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

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

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

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

At the start of a new school year, we’re all full of hopes for a year that means something. We want our kids to encounter big ideas, learn new skills, read wonderful books, and come out the other side of the school year richer than they were going in.That’s why infusing your home with 3 C’s— Connection, Community, and Confidence, can be such a game-changer for family’s school year.When we feel to connected to our kids, supported by a community, and confident to teach from rest and lead our children well…… that’s when we have a school year that means something.A good school year is about our kids’ relationship with learning, and our kids’ relationship with us and with one another.In this episode, you’ll hear:how membership can replace your literature program – really!how to get your kids to seek out the very best books without pushing or forcinghow to fill yourself up this year, so that you can better give back to your kidsFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/106/. To join us for the "Reading as Refreshment" Retreat on 1/31-2/1, sign up at circlewithsarah.com!

Do you remember struggling through early reader books back when you were learning to read? Was it all Dick and Jane? Was it … boring?Think about this: nobody asks you now, as a grownup, how old you were when you became a fluent reader. Know why?Because nobody cares.What age your child is when s/he learns to read fluently (whether at age 4, or 7, or 9, or even older) doesn’t bear on their ability to read well later on. Early readers are not consistently better readers when they are adults.What does matter, though, (and it matters a LOT) is that your child’s thirst and desire for stories is not hampered by the reading process.We want our kids–even through the slog of learning to read (and yes, it can be a slog for a whole lot of us)–to know that reading is one of life’s sweetest delights.In this episode, you’ll hear:why reading aloud is critical at this stage of the gamewhy your kids need to read words – lots and lots of words! – as they are learning to read (and how to help them get that)my suggestions for books that your kids will truly enjoy, and that will help you build warm memories as your child learns to love readingFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/105/. To join us for the "Reading as Refreshment" Retreat on 1/31-2/1, sign up at circlewithsarah.com!

I ‘m coming to you today with a simple tip that could make a HUGE difference in how often your kids pick up books for fun.In fact, it may seem *too* simple at first, so you’re going to have to try it for yourself!What is it? Put the books OUT. Face-out, I mean.Think about when you go to the library- are your eyes drawn to the picture book spines on the shelves, or to the face-out books on display?Do the same in your home and I bet you’ll be floored at how those covers will invite your kids to pick them up.A good book cover is simply an irresistible invitation to a child.In this episode, you’ll hear:the simplest way to get your kids to pick up more books on their own (and no, you don’t have to spend a cent or go back to the library again)how to keep the delight going week after weekand how to make the most of the books you already ownFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/104/. To join us for the "Reading as Refreshment" Retreat on 1/31-2/1, sign up at circlewithsarah.com!

I'm willing to bet that you are familiar with Gail Gibbons's work. Not only is she incredibly prolific, she is just one of those authors who becomes our go-to when it comes to learning with our kids. Gail Gibbons is the author of more than 170 books for kids. Primarily a non-fiction author, her signature style includes engaging illustrations and carefully researched topics.In this episode, you’ll hear:why Gail loves making non-fiction for kidshow she manages to fit such big topics between just 29 pages of a children’s bookGail’s newest book (out today!) which she is especially passionate about!Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/103/. To join us for the "Reading as Refreshment" Retreat on 1/31-2/1, sign up at circlewithsarah.com!

When I talk to and meet with other moms, I get a sense that we all want the same thing. We all long to connect with our kids. And, of course, we also want to stay connected – even in the teen years.Well, today’s guest knows all about that, and she’s here to give us some tips and tricks to be the kinds of parents our kids really need (and want). It’s a whole lot simpler than many of us make it.Dr. Meg Meeker is a pediatrician, parenting expert, bestselling author, podcaster, and maybe most importantly–a mom.I hope this podcast episode is wind in your parenting sails.In this episode, you’ll hear:how our kids’ identities are really shaped (it’s probably not the way you think it is)what our kids want from us more than anything elsehow to make the time we spend with our kids countFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/102/. To join us for the "Reading as Refreshment" Retreat on 1/31-2/1, sign up at circlewithsarah.com!

I don’t know about you, but I want to make some really awesome memories with my kids this summer.I don’t want the whole season to pass in a whirlwind of swimming lessons, camping trips, and sticky popsicle juice without getting a chance to look into my kids’ eyes, get to know them  better, and have some great conversations.If that’s you too, then this episode of the podcast is for you. We’re talking about three simple steps you can use to connect with your kids this summer in a meaningful and memorable way.No matter what ages your kids are, let’s make a fantastic reading summer.Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/101/. To join us for the "Reading as Refreshment" Retreat on 1/31-2/1, sign up at circlewithsarah.com!