Read-Aloud Revival ®

Nathan Clarkson grew up as an out-of-the-box kid living with ADHD, mental illness, and (thankfully) a very loving mother, Sally.The two have recently published their story in the book Different, which details how stories helped to shape Nathan, and how his mom came to decide that what other people thought about their parenting and educational approach was irrelevant.In this episode, you’ll hear:how books shaped Nathan’s out-of-the-box childhoodwhy Sally and Nathan are so grateful for the time they spent reading togetherhow stories can help during dark timesWhether you are parenting an out-of-the-box child or not, this episode reminds us to embrace our children, just they way they are, and inspires us to use books to help them along the way.Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/57-2/.

If you are unsure which books being published today are worth your time (or if they’re worth your time at all)… then this brand new episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast- all about some of the best books by living authors--is for you.We’re launching season 10 of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast with an episode dedicated to books that I’m confident can stand up with the classics, and that are every bit as good as your old favorites.Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/bonus-episode-living-authors/.

If you want to make more meaningful and lasting connections with your kids through books in the coming year, then I have a tip for you: Don’t try to read aloud every day.Not what you thought I would say? Well, then. You’d better listen to the rest.This episode of the podcast is the shortest yet– and maybe the most important. It’s only 8 minutes long.You’ll find out…Why you don’t need to read aloud to your kids every single dayMy simple technique for feeling good about getting to important things I get to… most daysWhat you won’t regret at the end of this yearhttps://readaloudrevival.com/rar-365/.

Jonathan Auxier has been a writer for a very long time, but he says he never really felt like he had found his place until he began writing children’s literature.Thank goodness he did!The New York Times best-selling author of what he calls “strange stories for strange children,” his books include Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes, The Night Gardener and most recently, Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard.In this episode he joins Sarah (and 13-year-old Allison!) to talk about writing for children, and why he’s so driven to connect kids with stories.In this episode, you’ll hear:his mother’s decision to homeschool him for a year so he could read for three hours a daywhy he always recommends other authors’ books too to the kids he meetsscary books and sensitive kidsAllison’s favorite books series (Jonathan hadn’t heard of it before!)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/56/.

What happens when you get three book-loving ladies together to chat gratitude and the best Thanksgiving books?In this episode, you’ll hear:there’s just a bit of excitementso Sarah orders a book on air! (We love it when she does that!)and then we end up with a big list of great books like the one belowSo join the whole Read Aloud Revival Team – Sarah, Kortney, and Kara – as we chat picture books, pie and our favorite suggestions for instilling gratitude in our children through stories.Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/55/.

James Daniels is passionate about many things – his family, his church, good food, gardening and education. He’s also driven to make sense of educational philosophy in a way that’s helpful for othersIn this episode, you’ll hear:about sharing enthusiasm for books with our kidshow our excitement about a book matters much more than whether the book has made it to the top of every book listhis favorite way to recommend books to parents and educators- it might surprise you!Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/54/.

Linda Sue Park is the author of more than 20 books- including Newbery Award winning A Single Shard (an astounding book and every bit deserving of the Newbery) and the world-changer, A Long Walk to Water.When we were drumming up ideas for who to have on the podcast this season, I knew one thing for sure: I wanted to talk to Linda Sue Park.I’m a mega-fan of Linda Sue Park, and in this episode, we take on whether children’s books can change the world.Do you think they can? Listen and hear what Linda Sue Park thinks – you might be surprised!In this episode, you’ll hear:diversity in children’s literaturehow books give kids ‘practice’ for lifeadvice for young writersFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/53/.

Although Melissa Sweet didn’t grow up a reader, she has always had a love and passion for creating, which shows in the beautiful drawings, paintings and collages she has used to illustrate numerous picture books.She also an accomplished author, and her most recent book is about the one and only E.B. White- the ma who wrote Charlotte’s Web, Stuart Little and The Trumpet of the Swan.Melissa joins us today to talk about:bringing E.B. White to life through her picture book biographyher artistic processand her favorite E.B. White book – it might be your favorite too, although it’s certainly a difficult choice, isn’t it?!Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/bonus-sweet/.

Tricia Goyer is the well-known author of more than 50 encouraging books for women, moms and teens. She’s also a homeschooling mama of 10, and 7 of her children came to her family through adoption.In this episode, you’ll hear: how reading aloud helped her to bond with her adoptive childrenhow although she grew up in a non-reading family, reading and writing has become a huge part of her family’s culturethe books that made her both a reader and a really prolific writerFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/52/.

Reading aloud is a treat, and Carole Joy Seid wants us to remember that every time we pick up a book to share with our kids.In this episode, she is joining us again to talk about the Golden Age of Children’s Literature. Some of these books may be new to you, and some you may have heard of before, but wondered if they would stand the test of time and still make great read-alouds. (Hint: They do!)You’re going to want to listen carefully – Carole shares tons of great suggestion with her signature enthusiasm from authors like:Lois Lenskithe d’AulairesHoward Pyle and more!These books will definitely help your family build memories around the moments spent cuddled together reading.Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/51-2/.

When it comes to activities for your preschoolers, do you often feel overwhelmed? I do. I’ve overcomplicated it in the past, and that’s left me a bit tired when it comes to creating a warm and rich learning environment for my youngest kids.Jennifer Pepito has re-inspired my enthusiasm, however. In this episode, you’ll hear:focus on simple play based on booksput connecting with our young kids firstmake learning to read more activeFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/50/.

When I first saw Rebecca Bellingham’s TedX talk, Why We Should All Be Reading Aloud to Children, I was so moved that I watched it twice in a row. Then I shot a note off to the Read-Aloud Revival podcast manager: “can we get her on the podcast?”And we did. :) You’re in for a treat in this first episode of season 9!In this episode, you’ll hear:the theater of reading aloudhaving difficult discussions around booksRebecca’s tips for sharing enthusiasm for books with our kidsFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/49-2/.

A whole lot of us get this completely and utterly wrong. Schools do it. Teachers do it. Moms do it. Well-meaning adults make an epic mistake in the education of our children: we make teaching a child to read our top priority.When it comes to our kids and books, our top priority is not to teach our children to read. It’s not to help them decode words on a page, learn their phonics, or bolster their reading comprehension.It’s none of those things.Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/most-important/.

We’re a whole week early! We couldn’t hold onto this podcast episode for another day without sharing it with you.Jamie Martin’s brand new book, Give Your Child the World: Raising Globally Minded Kids One Book at a Time releases today, and she came onto the show to talk about what it looks like to give our kids a heart for the world right from our cozy living rooms.In this episode, you’ll hear:how stories can knit a family togetherraising globally minded kidsand a brand new summer book club that you’re gonna want to know about!Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/48/.

If you didn’t read a whole lot of classics growing up, chances are you’re feeling a little worried about how to read them with your own children. If so, then this episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast is for you.In this episode, you’ll hear:keeping your wits about you at the librarystudying history chronologicallyread response journalingFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/47-2/.

In this brand new episode of the Read-Aloud Revival, we tackle one of the most frequently asked questions we get at the Read-Aloud Revival…“How much reading should I assign?”I’m chatting with Mystie Winckler about just that, and I think you’re going to get a nice deeeep breath after hearing what Mystie has to say in this episode.In this episode, you’ll hear:how to find balance with your kids’ readingwhat to do when we need to push a little morehow to know that we can back offFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/46/.

Picture books aren’t just for young kids…They’re companions for our children, and they’re powerful tools that we can use to connect with our kids. In this new episode of the Read-Aloud Revival, the whole RAR team gathers to chat up our favorite picture books (and how we use them).In this episode, you’ll hear:more giggling than usual. (Ahem. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.)Kara liken a particular picture book with a big bowl of macaroni-and-cheeseand SO many books reccomendations!Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/45-2/.

Do your kids like creepy stories?Some of mine do, and I’ve been curious about the role of both magic and fear in my children’s reading life. There’s no one better to talk to about this than the much loved and celebrated Christian author of the (fantastically creepy) 100 Cupboards series, N.D. Wilson.It’s a great day to share that conversation, because his brand new book, Outlaws of Time, releases today!In this episode, you’ll hear:thinking through fearthe pleasures of re-readingand all about his newest book, of course!Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/44/.

If you want to raise kids who read not because they can, but because they love to… you’re in the right place.On this episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast, Daniel Willingham and I discuss:what cognitive science tells us that will help our kids fall in love with books. (It’s easier than you think!)a new perspective on the role of technology in the reading lifeand books that formed Daniel as a reader– he has great taste! ;)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/43-2/.

What inspires you to be a better parent? When Greta Eskridge wants inspiration in her mothering, she doesn’t usually turn to parenting manuals. She turns to her favorite children’s book classics, instead.In this episode of the Read-Aloud Revival, Greta describes how reading books like The Yearling, Little Women, Caddie Woodlawn, and even Danny, Champion of the World have shaped and formed her into the mother she is today, and how they inspire her to be a better mother tomorrow.In this episode, you’ll hear:about Greta’s first job (in a library – in 4th grade!)being real with our kidsEskridge family favorite read-alouds!Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/42/.

Do you struggle when choosing fantasy books for kids? I am convinced that fantasy is a critically important part of nourishing my children’s imaginations, helping them to see and know the truth better than they could if they didn’t read it.And yet. I struggle.I never read much fantasy as a child, myself, and as an adult I have a hard time knowing which stories will nourish my children, and which are better to pass up. Navigating the world of fantasy can be tricky for people like me.Today? We’re going to talk all about it. Join Carolyn Leiloglou and myself for a conversation about how to know which fantasy books are worth our time and what it really does for the mind and heart of a child.In this episode, you’ll hear: how to choose good fantasy booksthe four kinds of storiesCarolyn’s favorite read-aloud!Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/41/.

We’re pulling back the curtain…Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes here at the Read-Aloud Revival?In this episode, you’ll hear:How we decide who to have on the podcast and which master classes to createWhat needs to happen in order to book an author for the membership Author Access eventsAnd how many hours it takes to get a podcast all the way through production(No really--do you have a guess?)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/40/.

What’s a parent of a special needs child to do about reading aloud? How do you choose books to read with a child who is developing at a different rate than his or her peers?Cheryl Swope, author of Simply Classical: A Beautiful Education for Any Child and mama to special needs twins, gives us the lowdown in this episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast.In this episode, you’ll hear: about the benefit of reading aloud with kids with special needschoosing booksCheryl’s advice for parents starting outFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/39/.

We want to model a love of reading for our kids, but honestly--who’s got the time? Anne Bogel does. Otherwise known as Modern Mrs. Darcy, she’s the best person I know to talk about how to fit more reading into your life.In this episode, you’ll hear: where to find good bookshow to fit reading in to the nooks and crannies‘what you should read next!’Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/37/.

It’s the hap-happiest read-aloud time of the year! I don’t know anyone who lives this out better than my good friend, Elizabeth Foss, so I invited her onto the show to chat up Christmas and Advent read-alouds.We’re so excited about this episode of the podcast, we’re publishing a whole week early.In this episode; you’ll hear:find the best Christmas and Advent bookscelebrate the season without getting overwhelmedand enjoy December with your family!Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/36/.

It’s a question we hear a lot around here… how on earth is it possible to read aloud to the big kids when there are toddlers mucking about? And reading with those toddlers themselves- well, that’s a whole ‘nother ball of wax.Girl, I hear you. I have six kids, and three of them are in the toddler set, so I get the challenges you’re facing when trying to build your family culture around books.In this episode of the Read-Aloud Revival, we discuss:strategies for keeping toddlers busy while you read to your older kidsideas for how to make read-aloud times with little ones successfulthe BEST books for little wigglers!Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/35/.

How does a family that follows a traditional school schedule make reading aloud a priority? We’re talking about it on today’s episode of the Read-Aloud Revival!Whether your kids are in school all day, or you homeschool but you feel very pressed for time, reading aloud can happen!In this episode, you’ll hear: practical ideassimple strategiesand give you some encouragement to make reading together a priorityFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/34/.

It doesn’t take long after starting a read-aloud habit to realize that there are a LOT of good things happening when you are snuggled up on the couch, lost in a good book with your family.But sometimes things get rough. And when that happens, it helps to get a bit more logical about the whole operation.In this episode, you’ll hear: the wide-ranging effects of reading aloudhow a short time reading together really can make a differencehow to help kids get better at listening to read-aloudsFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/33/.

In today’s episode of the Read-Aloud Revival, Kortney and I chat up the questions you’re asking most.In this episode, you’ll hear:our favorite religious book recommendationshow to keep your kids from getting distracted on your iPad when they’re “supposed” to be listening to an audio bookwhat it’s like to be working and homeschooling, and a whoooole lot more.Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/32/.

This may be one of the most delightful conversations we’ve had yet on the Read-Aloud Revival. If you haven’t met Rea Berg yet… you’re going to love me for introducing you to her. :) And if you know who she is, you don’t need me to blab on here -you just want to cut right to the interview!In this episode, you’ll hear: reading aloud for historynurturing the soul of your childand how books have changed Rea’s life (and how they very well may change the world)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/31/.

Have you fallen out of the read-aloud habit? It’s okay – I understand. I’ve been there 100 times! In fact, I’m just trying to get back into the swing of things myself.Getting back in the saddle is quite likely easier than you think, though. In this episode, you’ll hear: a handful of tips and tricks to make the transition as smooth and simple as possiblesome fun book ideas to get the whole family excitedadvice for keeping reading aloud simpleFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/29/.

We all want our kids to read over the summer, right? But how can make that summer reading both memorable and fun – a treasured childhood memory rather than another thing to do and check off our lists?For today’s show, I talked to one of my very favorite people on the whole planet--Pam Barnhill.In this episode, you’ll hear:ideas for how to motivate your kids to readhow to motivate yourself to read aloud to themand which books are best for summertimeJust wait till you hear some of the reading party ideas!Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/27/.

If you’ve listened to the Read-Aloud Revival podcast much, you probably know I’m a huge fan of The Green Ember. I think it’s the best book my kids and I read together all year long. You’ll understand, then, why I was so excited to chat with Zach Franzen, the illustrator of The Green Ember for today’s show.I was floored by how insightful Zach is – how much careful thought and real consideration goes into his work.In this episode, you’ll hear: whether illustrations help or hinder a child’s imaginationwhy illustrations deeply matterhow one simple sentence helped him to realize he was an artistFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/26/.

On today’s episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast, we’re answering YOUR questions! These Q and A podcasts are listener favorites, so grab some laundry, pop in your earbuds, and let’s go!In this episode, you’ll hear: what I do when kids are whiny and don’t want to listen to a read-aloudwhat to try when teens aren’t interested in the family bookand how I organize my booklistsFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/25/.

I'm trying something new for this episode of the Read-Aloud Revival Podcast. Instead of interviewing a guest, I’m chatting with you one-on-one.Something I hear about a lot is the struggle it can be to make the transition from picture books to chapter books and novels during read-aloud time. It’s something I’ve struggled with in the past, as well, and I’ve got a few ideas about how to make this as seamless and simple as possible.In this episode, you’ll hear: some quick tips for making the transition from picture books to chapter booksmy very favorite first novels and chapter booksand tell you my #1 tippy-top recommendation of them allNope-not gonna tell ya. You have to listen to find out. ;)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/24/.

This isn’t rocket science, Carole Joy Seid tells us in today’s episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast. It’s really very simple – read good books. The end. :)In this episode, you’ll hear:fabulous book recommendationssimple, practical strategies to help us make reading aloud a pillar of family lifecalming encouragement from a mom who has made it to the other side of homeschooling!Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/22/.

If you read nothing else to your kids this year, read The Green Ember. This is a book that will steep your family’s imagination in the good, true, and beautiful.The characters encounter tremendous difficulty and face them with indomitable courage. You will laugh, cry, and find your heart racing. You will wonder if you could possibly live up to the nobility and fortitude Heather and Picket.You will, in short, fall down a rabbit hole. :)I stumbled across The Green Ember during some random late night clicking and had no idea I had found such a treasure. After reading it with my kids, I started shouting about it from the rooftops and wrote to the author, asking if he’d please-pretty-please come on the podcast.Guess what? He said yes.In this episode, you’ll hear: heroic virtueholy imagination in children’s literatureand why I fell head-over-heels for this bookFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/21/.

We know we should start reading aloud to toddlers when they are still small, but somehow the logistics of doing just that are really difficult! Today I’d like you to meet Haley and Sarah from Aslan’s Library–a blog I love. Haley and Sarah focus most of their blog writing about beautiful and true theological books for kids.In this episode, you’ll hear:the nitty gritty of reading aloud with toddlers- a formidable age group to approach with a read-aloud, no doubt. :)how to power through the rocky spotswhy it’s worth itI’ve got a pack of toddlers in hand at the moment, so this episode is especially relevant to me.Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/19/.

If you only listen to one episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast, let this one be it. This episode is the humdinger of them all, if I do say so myself. ;)I have been dying to talk to Sarah Clarkson since the Read-Aloud Revival was born! She’s a busy student at Oxford, though, and it took a bit of finagling to get our schedules to play nicely together. Over the Christmas break we made it happen, and now I’m ready to share it with you!This episode is guaranteed to make your heart rate speed up and energize every single aspect of your read-aloud culture in your home.In this episode, you’ll hear: why the Read-Aloud Revival existswhy it’s so important to build your family culture around booksand what’s really at stakeFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/17/.

I never do this--record a podcast episode on the fly just because I’m so excited I can’t help myself. :) But today is the last day of 2014 and I want to make sure we head into 2015 and make it count by forming deep and meaningful connections with our kids.In this episode, you’ll hear:how you can start a reading streak in your home TODAYhow this one step will make a difference in your family for the whole year throughhow it really can be easy (pinkie swear!) to read-aloud each dayFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/16/.

Caroline Starr Rose has written entire books in verse. Now don’t be intimidated. Her book, May B, has been described as part Hatchet, part Little House on the Prairie, and part Out of the Dust.In this episode, you’ll hear: her books, of course!how to get started with poetry even if it’s as intimidating to you as it is to meher booklist (a-mazing!) I can’t believe how many of Caroline’s favorite books I hadn’t heard of beforeFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/15/.

Do you enjoy reading aloud? I know a whole lot of people who don’t. But just because you don’t enjoy reading aloud doesn’t mean you can’t build your family culture around books.Today on the Read-Aloud Revival podcast, I chat with Marie Ripple about how audio books can make a huge difference in your family’s habit of shared reading.This episode isn’t just for those who don’t enjoy reading aloud, though -- it’s for anyone curious about how to use audio books to leverage more read-aloud time in your home.In this episode, you’ll hear: where she gets themhow she finds them for cheap (especially during Audible’s Listener Rewards Month)and which devices her kids use to listen to themFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/14/.

Reading aloud plays a major role in a child’s life as he or she is learning to read--especially if he or she is struggling to learn to read!In this episode, you’ll hear: how often to read aloudhow much to prioritize itand which books are best for struggling readersFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/13/.

Alice Ozma is the author of The Reading Promise: My Father and the Books We Shared. If you read nothing else this year, read this book. I mean it.I swallowed it and immediately knew I had to have Alice on the show. The book is moving, funny, heart-wrenching, and is a big huge kick in the pants. There is no way you can finish it without being completely motivated to read read read to your kids.In this episode, you’ll hear: the power of reading aloud every single day for eight yearshow it formed a bond between her father and herselfhow you can work in reading aloud into the smallest spaces of your day (or night!)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/12/.

What keeps you from making the best use of your local library? For me, it’s the likelihood of losing my sanity. :)On this episode of the Read-Aloud Revival, Jamie Martin- editor of Simple Homeschool and blogger at Steady Mom– shares a perspective that we can use the library in any way that fits our family right now, in the season we’re in.In this episode, you’ll hear: some strategies she’s used for using the library without getting overwhelmedhow she’s formed a relationship between her kids and her local librariansand about how the way we use the library can change and evolve over timeFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/11/.

Heidi Scovel admits that she isn’t a read-aloud superstar. Reading aloud can be hard to fit in when you’re a busy mother of four! But she does know how to choose great books and has had a lot of success starting a book club for her kids called the Book Detectives.In this episode, you’ll hear: her kids’ favorite bookshow she developed her taste for the best literatureand the ins and outs of her successful Book Detectives groupYou’re going to love her. :)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/10/.

What can a university professor say about the value of reading aloud for future academic and relational success?A lot, actually. If that professor is also a mother of many, she’ll lend a perspective on fitting read-aloud time into busy family life, and the value of even five minutes a day spent diving into a story with your kids.In today’s episode, I talk with Dr. Catherine Pakaluk from Ave Maria University.In this episode, you’ll hear: why students who have been read aloud to fare better than their peers in collegehow she carves out time to make reading aloud a priority as a working mother of sevenand why even five minutes a day can add up to a whole heck of a lot of readingFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/9/.

Did you know that every book is a mystery, and all readers are detectives?In this episode of the Read-Aloud Revival Podcast, I chat with Lawrence Goldstone, author of Deconstructing Penguins: Parents, Kids, and the Bond of Reading.In this episode, you’ll hear: why you become a sleuth when you pick any book of the shelfhow ordinary parents can start parent child book clubssome surprising things about the relationships forged when parents and kids share books togetherFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/8/.

When I think of someone who fully embraces a family culture built around books, Melissa Wiley comes to mind right away. As a mother of six and author of several children’s books, she has managed to make reading aloud a central part of family life in her home.In this episode, you’ll hear: what creating a family culture around books looks like in a busy householdhow she considers read-alouds as she’s writing children’s booksher own (super helpful) tip for remembering accents and dialectsFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/7-melissa-wiley/.

Are you intimidated by Shakespeare? Do you wonder how you can introduce the bard’s work to your kids if you aren’t all that familiar with it yourself? Ah yes. You’ve come to the right place. :)I am a huge (HUGE!) fan of Ken Ludwig‘s book, How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare and I invited him onto the show to inspire and encourage you.In this episode, you’ll hear: how Shakespeare helps our children to be more humanhis thoughts about watching a movie or see a performance before reading a playhis favorite adaptions we can share with our kidsFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/6/.