Shouldn’t helping our kids love reading be the point of literature education? So why is it that most kids enjoy reading less and less, the further they get into their school years? And why do we insist on using literature curriculum when we know it doesn’t help our kids fall more in love with books? Today I want to share an easier, simpler, more delightful (and less expensive!) path to giving our kids a fantastic and enjoyable literary education.On today’s podcast, I dive into why it’s OK to ditch formal literature curriculum, and a better model for moving forwardIn this episode: our true goal for a solid literary educationwhat I do instead of using a literature curriculumwhy reading for academic ‘success’ is kind of defeating the purposeFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/196/. To join us for the "Reading as Refreshment" Retreat on 1/31-2/1, sign up at circlewithsarah.com!

Stressed about getting to all the books you want to read? Wondering how you can possibly read as many books as you’d like to with your kids? On today’s episode of the Read-Aloud Revival, I’m talking about that all-too-familiar feeling of “So many books, so little time!” If you’ve ever felt that way, this one is for you!In this episode you’ll hear…how many books should we be aiming for, anyway?what’s the best way to prioritize what to read next?is re-reading worth the time, when there are still so many books we haven’t ever read?Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/195/. To join us for the "Reading as Refreshment" Retreat on 1/31-2/1, sign up at circlewithsarah.com!

If your inbox is anything like mine, you might be experiencing a little “you-need-to-buy-this-for-Christmas” fatigue.I always like to remind myself that Christmas will come and the Baby King will be born, no matter what I buy or don’t. No matter what I get checked off on my merry-making list . . .. . . or don’t.No. Matter. What.Goodness, what good news that is. 🥰Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/blessings-pressed-down-shaken-together/. To join us for the "Reading as Refreshment" Retreat on 1/31-2/1, sign up at circlewithsarah.com!

Sometimes, it can seem like the holiday season is over before we even had a chance to truly celebrate. And so this year, we’re wishing you a relaxing read-aloud Christmas, full of plenty of cocoa, warm blankets, and snuggles with your favorite people.If all of that sounds like a dream – we’ve got what you need to make it happen. So listen in to this special episode, and Happy Thansgiving and a Merry, Merry Christmas!In this episode, you’ll hear:how to be more present this holiday season (it’s what our kids want most of all)ideas for the best Christmas picture books, novels and audiobookseverything happening at RAR to help you celebrate Advent, Christmas and beyondFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/193/. To join us for the "Reading as Refreshment" Retreat on 1/31-2/1, sign up at circlewithsarah.com!

When my kids were young, I tried narration in my homeschool.But instead of working how it was supposed to, it made my oldest daughter freeze with panic. She actually started hating books she had previously loved. Read-aloud time became fraught. And the quality of her education suffered for it.In today’s episode, I’m diving deep into the Charlotte Mason (CM) idea of narration, and offering an idea for what to do if narration simply isn’t a good fit for your family. In this episode, you’ll hear: What’s the goal of narration anyway?What my family does instead of narration (and we like it so! much! better!)A reminder of what we’re going for (spoiler alert: narration isn’t the only way to get it)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/192/. To join us for the "Reading as Refreshment" Retreat on 1/31-2/1, sign up at circlewithsarah.com!

If you have a child with ADHD or dyslexia and want him/her to love reading, this episode is for you. I’m sharing tips and tricks to help kids with ADHD enjoy reading and read-alouds in this episode of The Read-Aloud Revival.You’ll hear…audiobooks: help or hindrance?what worked for one of Sarah’s dyslexic kidsSarah’s go-to resource for all things related to homeschooling a child with ADHDFind the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/191/ To join us for the "Reading as Refreshment" Retreat on 1/31-2/1, sign up at circlewithsarah.com!

Looking for my favorite stories about Christian saints and heroes? You’re in the right place!That’s what I’m talking about in today’s short episode of the Read-Aloud Revival. (Heads up, I’m Catholic, so a lot of these titles will be of special interest to Catholic listeners. 🥰)There are lots of wonderful stories of Christian heroes, but these are some of my favorite short picks, perfect for mixed-age groups.You’ll hear…my favorite non-gory picks (because some of these stories can get… well, gruesome)recommendations for a wide age-rangeBible hero ideas (including a favorite on audio)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/190/. To join us for the "Reading as Refreshment" Retreat on 1/31-2/1, sign up at circlewithsarah.com!

Many of us worry about how screen time impacts our kids’ reading life. So how do we manage screens in a way that still makes it likely our kids will love to read?That’s the question I’m answering in today’s short episode of the Read-Aloud Revival. You’ll hear…the case for helping kids engage with screens in a healthy waytwo times a day we go screen-free at our househow to set goals to help kids want to read morehttps://readaloudrevival.com/189/. To join us for the "Reading as Refreshment" Retreat on 1/31-2/1, sign up at circlewithsarah.com!

If you take your kids to the library and they consistently choose books you aren’t excited about them reading… what can you do? That’s the question I’m answering in today’s short episode of the Read-Aloud Revival. You’ll hear…Sarah’s favorite places to check book reviewsan alternate way to get library booksdealing with silly books 🙃 vs ones those our kids really aren’t ready for 😬Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/188/. To join us for the "Reading as Refreshment" Retreat on 1/31-2/1, sign up at circlewithsarah.com!

How can we find books that engage both an 8- and a 4-year-old? That’s the question I’m answering in today’s short episode of the Read-Aloud Revival. You’ll hear…why we shouldn’t leave picture books behinda tip for keeping kids engaged with longer booksa few book suggestions! (naturally 😉)Find the rest of the show notes at https://readaloudrevival.com/187/. To join us for the "Reading as Refreshment" Retreat on 1/31-2/1, sign up at circlewithsarah.com!