to teach our kids to do the same. I invited two professors from St. Michael’s College to teach us all about cross-cutting scientific concepts within picture books.  Dr. Valerie Bang-Jensen is the Department Chair and Professor of Education at St. Michael’s College in Vermont. She’s an expert in children’s literature and literacy. Dr. Mark Lubkowitz is a molecular biologist and the Chair and Professor of Biology at St. Michael’s. In this episode, you’ll hear: What it means to “think like a scientist”How to find scientific concepts in every book you readHow to use cross-cutting concepts to teach young scientists of all agesFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/177/.

Is homeschooling with dyslexia a good idea? Can dyslexic students thrive, even if the parents aren’t specialists (or even certified teachers)? Let’s be clear: absolutely, yes.  You can homeschool your dyslexic kids, and you’ll do a darn good job of it, too.  Today on the podcast, Marianne Sunderland from Homeschooling with Dyslexia is back to talk about the nitty gritty details of teaching children who learn differently.  Marianne has homeschooled eight kids (seven are dyslexic).  In this episode, she gives us the low-down on teaching dyslexic kids at home, which resources to use, and when to ask for help.  In this episode, you’ll hear: How to teach dyslexic children Why Orton-Gillingham works to teach dyslexic kids how to readWhether or not to get your child tested and officially diagnosed Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/176/.

Is my child dyslexic? And if so, what should I do about it? It’s one of the things we’re asked about most here at Read-Aloud Revival, and no wonder.  When our kids struggle to learn to read, we worry.  Dyslexia is extremely common, and is very often misunderstood.  Today, we’re going to talk about the signs of dyslexia, and what to do if you think your child may be dyslexic. If you’ve ever wondered whether your child is a “late bloomer” or might be struggling with a learning difference, you’re in the right place. Marianne Sunderland from Homeschooling with Dyslexia is here to give us the lowdown. In this episode, you’ll hear: Does my child have dyslexia? Here’s how to know…What we get wrong about dyslexia Which reading curriculum is best for dyslexic learners Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/175/.

Every year, the RAR team gathers to watch the American Library Association (ALA) Youth Media Awards. Once, we went in person (!) but the past two years, we’ve watched together from home and texted each other like mad the whole time. The awards have a way of bringing out BIG feelings.  These are basically the Oscars for children’s books, and as you’ll hear, we have a few Opinions (with a capital O), here at RAR. Ahem. 😇 Today we’re sharing: Some stand-out winners from the 2021 ALA Awards Which books we put on hold at the library as the awards were happeningJust a couple of books we think should have been honored. Ahem. 😉Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/174/.

Ready to dive into a little brain science? Today, we’re discovering what happens in your child’s brain when you read aloud. This is probably not a surprise, but… A LOT is happening.  Dr. John Hutton of the Reading and Literacy Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital is joining me to break this down. I love how he puts it in the beginning of this episode: that scientists are using fancy methods to verify what we already know – that reading aloud is good for our kids. Want to know what happens in your child’s brain when you read aloud? You’re in the right place. In this episode, you'll hear: how the brain actually readsthe immense value of dialogic reading (don’t worry – you’re already doing this!)how reading aloud “primes” the brain for reading independentlyFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/173/.

Learning to read can be hard. And when our kids are still learning to read fluently and well, helping them fall in love with books can feel impossible. But it doesn’t have to be that way.  In today’s episode, I’m going to show you how to help your kids fall in love with stories, and tell you why it will help them more to keep reading aloud than to cram in another long phonics lesson. In this episode, you'll hear: a reminder that learning to read is a little like climbing a mountain! ⛰️the key to getting our kids reading (hint: it’s NOT endless phonics practice)how to become a book match-maker for your childFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/172/.

The Bard. He can be a little intimidating, right? If you’ve ever wondered how to introduce your kids to Shakespeare, you are in a for a treat with this podcast episode. Many of us met Shakespeare in a way that didn’t set us up to love him or even understand him. But today, I’m joined by Ken Ludwig, award-winning playwright and author of How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare – my very favorite resource for doing just that! In this episode, you'll hear: Why we should make Shakespeare a part of our curriculum How to get over the intimidation factor, once and for allExactly how and where to start teaching your kids Shakespeare (I promise, it’s easier than you think!)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/171/.

Do you ever feel lost when it comes to how to read a wordless book? I’m convinced that some of the very best picture books being published today are wordless. They invite us to slow down, predict what will come next, make connections, and linger over a good story, well-told.  Today I’m excited to share some of the best ones with you, as well as a simple guide for how to read them. In this episode, you’ll hear: why wordless books are worth our timehow to read a wordless books (with tips for what to say as you turn the pages)just a few favorites 😉Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/170/.

Here at RAR, we can’t think of a better way to kick off a new year than to do it with books.  That’s why we kick off every January with a challenge for your kids–to help them start their new year reading and reading and reading some more… and falling a little more in love with books in the process! Today we’re sharing all the details of this year’s Read-Aloud Challenge. I’ll answer your questions, let you know how it works, which books “count,” (spoiler alert: you’re the boss!), and what to do if your kids get frustrated along the way. We’re starting this challenge in January, but you can start it at any time! If you want your kids to read aloud for 25 days and fall more in love with books (and each other) in the process, you’re in the right place. Ready to join us? In this episode, you’ll hear: how the challenge will help your family kick off a great reading year and reset your rhythmsetting your kiddos up for challenge success (even pre-readers!)answers to your questions about the challenge including what counts and who counts!Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/169/.

Welcome to a very special Christmas episode of Read-Aloud Revival, featuring three audio Christmas stories from one of our very favorite storytellers: Jim Weiss. In this episode, 3 audio Christmas stories: The Nativity StoryThe Gift of the MagiThe NutcrackerFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/168/.

Do you feel it in the air? The seasons are a-changing…and it’s just about the best time of year for reading with a cup of cocoa, next to a crackling fire.  (I suppose in the Southern Hemisphere it’s lemonade and beach reading… but there’s no bad season for reading, right?) We think you’re going to be very excited about what we have coming up in RAR this winter, plus a brand new addition to RAR Premium – Christmas School! Listen in while I tell you all about it. In this episode, I’m sharing: an invitation to slow down and simplify this season (yes, please!)all about the first-ever RAR Christmas Schoola preview of what’s coming in 2021 Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/167/.

In today’s episode, we’re talking about how to talk with your kids about books. Specifically, we’re talking about open-ended questions, which you’ve probably heard us talk about before here at Read-Aloud Revival. Open-ended questions are key to having conversations with your kids about anything they read, and anything you read together. But what exactly qualifies as an open-ended question, and why do they work? In this episode, I’m breaking down: How to make book conversation a habitHow open ended questions are a form of narrationHow to talk about books even if you haven’t read them yourselfFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/166/.

It happens to all of us at one point or another: reading shifts in our kids’ lives from being principally about joy and delight into something that needs to be done for school. A lot of us notice a significant drop in how much our kids are reading for pleasure once the school year is well underway. This is a problem.  According to the National Literacy Trust, those who enjoy reading are better, more confident readers who spend less time online, and are more motivated by interest and achievement. (source) In fact, we know that no single literacy activity has a more positive effect on comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, writing ability, or overall academic achievement than free voluntary reading. (source) Not assigned reading.  Not reading for school.  Free voluntary reading. I want to sit on this for a moment because the emphasis here is on reading for pleasure. Simply being ABLE to read, or reading because you are told to does not confer the same benefits as reading for pleasure. That’s what we’re tackling today on the podcast.  We also get to hear from one of my favorite authors about his newest book release!  In this episode, I’m breaking down: How less can actually be more when it comes to your child’s reading lifeWhy we want our kids to be friendly and affectionate with the books they’re reading A list of books that are just plain fun--my recommended reads if reading has hit a slump in your house (or if you’re just ready for a good time!)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/165/.

In this very special episode of the podcast, the RAR team is discussing our favorite way to study history: through picture book biographies. We’re also sharing a brand new FREE resource – a huge list of our favorite picture book biographies, organized by time period and category. In this podcast episode, you’ll hear: what makes picture books special and unique learning toolsthe best ways to read them and use them in your homeschoolhow picture book biographies help us answer the so what questionFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/164/.

A tranquil mind. Any chance you want one of those? I know I do. Today on the Read-Aloud Revival podcast, we’re talking about how readers can give themselves the gift of a tranquil mind by reading old books. Wait, did I just say “by reading old books?” I did.  And I have a feeling this episode will challenge and expand your expectation for what reading old books can do for us in the here and now.  I like to describe Alan Jacobs as one of my favorite thinkers… …and if you listen in to this episode, you’ll know why.  He’s an accomplished author and a Distinguished Professor in the Humanities at Baylor University, and in this episode he’s talking about why we can benefit from reading old books right now more than ever.  His reasons might just surprise and delight you — especially if you’re feeling a little frayed by everything in the world demanding your attention. I’m not gonna lie, folks, a conversation with Alan Jacobs is always, always worth the time. I think you’re going to love this one!  In this episode: our own tranquility vs our own twitchinesshow to read books that contain troublesome and problematic ideas (because old books tend to do that… a lot!)what it means to read with generosityI also answer a listener question about whether we should let our kids do their own independent reading instead of listening to the group read-aloud. Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/163/.

If you need a boost of sunshine in your week, stop whatever you’re doing and listen to this podcast. Why? Because in this episode, Australian icon Mem Fox joins me to talk about the unique gift this specific time can offer us — the chance to read together, to connect, and to help our kids fall in love with books on a whole new level. Mem Fox is Australia’s most celebrated author and the creator of many too many pictures books to count. She’s a giant advocate of reading aloud, as you’ll hear, and someone I’ve been dying to talk with. On today’s show, we’re talking about how and why reading to our kids will change their lives forever. In this podcast episode, you’ll hear: the magic that happens when kids and parents curl up to read togetherwhat reading aloud does for parents too – especially right now!and of course, Mem’s favorite books to read aloudI’m also sharing the most encouraging thing I’ve read online in a long time (that happens at minute 1:13). Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/162/.

What would happen if you decided to be your child’s mentor, rather than their teacher? What if you awakened their wonder and curiosity, so that they became the kind of people who thirst for knowledge and understanding? What if you could fall in love with homeschooling your kids? In this episode, Sally Clarkson and I continue a conversation we started over on her podcast a few weeks ago. We discuss how Sally translated her own boredom with traditional education in order to find a different way for her four children… and the (rather fantastic) results of those choices.  If you ever wonder whether homeschooling “works” or gets good results, you probably want to listen to this episode. 😉  …and if you’re about to set off on a year of home learning, be encouraged and inspired to have a glorious year of awaking wonder in your kids. In this podcast episode, you’ll hear: how we can raise lifelong learners who aren’t afraid to tackle big questions and obstacleshow to make your home a place of resource for your childrenthe difference between being your child’s teacher and being his or her mentor (this is BIG)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/161/.

We need a drumroll today, because on the podcast we’re revealing all of our autumn picks for RAR Premium.  I’m also answering podcast listener Corrie’s question about how to preserve her son’s love of reading.  It’s easy to slip into schooly habits that kill our kids’ love of reading– so how can we help preserve our children’s love of reading even after the school year starts? Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/160/.

Recently, I posted on social media about my oldest daughter becoming our first homeschool graduate. I’ll admit to being a proud mama. I think for a lot of us homeschooling our kids, we hear that it works, we are told colleges want homeschoolers–are actively seeking out homeschoolers–but we still are a little nervous. We wonder if we’ve prepared them well, if this grand homeschooling experiment is going to work out. So when my oldest daughter was not only accepted into every single college she applied to, but received generous merit-based scholarships at each one, as well, I breathed a HUGE sigh of relief. At the end of that post about my oldest daughter graduating, I left a little note for homeschool mamas, letting them know that all the lessons, conversations, books, essays, projects, field trips, the good days and the hard days — all of the WORK of homeschooling, is completely and totally worth it.  Worth it in a way you can’t really see when you’re in the middle of it, but that’s crystal clear when you’re at the end of the road, looking back. Your homeschool does not have to be impressive.  You can be ordinary. So can your homeschool plans.  So many of us worry that we aren’t enough, or that our families aren’t the extraordinary type. But most of the homeschoolers I know don’t feel like they’re rocking homeschooling. They don’t feel like they’re doing an amazing job.  They sort of feel… ordinary. I know many of you are considering homeschooling for the first time, and I know that you don’t think you can do it. You think you’re not enough. You think it will be too hard. Maybe you did some distance learning through your school last spring, and you’re ready to throw in the towel on the idea of homeschooling. Since many of us will be home educating in one capacity or another in the coming school year, I want to share 10 homeschooling mistakes I’ve made over the years (trust me, there are plenty more- but these are the 10 that I thought would be most useful to you as you set out on a new school year.) You can learn from mistakes.  In this episode, you’ll hear… why your ordinary homeschool is more than enoughthe two most powerful tools in my homeschooling tool kit10 homeschooling mistakes I’ve made (so you can avoid them)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/159/.

This week, I’m thrilled to chat with Greta Eskridge about how we can adventure with our kids – yes, even now! Greta Eskridge and I discuss how books can be the conduit for adventuring with your kids, no matter your circumstances or your resources. In this episode, you’ll hear: all about Greta’s new book, Adventuring Togetherhow even small adventures can be impactful for our kidshow to start in the simplest way possibleFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/158/.

Why read aloud to kids who can read themselves? It’s a fair question. Not many of us remember parents or teachers reading to us once we were old enough to read on our own. But the benefits of reading aloud to kids who are old enough to read themselves are numerous.  That’s what we’re tackling in this episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast. In this episode, you’ll hear: 5 major benefits to reading aloud to kids who can read themselvesHow reading together can help us connect during challenging timesWhy experts agree that reading aloud is an absolute game changer when it comes to academicsFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/why/.

In today’s episode, I’m answering several of your questions about audio books for kids. Let’s talk favorite narrators, whether audio books hold you children back from learning to read on their own, and more. In this episode, you’ll hear: how to choose winning narratorswhether it’s holding our kids back to let them listen to lots of audiohow I handle books in a serieswhether or not to assign books during quiet reading timewhen your husband is not a big readerFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/156/.

In today’s episode, I’m answering your questions – from reading to separate age groups and how to make time for that (!), to what to do if summer reading programs make your kids want to read LESS… In this episode, you’ll hear: when summer reading programs aren’t usefulhow to handle a drop in comprehension when kids start reading longer booksideas for easy chapter bookshow to make time for reading aloud when your kids want to be outside all dayfavorite fairy-tale-esque book recommendationsreading aloud to different age groupsFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/155/.

We know that we want our kids to love to read. And it’s important (really important!) to give them the best chance fall in love with books. That’s why so many of us get worried when we have a child who doesn’t love reading. It’s a valid worry.  What can be done about it?  On today’s episode of the podcast, I share ideas for what to do when your child doesn’t love reading. We can’t exactly make our kids into readers, but we can give them the best chance possible that they’ll become readers for life. And it’s a lot of fun to do so! In this episode of the podcast, I’m sharing simple tips to help your kids become voracious readers, and why the single most important part of your child’s school day is free, voluntary reading.  In this episode, you’ll hear: Why free, voluntary reading is the power player in your child’s reading lifeThoughts from experts in the field on building lifelong readersHow to help our kids choose books they’ll loveI also answer a listener question about what to do if your child is intimidated by lots of words on the page. Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/154/.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by the woman who recently faced the daunting challenge of updating Jim Trelease’s much beloved Read-Aloud Handbook. Cyndi Giorgis takes us behind the scenes of updating The Read-Aloud Handbook, and some of the interesting (and most surprising!) bits what she learned during the process. In this episode, you’ll hear: what’s in the Read-Aloud Handbook‘s whole new chapter (it’s a good one)updates about audiobooks and other technologythe most important thing Cyndi learned in her research about reading aloudI also answer a listener question about the best picture book treasuries to invest in right now. Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/153/.

Being stuck at home is getting old fast, but finishing the school year doesn’t need to be a slog. We’ve heard you loud and clear: it’s really, really hard to concentrate on homeschooling right now.  And we all want to finish the school year strong, right?  On today’s episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast, I’m sharing something brand new that I am over-the-moon excited about: a workshop series we’re calling WOW: Writers on Writing.  This workshop series will help you spice up your home learning and finish your school year well. Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/152/.

When is a story worth telling? And why are the best stories in history seen through the lens of a single human being? We’re diving into those questions to day with one of the most talented and effervescent authors I know: Barb Rosenstock. I recommend every single one of Barb’s picture book biographies. Listen to this episode and you’ll know why. You’ll find links to her books at the bottom of this post. In this episode, you’ll hear: the magic of “So what?”… just wait till you hear her talk about this!why Barb and Charlotte Mason could be friends (and she didn’t even know it!)how Barb researches her books and lands on stories she wants to tellI also answer a listener question about gift book ideas for teachers. Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/151/.

Did you know that when you plant bamboo, you will water it, protect it, nurture it…and nothing happens for 5 years? At least it looks like nothing is happening, because it’s all happening underground, where the bamboo is growing a complex root structure. But above ground? Nothin’. You’ve got to faithfully water and care for that plant for f-i-v-e years before you get any proof that you’re making any progress. Homeschooling is a lot like bamboo. In today’s episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast, I’m sharing the audio from a recent Circle with Sarah (our monthly coaching sessions in RAR Premium) in which I’m talking about this same experience in homeschooling. You work, and you work, and you work, and you can’t always see the difference that slog is making.  But the seeming dormancy? It matters. In this episode, you’ll hear: The power of one small action – it can change everythingHow to be sure we are using the right measuring stick (…are you?)How to know where to put your energy nextI also answer a listener question about what to do if you cry while reading emotional books aloud. (anybody? 🙋🏼‍♀️) Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/150/.

If you have a gifted, twice-exceptional, or advanced reader, this episode is for you. Today I’m chatting with Colleen Kessler of Raising Lifelong Leaners. A gifted specialist and mother of her own gifted and twice-exceptional kids, Colleen understands the challenges of connecting advanced readers with books… … and the challenges that arise when your advanced reader can read anything, but isn’t emotionally ready to have free reign at the library. In this episode, you’ll hear: what to do when your kids can read “older” books, when you know they aren’t ready for the contentBook recommendations that feature gifted or twice-exceptional kidsThe answer to whether your child can read too much (we know… it sounds like a good problem to have, but it can be a struggle!)I also answer two listener questions about finding books for sensitive kids, and great book series for young, voracious readers. Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/149/.

I’ve got a brand new episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast for you, and it’s a good one.  In this episode, you’ll hear: Which 3 books I’d bring with me to a desert island 🏝 (it was torture to answer this listener question!)Whether or not we use reading curriculum at our house 🤓 (and what I recommend)The skinny on what we’re reading aloud this spring at RAR (our book choices are just 😍 – scroll down to see what I mean)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/148/.

Math....are your palms sweating yet? 😅Yep, I know. But you’ve asked for books that will enrich and enliven math for your kids, and we took on the challenge.  In today’s episode, the Read-Aloud Revival team is talking about delighting and learning math together through great read-alouds. In this episode, you’ll hear: why you might want to add math read-alouds to your dayhow to add them in when you already feel pressed for time (no need to dump your existing curriculum!)our favorites. Of course, right? And yes – we actually all have FAVORITE math picture books… can you believe it?I also tackle a listener question about stopping to look something up when you’re reading aloud to your kids. Is it a good idea? Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/147/.

In today’s episode of the Read-Aloud Revival, you’ll get to know why Louisa May Alcott, the author of Little Women, was such a wonder (and indeed, she was!).  And who could be a better guest for this conversation than Jan Turnquist?  Jan Turnquist is Executive Director of Orchard House, the home where Louisa wrote Little Women, and Co-Executive Producer, Director, and Host of the Emmy-Award Winning documentary, Orchard House. She’s a true Louisa May Alcott expert, and has wonderful insight into the Alcott family, and why Little Women has endured. In this episode, you’ll hear:  my own very favorite part of visiting Orchard House (hint: it has to do with drawing on the walls!)the beauty in re-reading Little Women at different life stageslittle known details about Louisa May Alcott, and the very unique and rather revolutionary Alcott familyI’ll also tackle a listener question about whether it’s worthwhile to have your kids watch movie versions of a book after reading it. (What I say here just might surprise you!) Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/146/.

I felt my brain waking up during this episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast.  My guest is Alan Jacobs, Distinguished Professor of Humanities in the Honors Program at Baylor University, and author of The Pleasures of Reading in an Age of Distraction (goodness, I *love* that book).  It was such a delight to have him on the show to talk about those “shoulds” that often trip us up as readers, parents, and educators. He invites us to read at whim, develop our own reading taste, and raise kids who do the same. Don’t miss this one! In this episode, you’ll hear:  why it’s important to develop your own taste, and to let your kids do the samethe value of reading books that don’t bring you joyand Alan’s answer to the question: What is reading for? (this part is SO good)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/145/.

I want to introduce you to a remarkable woman. She won two Caldecott Awards, illustrated more than 100 books during her career, raised four children, and lived life with unique zest and liveliness. You may recognize her illustrations in any of the following books, including my own favorite, Miss Rumphius, and one of her Caldecott winners, The Ox-Cart Man. Barbara Cooney was a gift to the world, and in this special edition podcast, I want to introduce you to the woman behind these magnificent books.  In this episode, you’ll hear: how this mother of four managed to illustrate over 100 booksstories about what it was like growing up with Barbara as a mother (listen in for roosters in the kitchen and mice in the car!)how Barbara made sure her legacy and love for books would continue after her death in 2000Think you love Miss Rumphius? Just wait till you meet the woman who wrote her onto the page.  You’ll love these books even more after you meet the one and only Barbara Cooney. Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/barbara/.

That’s right … Kate DiCamillo is back! And what she has to say is so good, you might find yourself listening more than once. In this new episode, Kate and I chat about her newest book, Beverly, Right Here, and we also discuss why parents and teachers so often try to quantify what our kids are getting from books.  We have some ideas about how we could better help kids develop their own robust reading life. I also answer a listener question about how to read aloud with highly visual kids (kids who really want pictures to go along with their books). In this episode, you’ll hear:  why the kinds of questions we ask our kids about books matterhow to keep joy in readingwhat Kate really wants readers to get from her booksFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/143/.

Why re-read? This is a question we get a lot at RAR, and I’m not going to beat around the bush…I’m convinced there is a lot to gain from rereading. Today, I’m going to tell you why. If you have a child who re-reads the same book over and over, we’re going to talk about it. And if you or someone you love has recently read the same picture book to a little one every night for months, I’ve got some good news for you.  In this episode, you’ll hear:  why re-reading may just be the very best kind of readingwhat’s to gain from re-reading?how our kids benefit from revisiting their favorite books (and the rewards are huge!)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/141/.

Poetry is beautiful, captivating and (for a lot of us) a little intimidating, right? Our goal with this episode is to show you how simple and delightful sharing poetry with your kids can be. My guest today says we can’t force poetry, but we can share it naturally… and that just might be the key to helping our kids develop a lifelong love.  If you want to help your kids fall in love with beautiful language, there’s no better (or simpler) way to start than with a poem. In this episode, you’ll hear: why and how to incorporate poetry into your routinewhat to do if you feel intimidatedhow to develop a true affection for poetry (it’s more fun than you think!)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/140/.

Is there a better way to nurture empathy and compassion than through books? That’s the question we address in this episode with special guest, Courtney Westlake.  Courtney’s daughter, Brenna, was born with a skin condition that makes her appear “different” to many people.  On today’s show, Courtney shares not just her family’s experience, but also how we can teach our kids kindness and understanding when it comes to differences. In this episode, you’ll hear:  how to help kids grow in empathyhow books help us walk in another person’s shoesour favorite books for teaching about differences and disabilitiesFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/139/.

Your local library or bookshop (if you’re lucky, both!) is likely filled with children’s books. Many are simply marvelous—the kind of books you don’t mind reading aloud over and over, and that you’re delighted to hand to your kids. Others? Not so much. So how do we decide which books to read with our kids?  How do we connect our kids with books they’ll love… especially when we haven’t read most of them? That’s what today’s episode is all about. In this episode, you’ll hear: What is a good book, anyway?How to choose books without a booklist using the 3-Question TestHow to know when to ditch a bookFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/138/.

Graphic novels … they sometimes make us a little nervous, right? As parents, we worry if they have any value. In this episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast, I’m joined by the RAR Team, and we’re talking all things graphic novels.  Do they count as real reading? Will they make our kids lazy readers? And what about questionable content? In this episode, you’ll hear:  what’s happening in your child’s brain when they read a graphic novel (aka what on earth is “multi-modal” reading?)why some kids can’t get enough of themour favorite graphic novels to read in our own homesFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/137/.

I would be willing to bet that if you’re reading this, you’re hoping to raise kids who love reading. Think back for a second. Were the books you were assigned in school the same books you stayed up reading under the covers, late at night with a flashlight?  When you were done writing the book report or the essay, did you eagerly start the book over, only to dive back into the utter delight of losing yourself in the story? Would you say those books became one of your childhood’s sweetest delights? Or were you just relieved to have “done” the book? See, all kids love stories when they are younger. Loving stories isn’t the problem.  The problem arises when reading becomes something we do for school—for a grade or an assignment.  The problem arises when our kids start to see reading as something on their list of to-do’s, rather than as one of life’s sweetest delights.  Today, we’re turning that on its head.  See, we have the opportunity to engage our kids with books differently– in a way that helps them love a book more after they’ve read it (rather than relieved that they’re done with the book).  It’s simple and doable, and on this episode of the Read-Aloud Revival, I’m breaking it down. Want to help your kids love reading? Don’t miss this one. In this episode, you’ll hear:  4 simple steps you can take to change the way your kids interact with books… for the betterwhy this will be a game-changer for your child’s reading lifeFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/136/.

In this very special episode of the Read-Aloud Revival, we’re sharing an Author Access with the wonderful Sally Lloyd Jones. This was an event celebrating her book Goldfish on Vacation, which we read together as a community in RAR Premium.  Sally even reads aloud to us in this one (twice!) In this episode, you’ll hear:  beautiful tips for young writerswhich was the most challenging Bible story for her to writesomething that means even more to her as a writer than medals and awardsFind the rest of the show notes at Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/134/.

Today we’re heading to the coast of Maine… at least in our imagination. I’m chatting with Amanda Dykes, author of the adult fiction novel, Whose Waves These Are, in a summer episode that celebrates seaside tales.  In this episode, you’ll hear:  how the books we read as children can impact us for lifethe unique way that books transport ushow books can serve as “functional souvenirs” (the best kind!)I also answer a listener question about organizing personal vs family books, and how I decide if a book should become part of our permanent collection. (The book I mention in this part is Outside Your Window by Nicola Davies and Mark Hearld.) Find the rest of the show notes at readaloudrevival.com/133/.

If you’ve got teens (or kids who will be teens before you know it), this episode is for you. We’re talking about books for teens, and why the YA/teen section of your library or bookstore is not a reading level. In this episode, you’ll hear:  what YA is and what it isn’ta few issues with YA/teen bookswhether it’s essential for teens to read YA on the way to adulthoodOf course, I’m also going to recommend some books… because that’s what we do best around here! Find the rest of the show notes at readaloudrevival.com/132/

3 . . . 2 . . . 1 . . . Blast off! 🚀🌒 If you’re looking for picture books about the moon landing, you’re in the right place! July 20, 2019, marks the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar mission, and we’ve got the list of books to celebrate it!  These books are for all ages and will help your family learn and celebrate together. In this episode, you’ll hear:  how (and why) to share picture books with your older kidsa little about why back matter … matters! a few of my favorite moon-themed booksI also answer a listener question about helping your library get connected with the Read-Aloud Revival. (hint: we have a kit for that!) Find the rest of the show notes at readaloudrevival.com/131/

In our culture today, is reading aloud an ‘obstinate act of love?’ Meghan Cox Gurdon, this week’s guest and author of The Enchanted Hour, believes so. Meghan is the Wall Street Journal’s children’s book reviewer and says her five kids were a built-in focus group. In this episode, you’ll hear: the power of reading books again and againthe value of conversations around booksis reading aloud real reading?I also answer a listener question about how to continue reading aloud throughout the summer when schedules are wonky, and share some of my favorite audio books for preschool-age children. Find the rest of the show notes at readaloudrevival.com/130/

In this episode we welcome back Jim Weiss, master storyteller and a voice so many of us recognize. This is a fantastic episode to enjoy with your kids, because Jim tells us two stories during the show: Stone Soup and a tale of Sherlock Holmes, The Mazarin Stone. Gather everyone ’round and enjoy! In this episode, you’ll hear:  Jim’s two rules for telling our children stories (you’ll love them)How to handle interruptions… and how to clarify what’s happening in a story without “breaking character”Why you’re probably better at reading aloud than you realize…Find the rest of the show notes at readaloudrevival.com/129/

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? On this episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast, Jamie Martin from Simple Homeschool is here to chat about being an introverted mom. Sarah is an extrovert, so we’re comparing what fills us up, what depletes us, and how we can find more calm, less guilt, and quiet joy in mothering– which I think is what we all long for, no matter our personality type. Of course, we also talk books! Some of our favorite authors were introverts (Lucy Maud Montgomery, anyone?), and Jamie and I can’t help but talk about our favorite books whenever we get together. In this episode, you’ll hear: How to find more calm and less guilt as a mama (yes please, right?)The unique challenges that introvert and extrovert moms both faceWisdom from some of your favorite authors (if your favorite authors happened to write books like Anne of Green Gables and Little Women, that is)I also answer a listener question about choosing books for very sensitive kids. Find the rest of the show notes at: https://readaloudrevival.com/127/

This week I’m sharing the second part of a Read-Aloud Revival Premium Master Class all about helping our kids love books by treating their reading lives more like we treat our own. If you want something better than book reports or reading comprehension sheets for your kids, you’re in the right place.  If you’re wondering whether you need to do literary analysis (and how to do it without killing your child’s love of the book), you’re in the right place. If you want your kids to read because they love to (and not because they have to), you’re in the right place.  This is the second half of this master class. Listen to the first half here. (You don’t have to listen to the first half to understand the second, but you probably want to!) In this episode, you’ll hear: What it looks like for kids to be real readersWhat most of us are getting wrong when it comes to “teaching” literature to our kidsDo your kids need literary analysis? And what should that look like, anyway?I also answer a listener question about … how to know when your child is ready to learn to read. More free resources and booklists Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/126/

In today’s episode of the Read-Aloud Revival Podcast, I’m sharing a master class straight out of Read-Aloud Revival Premium about how to create a book club culture in your home. For most of us, the books we read for school growing up were not the same books we read under our covers with a flashlight past our bedtime. But we can do something better. We can invite our kids into a reading experience that will help them fall in love with books and become readers for life. Less like school, more like your favorite book club. In this episode, you’ll hear: the importance of knowing WHY you want to raise readershow to nurture and protect your kids’ love of readingwhy reading is not broccoli 🥦🤨I also answer a listener question about… what to do when your kids lose interest part-way through a book… Find the rest of the show notes at readaloudrevival.com/125/

Today I want to introduce you to the author of some of my new favorite picture books, Camille Andros. Camille is a writer, a traveler, a former EMT, and a mom of six. Yep, six. (So obviously, we’re kindred spirits, since I have six, too.) 😉 In this episode, you’ll hear: about her writing process and how she makes time to writehow deceptively simple picture book writing appears, when it really isn’t so simple at alla positively serendipitous story about her travels in Greece…Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/124/.

Today, I am excited to introduce you to my favorite read-aloud for Lent and Easter. Amon’s Adventure is a wonderful adventure story that will leave your kids begging for just one more chapter. Amon is a 13 year-old boy during the time of Christ’s persecution, and in this fictional tale, his father has been accused of a terrible crime. It’s up to Amon to navigate the tension in his local community and clear his father’s name.  If you want to breathe some life into your family’s experience of Lent and Easter… this story is a great way to do just that. I highly recommend it as a family read-aloud for kids 8+. It’s intense, so I suggest previewing each chapter if you’re reading it aloud to kids younger than that. The author, Arnold Ytreeide, is visiting with me today on the newest episode of the Read-Aloud Revival, and learning more about where this book came for was such a delight! In this episode, you’ll hear: Where this book (and those in his Jotham’s Journey series) came fromIdeas for how best to use this book during LentHow (and why) he tells a story we all know… in a brand new wayFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/123/.

I ‘ve got a new favorite episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast. It’s no wonder, because in this episode, I’m having a conversation with Kate DiCamillo on reading aloud for connection. There is so much packed into this conversation. In this episode, you’ll hear:  what Kate really thinks when we ask our kids “what did the author mean?”how books help us jump into the Great Conversation (“unwittingly”, as she says)that stories are smarter than their authors… and what that means for readersFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/121/.

Today I’ve got a bonus episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast—a conversation with Douglas Gresham. Douglas is the stepson of C.S. Lewis, author of The Chronicles of Narnia. In this episode, you’ll hear: what C.S. Lewis was really trying to do with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobewhat he wishes more people knew about his stepfatherPatti Callahan’s new book, Becoming Mrs. Lewis–what he thinks and about its accuracyFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/bonus-narnia/.

I ‘m willing to bet you’re like me, and relationships with your kids matter more to you than just about anything else. But we’re all pulled in a million directions. We’re all short on time. You know what, though? I think it’s easier than we think to focus on what matters most. Today I am sharing 3 simple ways to strengthen your relationships with your kids this year. Not one of these is complicated, cumbersome, or expensive. Because nurturing our relationships with our kids is within reach this year, no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in. In this episode, you’ll hear:  3 simple ways to focus on what matters most this yearhow to get out of your own waysome wonderful resources that will make it easy for you to build meaningful connections with your family ⬅︎ (you want to hear about these)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/120/.

Reading books together as a family is the best way to connect. We connect with each other, with the books we read, and with the big ideas we encounter there. In fact, there are four steps I like best when it comes to sharing books with our kids: Read aloudShare an experience around the bookTalk about itMeet the author or illustratorFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/snowflake/.

Would you like to read more in the new year? I don’t mean reading to your kids. I mean reading for you. Many of us want to read more, but we’re not sure how to make that happen. We feel like we can’t fit it in, or maybe we even feel guilty when we sit down to read something just for fun. This episode is just what you need! I’m chatting with Anne Bogel from Modern Mrs. Darcy, author of I’d Rather Be Reading. In this episode, you’ll hear: why it’s OK to prioritize your reading lifehow to read more (hint: we all have a bit more time than we think)why it’s just fine to quit a book that is causing a blockFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/119/.

In today’s episode of the Read-Aloud Revival, I’m answering your questions. In this episode, you’ll hear:  What to read after the Little House on the Prairie booksMy teen daughters’ favorite booksWhether re-reading/re-listening is OKHow to make sure younger kids don’t miss out on childhood classicsTips for sharing books with DadsHow I track the books we read… and more. Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/118/.

You’ve been asking for one, and this year, we made it for you: a booklist of Christmas novels to read aloud. If you’re looking for stories that will shape and form your Advent and Christmas season, you’re in exactly the right place. On this brand new podcast episode, I’m sharing my favorite Christmas novels (and short stories, too) to read with your kids. In this episode, you’ll hear: which books to read with your kids all through Decemberbooks that will appeal to the youngest kids and the “biggest kids” (you? Grandpa?) ;)one absolute favorite series that you should just grab right this minuteFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/117/.

We say it often here at the Read-Aloud Revival: sharing books with our kids is all about connection. This is true for all ages, but today we’re especially going to talk about the importance of reading aloud to babies. Our guest today goes so far as to say that our effectiveness as parents is in direct proportion to the strength of the bond that we have with our child. This is good stuff! In this new episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast, Pam Leo shares her wisdom about connecting with babies and toddlers through books. In this episode, you’ll hear:  How connection = effectiveness in parentingWhether reading to babies really matters (spoiler alert: It does… a lot!)Favorite books for babies and toddlersFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/116/.

There’s a common mistake that most of us make while reading aloud. The good news is that it’s actually pretty easy to fix! There’s one very simple thing you can do right away that will make your read-alouds better. Not only will it help your kids understand books better, it will also make you enjoy the reading more. Don’t believe me? Give a listen and see what you think! In this episode, you’ll hear:  The quickest, simplest way to improve your read-aloudsWhy this tip is so powerful – I’m sharing an example so you can hear it for yourselfA little bit about why so many of us fall into this mistake trap and how we can dodge it from now onFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/115/.

I met author, Susan Tan, face to face on my summer trip to Boston. Her middle-grade books about Cilla Lee-Jenkins have become favorites of mine to recommend, and she was every bit as fun as I thought she’d be! She’s also incredibly smart, and she’s writing wonderful books for our kids. On today’s Read-Aloud Revival podcast, Susan Tan and I talk about living a reading and writing life. This episode is for aspiring writers, those who want to see more kids reflected in literature, and anyone who loves a good story. (And pssst: If you and your kids love Ramona Quimby, you’re going to especially enjoy getting to know Cilla Lee-Jenkins.) In this episode, you’ll hear:  her experience learning to read and how that impacted her future careerwhy kids need books that reflect their realityher writing process … and you don’t want to miss this. It’s… quirky. 😅Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/114/.

We picture all of our darling children curled around us, listening happily as we share a story together… BUT … What if we have toddlers and teens? Or just lots of kids with strong opinions?! Is there ANYTHING we can do? YES! Today’s episode is all about finding the read-aloud sweet spot when you have a wide range of ages in your family. In this episode, you’ll hear:  why you should ignore common advice when it comes to reading to a wide age spanwhether it’s OK to read under some of your kids’ reading level15+ crowd-pleasing books that you and kids of varying ages will enjoyFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/113/.

You might have heard us say this before, but here at The Read-Aloud Revival, we believe that audio books count. Today we’re going behind the scenes to talk about how an audio book is made. In fact, we often prefer reading books on audio. Listening to a good book, well-read, is a wonderful way to fill your child’s life with beautiful language. In this episode of the podcast, I’m chatting with Lyssa Browne of Cedar House Audio Productions, about the process of making an audio book, voice acting and more. In this episode, you’ll hear: how to keep your voice strong when reading to your kidssome of the tricks narrators use to create interesting voicesall about my experience recording The Read-Aloud FamilyFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/112/.

Do your kids ever interrupt during read-aloud time? No? Just mine? 😉 Today we’re talking all about how to handle interruptions–whether they’re coming from the phone, the doorbell, the 2-year-old, or the chatty middle schooler. We’ll consider what’s really causing those interruptions in the first place, as well as how to set ourselves up for success. We’re breaking it all down and sharing solutions on this newest episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast. In this episode, you’ll hear: why interruptions are not a sign you’re doing things wrongideas for dealing with interruptions from newborns through teenswhat to do if read-aloud time doesn’t look how you think it shouldFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/111/.

You might know S.D. Smith as the author of the Green Ember series of books. He also happens to be hilarious – which makes this episode so much fun! At all five Great Homeschool Conventions in 2018, Sarah Mackenzie interviewed S.D. Smith live on stage. At one point, he flipped the whole thing on its head and interviewed Sarah. Hilarity ensued, and somehow they even managed to have a bit of serious conversation. Plus a secret is revealed: Did you know that S.D. named a character in his books after Sarah? You get to hear the whole thing on today’s episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast. You’ll hear: what it really means to write for childrenwhy the Read-Aloud Revival changed the name of its taglinewhat happened when Sarah met her “other favorite author” (scroll down for the photo that goes with that story!)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/110/.

Most of us can’t travel the world with our kids. But that shouldn’t keep up us from traveling the world with them through books. Today on the Read-Aloud Revival Podcast, Rea Berg and I are talking about how to take your kids (of all ages) around the world through picture books. In this episode, you’ll hear:  why no one ‘grows past’ picture booksthe joy and accomplishment that comes with sharing a book with all ageshow we can give our kids a heart for the world through carefully chosen booksFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/109/.

If you’re looking to read books for ancient history studies with your kids this year, this booklist is for you. It’s a short list of delightful picture book read-alouds for the whole family.  Why only picture books? Well… because picture books are worthwhile for everyone. Your high schooler is likely to enjoy these books every bit as much as your first grader. And I bet you’ll learn a thing or two, as you’re reading along. ;) If you happen to be short on time (am I the only one raising my hand here?), committing to reading aloud from a picture book is a whole lot easier than sitting down to read a novel or even a chapter book. Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/108/.

Dr. Michael Gurian is back! You may remember him from Episode 82 of the podcast, when he joined us to talk about the minds of boys (and why fidgeting is a good sign!). But today he is here to chat with us about the minds of girls. In this episode, you’ll hear: the unique learning challenges girls face (some of these might surprise you!)why we need to listen differently with our girls… and how to do thatIs there really such a thing as ‘girl drama’? (ahem)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/107/.