Read-Aloud Revival ®

Why do we read aloud to our kids? Especially those who can read to themselves? 
This is a topic that comes up all the time at Read-Aloud Revival and it’s one I’m super passionate about. It’s foundational to what we do around here and I firmly believe it’s vital to our kids becoming lifelong readers. 
In this episode, we’re talking about the impact reading aloud has on our children, regardless of their independent reading level. Research shows that there are many benefits to reading aloud to your kids, and today, we’re going to focus on five of the most important ones.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
How books educate the heart as well as the mind, growing perspective and empathy
The incredible impact of reading aloud on academic performance, language development, information processing, expression (the list goes on!)
How reading aloud builds community, strengthens family bonds, reduces stress and anxiety, and enriches time spent together

Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie:
Read-Aloud Revival
Waxwing Books
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Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/why

Today’s episode is a special treat featuring the return of a listener-favorite guest who happens to be one of my favorite people, too. 😉
Back on episode 209, my eldest daughter, Audrey joined me to share her perspective on what it was like growing up in our bustling homeschool family. Ever since that episode aired, listeners have asked for updates on what she’s up to and how she’s doing. Suffice it to say, she’s had a few more adventures since we recorded that episode!
So I’m delighted to welcome Audrey back to the podcast to talk through some of your frequent questions about what has shaped her as a writer, the importance of boredom and wonder, and how simple conversations lay the foundation for imaginative language and writing. 
In this episode, you’ll hear: 

How read-alouds, audiobooks, and poetry shaped Audrey’s love of language
Why having experiences out in the world (even in your own backyard!) is essential for budding creatives
Our favorite way to help kids make connections and ask better questions and become better writers 

Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie:
Read-Aloud Revival
Waxwing Books
Subscribe to the Newsletter

Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/catch-up

If I were to ask you if your life ever felt tranquil, you would probably do one of two things: bust out laughing or look at me like I was from another planet.

I get it, I really do. 

Which is why I’m so excited to have the author of one of my absolute tippy-top recommended books with me today. Laura Vanderkam is a time management expert, mother of five, and the author of Tranquility by Tuesday: 9 Ways to Calm the Chaos and Make Time for What Matters. 

Laura suggests that to bring more tranquility to our abundant, unpredictable lives, we don’t need a perfect schedule, what we need is a resilient schedule. In the book, she outlines nine ways that will help us manage the chaos and live joyful, sustainable lives. 

It sounds much more accessible, right? Today, we’re going to talk about how we can actually achieve tranquility in our lives, even in the busiest phases of our lives.

In this episode, you’ll hear: 
How to reframe the way you think about how much time you have (hint: it might be more than you think!) 
Why doing something three times a week counts as a habit
The rule that gets the most resistance, and why sticking to it is so essential

Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie:
Read-Aloud Revival
Waxwing Books
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Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/laura-vanderkam

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 began
How Jolabokaflod is an invitation to slow down and connect with each other during the busy Christmas season
The only three things you need for your Jolabokaflod, plus tips from RAR members on how they celebrate 

Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie:
Read-Aloud Revival
Waxwing Books
Subscribe to the Newsletter
Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/icelandic-christmas

We all know there is no shortage of Christmas picture books out there. 

But for a book to make it onto my kids’ Christmas stack or onto a Read Aloud Revival Christmas Book List, it has to be excellent. 

And the books we choose for Christmas School? Those are the ones that go above and beyond excellent and are some of our most treasured, tippy-top favorite Christmas read-alouds.

Today, I have the author-illustrator of one of my all-time favorite Christmas picture books, Red and Lulu, with me.

 You might recognize Matt Tavares from his beloved books Zachary's Ball, Becoming Babe Ruth, or Growing Up Pedro or from his delightful Christmas books in the Dasher series. He’s here to tell us all about his writing and illustrating process, why he loves writing Christmas picture books, and how he created the enchanting journey of Red and Lulu.  

In this episode, you’ll hear: 
How he sets the mood for creating snowy, winter scenes even in the middle of summer  
What Matt always keeps in mind about his audience when writing picture books
The inspiration behind the tale of Red and Lulu and their journey to New York City

Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie:
Read-Aloud Revival
Waxwing Books
Subscribe to the Newsletter
Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/matt-tavares