Read-Aloud Revival ®

What do happy homeschoolers have in common?Over the years, I’ve spoken with thousands of homeschoolers from all over the world. When I asked experienced moms what they do to cultivate peace and joy in their homeschool lives, I discovered there are five habits happy homeschool mamas often share.The good news is that YOU can adopt these habits, no matter what kind of homeschooler you are, what method or curriculum you use, what your budget is, or how many kids you have. You don’t need a new curriculum, schedule, or homeschooling philosophy. You don’t need to become a new person. It’s possible to feel happier about your homeschool, exactly as it is right now.Today, I’m sharing a recording of a talk I gave at several homeschool conferences last year about the five habits of happy homeschoolers and how they can help you have a happier homeschool today.In this episode, you’ll hear: Why building and nurturing relationships is central to a happy homeschoolHow getting clear on your real priorities will help you simplify and do lessThe way comparison–to others, to strangers on Instagram, to public schools–sucks the joy out of our homeschoolsLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/five-habits-of-happy-homeschoolers Order Dear Duck, Please Come! and Beyond Mulberry Glen from Waxwing Books.

What if I told you there’s an Icelandic Christmas tradition where the whole point is to spend an evening sitting around, sipping hot cocoa, and reading books?Sign me up, right?Today, we’re talking about Jolabokaflod, which loosely translates to “Yule Book Flood,” how it started, and how you can bring the magic of this bookish tradition into your home this Christmas.In this episode, you’ll hear: Where the Icelandic Yule Book Flood first beganHow Jolabokaflod is an invitation to slow down and connect with each other during the busy Christmas seasonThe only three things you need for your Jolabokaflod, plus tips from RAR members on how they celebrate Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie:Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/icelandic-christmas Order Dear Duck, Please Come! and Beyond Mulberry Glen from Waxwing Books.

"Marley was dead, to begin with."That is one of the most famous first lines in English literature. It comes from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, which is perhaps the greatest Christmas ghost story ever told.What is it that speaks to so many of us about this story of Scrooge and his ghosts?Today I want to talk about what makes this story so beloved and enduring–from its original bestselling release in 1843 through countless adaptations–to the place of fondness and tradition it has in so many of our homes today. In this episode, you’ll hear from RAR Premium members; Joe Sutphin, who did the beautiful illustrations for Little Christmas Carol; Samantha Silva, author of Mr. Dickens and His Carol; and some RAR kids on the lasting impact of Dickens’s tale and what they love so much about A Christmas Carol.In this episode, you’ll hear: Why we love A Christmas Carol as a read-aloud for the whole familyHow Joe Sutphin illustrated and populated Scrooge’s world for Little Christmas CarolThe real backstory of why Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol, which inspired Samantha Silva’s novelLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/all-about-a-christmas-carol Order Dear Duck, Please Come! and Beyond Mulberry Glen from Waxwing Books.

As homeschooling moms, we often focus more on what we’re not doing than what we are doing. We fret about the lessons we should be teaching or the projects we should be creating.But here’s what we want you to remember (and what we try to remind ourselves): what you’re already doing is powerful. It’s purposeful. And best of all, what you’re already doing builds an enduring family culture.In this bonus episode, you’ll discover the power of what you’re already doing and why the culture we create in our homes matters much more than whatever curriculum we use.Today, we’re unlocking our most recent Circle with Sarah Live, a regular RAR Premium event where I mentor homeschooling moms like you. After all, we believe that the key to a successful homeschool is a peaceful, happy, homeschooling parent.You’ll hear about all the things you’re already doing that make a significant impact in your homeschool. Plus, you’ll get an insider look at RAR’s framework for making rich and meaningful connections with your kids through books. There are cupcakes involved.Whether you’re ready to join RAR Premium or not, I think this episode will help you think about how you structure your homeschool and discover how the things you’re already doing have a huge impact on your family culture.Remember, you’ve got everything you need to teach with peace that transcends all understanding. You were made for such a time and such a homeschool as this. I’m praying for you.Books mentioned in this episode:James Herriot’s Treasury for ChildrenThe Vanderbeekers of 141st StBecause BarbaraA Place to Hang the MoonThe Power of MomentsWhere the Mountain Meets the MoonWhen the Sea Turned to SilverLinks:Find out more about RAR Premium!RAR #248: Nurturing Creative Dreams (Your Child’s and Your Own) Order Dear Duck, Please Come! and Beyond Mulberry Glen from Waxwing Books.

How do you know a good book when you see it?I remember walking into the big, beautiful children’s section at the library with my oldest, who was a baby. I wanted to find books to read aloud to her, but it was hard to know which ones we would love. That longing to find good books for my children was the spark that eventually became the Read-Aloud Revival podcast and RAR Premium community, where we’re always trying to find and share the very best books to read aloud with your family.Today, RAR Premium Coordinator Leilani Curtis joins me to chat about how we select the books for our booklists here at Read-Aloud Revival. We’re also going to share our best advice for being more confident in choosing books to bring into your home, whether it’s at the bookstore or the library.In this episode, you’ll hear: How our booklists can help you choose quality books to share with your familyThree quick questions to help you decide if a book is worth a longer lookThe qualities we look for in books we recommendLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/how-we-choose-books Order Dear Duck, Please Come! and Beyond Mulberry Glen from Waxwing Books.

A library should be a kind of paradise, don’t you agree? Author and illustrator Barbara Cooney certainly thought so. Barbara Cooney was an extraordinary author and illustrator of over 100 children’s books with stories that span the world, from the shores of Greece to the mountains of Appalachia. The more I learned about Barbara, the more I wanted to tell the story of this beautiful artist who, in every aspect of her life–from raising four children to traveling to gardening to winning awards for her illustrations–was committed to capturing the beauty in (and for!) the world.Because Barbara: Barbara Cooney Paints Her World has been nearly six years in the making. Today, I want to take you behind the scenes and introduce you to the team that made it happen, from the very first draft to the final, beautiful book you’ll hold in your hands.In this episode, you’ll hear: The many drafts, revisions, critiques, and edits that brought me to the throughline of Barbara’s wonderfully full and creative lifeHow the art team took on the daunting task of styling and illustrating the book to echo Barbara’s style without directly imitating itHow sound design and animation bring the audio and video books to life Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie:Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/making-because-barbara Order Dear Duck, Please Come! and Beyond Mulberry Glen from Waxwing Books.

Raising creative kids is a beautiful, worthwhile endeavor, but not one that is always neat and tidy! In today's episode, I’ve invited two of my good friends and fellow creatives—authors S. D. Smith and Carolyn Leiloglou—for a conversation on how our creative work as adults impacts our kids. We discuss everything from the challenges of nurturing creativity in our families to the influence of stories on our hearts and minds.  S. D. Smith is the author of the wildly popular and perennial Let the Kids Speak favorite Green Ember series and is a father to four imaginative children. Carolyn Leiloglou is the author of the middle-grade fantasy series The Restorationists and a homeschool mom to four creative kids.In this episode, you’ll hear: How connecting with the wonder in our kids fuels and enhances creativityThe value of boredom (a best-kept creative secret!) The nuances of how we measure creative successLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/fostering-wonder-and-creativity  Order Dear Duck, Please Come! and Beyond Mulberry Glen from Waxwing Books.

What if I told you that your homeschool could be relaxed, bookish, and ordinary? If you’re anything like me, that’s music to your ears. Our kids thrive–and we do too–when our day-to-day homeschool is relaxed, bookish, and ordinary. In fact, that's what over 726 experienced homeschool moms told me were the three most important qualities. Today, I’m sharing a recording from a session I did at a series of homeschool conferences  earlier this year called “Relaxed, Bookish, and Ordinary”.If you’re hoping that your homeschool can be any or all of those things, listen in–I bet you’re closer to it than you think.In this episode, you’ll hear: How a relaxed approach impacts your child’s ability to learn and your peace as a homeschoolerThe academic, personal, and relationship benefits of having a bookish homeschoolWhy you don’t need to strive for an extraordinary homeschool to do it wellLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:Read Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/relaxed-bookish-ordinary Order Dear Duck, Please Come! and Beyond Mulberry Glen from Waxwing Books.

Which of these two activities would be easier for you? Describe the best life you could achieve over the next twenty years.Describe the best things that have happened to you over the past twenty years.I know that as a busy wife and mama, dreaming for the future can feel daunting. As I was reading Jon Acuff’s book, All It Takes Is a Goal this summer, I was struck by how this exercise can shift our perspectives as homeschool mamas and mentors of our children. In today’s episode, New York Times bestselling author and speaker Jon Acuff is joining me to discuss how to actually achieve those goals amidst the busyness of daily life (hint: you’re probably already doing more than you think!). We’ll also chat about the book he wrote with his teenage daughters, How Teens Win: The Student’s Guide to Accomplishing Big Goals, which comes out September 10, 2024.In this episode, you’ll hear: How looking back at our best moments, big and small, can help us create a vision for the futureWhy it’s okay that your imagination for your kids is bigger than your calendarHow auditioning small goals helps you successfully transition from optimism and realism for yourself and your kidsLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/best-moments-in-homeschooling Order Dear Duck, Please Come! and Beyond Mulberry Glen from Waxwing Books.

Do you have a child who dreams of being a writer? Or maybe it’s your dream? How do you support those dreams and foster creativity while also raising kids and running a household?Today, I’m delighted to welcome back author Laura Martin, who’s giving us her very best advice for how to nurture your child’s creative dreams and your own.Laura Martin is the author of some of my very favorite page-turners for kids, including The Edge of Extinction series and Glitch, and she has a new book out, Wander Lost, that I know you’ll love too. We talk about the importance of capturing ideas as they come, what creative writing curriculum gets wrong about being a writer, and lots more.In this episode, you’ll hear: Why Laura says that ideas are like lightning bugsHow Laura nurtures her daughter’s creativity with time, space, and access to materialsHow Laura honed in on what she needs in order to write while juggling four childrenLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/nurturing-creative-dreams Order Dear Duck, Please Come! and Beyond Mulberry Glen from Waxwing Books.

We recently took a poll in RAR Premium about favorite reading genres, and it turns out that historical fiction isn’t just my favorite genre, but it’s the favorite of many of you as well.Today, I’ve invited historical fiction lover and award-winning author Anna Rose Johnson to join me to discuss just what it is about historical fiction that draws us in. We’re also chatting about the inspiration for her stories, her research process, and what her parents did to support her as a budding writer. In turn, she shares a ton of recommendations for her favorite historical fiction for young readers.In this episode, you’ll hear: How historical fiction sweeps readers through a portal to another worldHow Anna Rose breaks down her research process into stages so it doesn’t get overwhelmingHow re-reading helped Anna Rose develop her ear and voice as a writerLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/why-we-love-historical-fiction/ Order Dear Duck, Please Come! and Beyond Mulberry Glen from Waxwing Books.

If you’re a homeschooling mom, chances are good that you’re familiar with Sally Clarkson. She is one of the most beloved names in homeschooling worldwide, and it’s no wonder why. She homeschooled her own four kids to adulthood and has been writing and encouraging homeschool moms for decades. She also happens to be one of our most frequently requested guests here at Read-Aloud Revival.So we have a treat for you today! A few years back, Sally Clarkson joined us in RAR Premium and shared the advice she wished she could have given to her younger self. With the gifts of hindsight and experience, she tells us what she would have said if she could rewind the clock and whisper a few sage words to her younger self. She even broke it down into the advice she wishes she’d had at different phases of parenting and homeschooling! Now we’re sharing her valuable wisdom with all of you.In this episode, you’ll hear: Why you and your unique gifts and skills are the most essential part of your homeschoolThe key to a successful homeschool experience (hint: it’s all about you, mama!) How to cultivate trusting, open relationships with your teenagers that will get them through the hard timesLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/advice-to-younger-self Order Dear Duck, Please Come! and Beyond Mulberry Glen from Waxwing Books.

In the last couple of episodes, we’ve discussed the importance of fairy tales, especially in the development of the hearts and minds of our children.And you might be wondering . . . now that you know about the Gospel connections and symbolism of fairy tales, do you need to dissect every story and present all of the details to your kids?Experts say no. But it can be incredibly edifying for you as an adult!Today, we’ll discuss how to bring these “truer than true” stories into your kids’ lives and how deepening our own understanding of their symbolism and meaning enriches our reading lives too.In this episode, you’ll hear: Why your children don’t need you to point out the deeper meanings and connections in fairy talesHow fairy tales provide us an opportunity to shape our child’s lovesWhy simply reading fairy tales aloud to your kids is enoughLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: https://readaloudrevival.com/how-fairy-tales/ Order Dear Duck, Please Come! and Beyond Mulberry Glen from Waxwing Books.

How can our families cultivate healthy relationships with technology? We’re all trying to impose limits on how, when, and why our kids interact with technology. But in our increasingly tech-driven world, it can be hard to navigate.Writer Erin Loechner is joining me on the podcast to discuss her new book, The Opt-Out Family, and to offer her life-giving take on building lasting connections with your kids. We discuss everything from the importance of boredom to Erin’s practical and easy-to-implement advice for becoming unplugged. I hope this conversation leaves you inspired to pursue a life less documented and more delightful!In this episode, you’ll hear: What we can learn from tech about capturing our kids’ attention Why our kids need more space for curiosity, wonder, and boredom (and how our phones tend to get in the way)Why you don’t have to be all-or-nothing with technology Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie:Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: https://readaloudrevival.com/more-than-technology/    Order Dear Duck, Please Come! and Beyond Mulberry Glen from Waxwing Books.

Fairy tales are the stories that shape so many of our childhoods, but they are more than just whimsical tales for children.They can hold deep, gospel truth and offer profound insight into the Christian life. They have the power to inspire hope, ignite courage, and spark delight in not only our children, but in us, too. Fairy tales aren’t merely stories, they’re vessels of light in our modern world. They have the capacity to become companions to us, to buoy us along the journey. In today’s show, I talk about why fairy tales are worth sharing with our families, as they shape our understanding of the world and our own part in it. Don't miss our brand-new fairy tale book list! Text “fairytale” to 337777 or visit readaloudrevival.com/243 to see the lists. (They’re separated by age groups, and there’s something for everyone!) In this episode, you’ll hear: What makes fairy tales “truer than true” How fairy tales teach children about hope and confronting fearsWhy you probably need to worry less about “the weird stuff” than you think, and trust your gut on what your child is ready forLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:Read Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: https://readaloudrevival.com/why-fairy-tales/ Order Dear Duck, Please Come! and Beyond Mulberry Glen from Waxwing Books.

A picture book is an art gallery for the lap. 📚That’s something we say all the time here at Read-Aloud Revival, and today we’re going to introduce you to one of our absolute favorite examples of this.  We're diving into the enchanting world of illustrated picture books with Scott Gustafson, the master illustrator behind the breathtaking illustrations in the beloved Classic Fairy Tales picture book.Classic Fairy Tales is my all-time favorite illustrated collection of fairy tales, and it’s one of our picks for the RAR Family Book Club, A Fairy Tale Summer.Scott’s breathtaking work has captivated the imagination of readers of all ages. He brings these stories to life in a way that is nothing short of magical.And because audio alone could never do these gorgeous illustrations justice, we also recorded a video of our conversation, in which Scott shares many of his fabulous illustrations on-screen. You can find the video along with the full show notes at readaloudrevival.com/242 or on the Read-Aloud Revival YouTube page.In this episode, you’ll hear: How Scott’s use of light and color helps the reader journey through each painted sceneWhy Scott uses people, costumes, and objects as references in his paintingsScott’s best advice for budding artists and illustratorsLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the newsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/art-gallery-for-the-lap Order Dear Duck, Please Come! and Beyond Mulberry Glen from Waxwing Books.

Summer is fast approaching, and here's what we propose: a relaxed and simple summer that offers just enough structure to keep those long sticky days from melting into chaos... and just enough fun to keep your kids asking for more.Also: Fairy Tales. Last week, I did a couple of live workshops on three simple steps to have a Fairy Tale Summer with your kids, no matter how old they are.In today’s episode, I share the workshop recording, and you can also watch the video workshop that includes all of my slides.If you want to join us at RAR Premium for a Fairy Tale Summer, head to readaloudrevival.com/fairytale or text “fairytale” to 33777, and we’ll send you an invitation.Here's what we'll talk about:How reading fairy tales can make your summer easier (and more fun)The fairy tales Sarah recommends for every ageThe tippy top thing you can do to make sure your kids make delightful memories this summer (it’s way less work than you think)Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie:Read Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the Newsletter Order Dear Duck, Please Come! and Beyond Mulberry Glen from Waxwing Books.

Are you intimidated by the thought of teaching Shakespeare? You’re not alone. A lot of people struggle to connect to Shakespeare’s work, even if they really want their kids to be familiar with his plays. What if I told you there's a way to make teaching Shakespeare to your kids enjoyable for them……AND delightful for you? In today’s episode, Ken Ludwig, celebrated playwright and author of How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare, argues that the reason so many of us feel like we don’t get Shakespeare is because people don’t know why (or how!) to teach it. But figuring out how to teach Shakespeare well is worth it, because not only was he groundbreaking in his time, but he has so much to teach us about what it means to be human. Don’t miss this replay of our live conversation where Ken shares all his best tips on teaching Shakespeare to your kids and answers audience questions. Plus, Sarah shares her favorite resources for helping kids get excited about Shakespeare. In this episode, you’ll hear: How to break down passages for young kids one at a timeIs it possible to teach Shakespeare with a wide range of ages?What do we do with Shakespeare’s—ahem—thornier content? (After all, there is a lot of it)Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie:Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/how-to-teach-shakespeare Order Dear Duck, Please Come! and Beyond Mulberry Glen from Waxwing Books.

Can you believe it? The Read-Aloud Revival Podcast is ten years old!!That means it’s time for a party! 🥳🥳Ten years is a long time to have a podcast, but we’re not slowing down anytime soon. We’re having WAY too much fun for that.In honor of this milestone, I’ve got a Casey Kasem-style countdown for you of the top ten episodes from the first ten years of Read Aloud Revival.And as a way to say thank you to YOU for listening, if you leave us a review before April 30, 2024, you’ll be entered into our raffle to be one of ten winners of an exclusive, all-around fabulous RAR tote bag (these currently aren’t for sale, so don’t miss your chance to win!) Ready to party?In this episode, you’ll hear: Some of my all-time FAVORITE pieces of wisdom from our guestsHow the RAR team developed a few of our best resources for homeschoolersEssential advice for teaching from restLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the NewsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/top-10-in-10 Order Dear Duck, Please Come! and Beyond Mulberry Glen from Waxwing Books.

When you hear the name Max Lucado, what comes to mind for you?Max Lucado is best known as a pastor, speaker, best-selling inspirational author, and, in many Christian families, he’s a household name.His books are written for everyone—especially those who are hurting, lonely, and discouraged. In his writing, he constantly points his readers back to the truth: that God loves you and you should let Him love you. Max is also an author of children’s books, several of which are favorites around here. 😊Sarah invited him to Read-Aloud Revival to discuss his newest picture book, Just in Case You Ever Feel Alone, illustrated by Eve Tharlet. It’s a cozy, gentle book, perfect for snuggling up and sharing with your kiddos.How are stories uniquely positioned to help readers feel seen and understood? Which books did Max Lucado love as a child? And what does he hope his books will do in the lives of his readers, young and old? We dig into all of it.Listen in to hear: The power of stories to meet people where they are and touch their heartsWhy Max Lucado wanted to write a book about lonelinessHow reading with your kids builds their sense of comfort and safetyLearn more about Sarah Mackenzie:Read-Aloud RevivalWaxwing BooksSubscribe to the newsletterFind the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/max-lucado Order Dear Duck, Please Come! and Beyond Mulberry Glen from Waxwing Books.