Hi Reader, When you think about the various work that goes into making a children’s book, research probably isn’t at the top of your list. It might not make it on your list at all! But research is often an essential part of the process. And I can tell you from personal experience that research can be a time-intensive, sometimes overwhelming, but often the most delightful task. Today on the show, we’re hearing from some incredible authors and illustrators about the research that goes into...
17 days ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, Wordless Picture Books Seeking a bit of quiet refreshment and respite after the busyness of spring? Wordless books invite us to slow down, make connections, and linger over a good story. Read Our Favorites The Latest Podcast One of the most common questions we get around here is "Homeschooling high school...how?" On this episode, homeschool mama and author of Their Future is Shining Bright, Rachel Kovac, joins Sarah to talk about everything from instilling a growth mindset in your...
24 days ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, I'm gonna go out on a limb and guess that when you hear me talk about RAR's Summer Adventure and hear me say things like: ...you feel like something like this: Maybe it sounds like: “I barely understand Shakespeare myself. How am I supposed to TEACH it?” Or even: “No summer school for us, thanks. My kids will hate it.” Can I just say? In fact, after last year's Shakespeare Summer program, we got lots of emails from shocked moms who didn’t believe me, either. 😆 But then afterward,...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, On the most recent episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast, my oldest daughter, Audrey, said something that stuck out to me. Audrey is the most well-traveled person in our family. When she was growing up, I got so many questions from well-meaning friends and family, wondering if I worried that homeschooling her would make her afraid of the world. Of course I was worried about that. I worried about everything. 😅 But homeschooling didn't hinder her... in fact, quite the opposite....
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader, How do we homeschool high school? It’s *the* question, isn’t it? A lot of us go into homeschooling ready and excited for the younger years. Then as high school approaches, things start to feel… a little more complicated. To say the least. Navigating difficult subjects, transcripts, college applications, and alternatives to college can be intimidating. It’s no wonder that homeschooling high school is one of the most-asked topics here at RAR. As many of you know, I have three kids...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, It’s a goooood time of year here at Read-Aloud Revival. The Summer Adventure (yes! Shakespeare Summer!) has landed, and we’re about to have a simple and utterly delightful summer. Here's my take on Shakespeare: It's not something you do for school. Shakespeare himself wrote plays to be performed on stages—for audiences and performers alike to experience the breadth of the human experience in all of its comedic and tragic glory. “Study” Shakespeare for school? No thanks. I’d rather...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, A Booklist for Your Summer Are you adventuring to any of the U.S. National Parks this summer? Or perhaps you're looking to travel from the comfort of your own couch. Whether you're spending the season traveling faraway or staying close to home, these books will give you a taste of the wild beauty of the U.S. From the east coast to the west, we’ve got something here for everyone. It’s a list of delightful read-alouds for the whole family. Your older kids are likely to enjoy these...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Around here, we believe that one of the very best ways to travel with your children is through books. Physically traveling as a family isn’t always possible for a variety of reasons, but by reading with our kids, we give them the gift of windows into unfamiliar worlds. Stories develop empathy and invite us to engage with another’s experiences in ways that can go even deeper than visiting a place in real life. Today, RAR’s Creative Director (and my eldest daughter) Audrey, is with...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader, I wonder if you ever get to mid-summer, look around, and think… Wait. What is even happening here? For me, this looks like the kids being on screens too much. 🫣 There’s also just more bickering and less reading than I want to be happening. We’re all glad for the reprieve from schoolwork, but long summer days have a way of devolving into a kind of...contained chaos. When it comes to giving you just enough structure to keep things from going off the rails, and just enough fun to...
2 months ago • 1 min read