There is a day I remember like it was yesterday, even though it was almost 20 years ago. I don't remember all of the details, but I do remember it was MOPS day, and we were running late. I probably shoved snacks, water, and a pacifier into my diaper bag. I was likely repeating myself again and again, hustling my three young children to get their shoes on, to go potty, to get in the minivan, to go. I remember I was frustrated. Very frustrated. Why was it so hard for these children to just do...
21 days ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader, I don't know about you, but as we usher in 2026, I find myself longing for tranquility and peace even more than usual. 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 thrilled 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...
28 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, It's a new year, and that means it's time for a challenge. Not for you you, though. (Don't you already have enough on your plate? 😆) No, I'm talking about a challenge for your kids. The Kids’ Read-Aloud Challenge is a simple way to kick off a great reading year. During the challenge, kids commit to reading aloud for at least 10 minutes a day on as many days as possible throughout the month. When they reach 25 days, they win a reward! You'll be amazed at how much their fluency...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Last week, I watched my oldest daughter graduate with a Master’s in Theology and the Arts from the most prestigious university in Scotland. When I began homeschooling her way back in kindergarten, I had no idea we’d keep going through high school. I couldn't imagine that this five-year-old girl—a late reader, quite attached to her mama, rather nervous about new experiences—would grow up to travel the world. She'd live in Austria, Uganda, and Scotland… all before the age of 24....
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, 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? On today's episode, we’re revisiting an RAR favorite: Jolabokaflod (“Yule Book Flood,”). Today, we're going to talk about how it started, and how you can bring the magic of this (beautifully simple!) bookish tradition into your home this Christmas. In this episode, you’ll hear: Where the Icelandic Yule Book...
2 months ago • 1 min read
You know Reader? Since creating the first iteration of Christmas School several ago, I have met thousands of homeschool moms all over the country. If I had a candy cane for every one of them that told me Christmas School was the best part of their entire homeschool year… ... I mean, I’d have a lot of candy canes, that’s what. Here’s what I want you to know: doing Christmas School will make December unlike any other part of your school year. Your kids will learn a ton. You will have a blast....
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, It’s the merriest time of year at Read-Aloud Revival, and families everywhere are gearing up for Christmas School! 🎄 Each year thousands of homes join in, which means the Christmas School books sometimes sell out quickly. This year, two titles in particular — Cobweb Christmas and Apple Tree Christmas — are becoming harder to find. But don’t let that stop you from jumping into Christmas School. We’ve made sure you’ll have everything you need. I explain everything in this short video...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, 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 delight of sharing my conversation with the author-illustrator of one of my all-time...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Well okay, it’s because we have a lot to do, obviously. 🤪 So listen, Reader... Our homeschooling lives are pretty packed before the holiday season begins. And that’s exactly what Christmas School is for. It's your family’s guide to slowing down, savoring the season, and waiting in joyful hope for the birth of Our Lord. And goodness, I do love a whole month of school that feels nothing like school. :) What time of year is better for that than December? Thousands of families around the world...
3 months ago • 1 min read