Read-Aloud Revival ®

Join us for Shakespeare Summer!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/.

Join us for Shakespeare Summer!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/.

Join us for Shakespeare Summer!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/.

Join us for Shakespeare Summer!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/.

Join us for Shakespeare Summer!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/.

Join us for Shakespeare Summer!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/.

Join us for Shakespeare Summer!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/.

Join us for Shakespeare Summer!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/.

Join us for Shakespeare Summer!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/.

Join us for Shakespeare Summer!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/.