Read-Aloud Revival ®

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 booklistsFind 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/.