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/. To join us for the "Reading as Refreshment" Retreat on 1/31-2/1, sign up at circlewithsarah.com!

January is one of the most exciting months of the year here at RAR. Why? Because it’s time for our 31-Day Read-Aloud Challenge, our most popular event of all.Participants tell us that this simple challenge transforms their kids’ relationships with reading.I know. That sounds like an exaggeration. But…well…see for yourself!It’s kind of hard to believe something this simple can make such a huge difference, so you’ll have try it to believe it.And there’s no reason not to: this is a Challenge for your kids (not for you, which means nothing is being added to your to-do list, cue the hallelujah chorus), and… it’s FREE.The 31-Day Read-Aloud Challenge will nurture family relationships while helping your kids fall in love with books.Your kids will start their brand new year by connecting with ideas, books, and (best of all!) each other.Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/31-days-2019/. To join us for the "Reading as Refreshment" Retreat on 1/31-2/1, sign up at circlewithsarah.com!

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/. To join us for the "Reading as Refreshment" Retreat on 1/31-2/1, sign up at circlewithsarah.com!

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/. To join us for the "Reading as Refreshment" Retreat on 1/31-2/1, sign up at circlewithsarah.com!

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/. To join us for the "Reading as Refreshment" Retreat on 1/31-2/1, sign up at circlewithsarah.com!

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/. To join us for the "Reading as Refreshment" Retreat on 1/31-2/1, sign up at circlewithsarah.com!

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/. To join us for the "Reading as Refreshment" Retreat on 1/31-2/1, sign up at circlewithsarah.com!

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/. To join us for the "Reading as Refreshment" Retreat on 1/31-2/1, sign up at circlewithsarah.com!

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/. To join us for the "Reading as Refreshment" Retreat on 1/31-2/1, sign up at circlewithsarah.com!

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/. To join us for the "Reading as Refreshment" Retreat on 1/31-2/1, sign up at circlewithsarah.com!