I would be willing to bet that if you’re reading this, you’re hoping to raise kids who love reading. Think back for a second. Were the books you were assigned in school the same books you stayed up reading under the covers, late at night with a flashlight?
When you were done writing the book report or the essay, did you eagerly start the book over, only to dive back into the utter delight of losing yourself in the story?
Would you say those books became one of your childhood’s sweetest delights? Or were you just relieved to have “done” the book?
See, all kids love stories when they are younger. Loving stories isn’t the problem.
The problem arises when reading becomes something we do for school—for a grade or an assignment.
The problem arises when our kids start to see reading as something on their list of to-do’s, rather than as one of life’s sweetest delights.
Today, we’re turning that on its head.
See, we have the opportunity to engage our kids with books differently– in a way that helps them love a book more after they’ve read it (rather than relieved that they’re done with the book).
It’s simple and doable, and on this episode of the Read-Aloud Revival, I’m breaking it down. Want to help your kids love reading? Don’t miss this one.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- 4 simple steps you can take to change the way your kids interact with books… for the better
- why this will be a game-changer for your child’s reading life
If you’d like a one-page printable guide that breaks down the four steps I talk about in this episode, just text REVIVAL to the number 33777, or enter your email below:
Get the Printable 4-step Guide
Want my notes on this one so you don't forget the 4 steps? Where should I send them?
Listener Guide
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Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast:
| 1:31 | The biggest difference and best impact |
| 4:37 | Leave kids wanting more |
| 5:14 | A simple 4-step process |
| 6:59 | Step 1: Read aloud |
| 7:50 | Step 2: Share an experience |
| 9:10 | An example: Dinner with the Beavers |
| 13:14 | Step 3: Talk about it |
| 18:52 | Step 4: The Gravy |
| 22:39 | Helping our kids become readers for life |
| 24:18 | Creating a ‘storehouse of wonderful memories’ |
| 25:19 | Let the Kids Speak |
Links from this episode:
- Get these 4-steps in a handy printable PDF by texting the word REVIVAL to 33777
- Get access to the FREE RAR Booklist
- Want to get in on this 4-step action every single month along with our community? We do it in our Premium Family Book Club.
Quote to remember:
“Books are powerful. Sharing those books together is like jet fuel for our family bonding and our kids’ academic and social and emotional success.” – Sarah Mackenzie
“It’s magical to meet the person behind that book that you’ve been loving with your family, that you’ve celebrated with food, that you’ve been talking about. Trust me– it takes things to a different level.” – Sarah Mackenzie
“If you only did this once a year for a handful of years, your kids would have a handful of life-changing memories about books. They’ll have this storehouse of wonderful memories.” – Sarah Mackenzie
Get the Printable 4-step Guide
Want my notes on this one so you don't forget the 4 steps? Where should I send them?
Books from this episode:
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
Beauty from Beatrix Potter. This is the sweet tale of Peter, who sneaks into Mr. McGregor’s garden and learns an important lesson -- mama bunny is usually right!
More info →
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (The Chronicles of Narnia, Book 2)
FROM THE PUBLISHER
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is the second book in C. S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia, a series that has become part of the canon of classic literature, drawing readers of all ages into a magical land with unforgettable characters for over fifty years.
FROM SARAH
If you're looking for a story to inspire heroic virtue, and sweep everyone away in an unforgettable tale, The Chronicles of Narnia cannot be outdone. I recommend beginning the series with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (you can circle back to The Magician's Nephew at the very end.)
More info →
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Not as scary as the movie, this is a fabulous read-aloud for a wide range of ages. This audio book version is also delightful.
More info →
Make Way for Ducklings
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Another classic from Robert McCloskey! Mr. and Mrs. Mallard are searching for the perfect place to raise their family. Will they find a place to call home?
More info →
The Read-Aloud Handbook: Seventh Edition
**Description from Amazon: The classic million-copy bestselling handbook on reading aloud to children—revised and updated Recommended by "Dear Abby" upon its first publication in 1982, millions of parents and educators have turned to Jim Trelease’s beloved classic for more than three decades to help countless children be...
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Teaching from Rest: A Homeschooler’s Guide to Unshakable Peace
FROM SARAH:
This was the first book I wrote—and I wrote it because I needed it myself. If you've ever felt overwhelmed or out of your depth in homeschooling (or parenting), I hope you'll read it. The audio book is an especially good price.
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Those who have made the decision to homeschool their children have done so out of great love for them and a desire to provide them an excellent education in the context of a warm, enriching home. Yet so many parents (mainly mothers) who have taken up this challenge find the enterprise often full of stress, worry, and anxiety. In this practical and faith-based book, Sarah Mackenzie addresses the possibility of teaching from rest and taking hold of the peace that transcends all understanding.
More info →
The Circus Ship
When a circus ship runs aground off the coast of Maine, the poor animals are left on their own to swim the chilly waters. What will happen next? Your kids can meet author/illustrator Chris Van Dusen at his Author Access video replay in RAR Premium.
More info →
Patrick, Patron Saint of Ireland
**Description from Amazon: The story of Patrick’s life, from his noble birth in Britain, to his being captured and taken to Ireland by a group of bandits, to the “dreams” that led him to convert the Irish people to the Christian faith. DePaola also retells several well-known legends, including the story of how Patrick g...
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Locomotive
It's the summer of 1869, and trains, crews, and family are traveling together, riding America’s brand-new transcontinental railroad. Brian Floca's picture books can hardly be matched. Come listen to him talk about this one in particular (and give us a little painting demonstration) at his Author Access replay in RAR Premium.
More info →
The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread
A brave mouse, a covetous rat, a wishful serving girl, and a princess named Pea come together in this award-winning tale of adventure, hope, and light. Don't miss the Author Access where Kate DiCamillo answers questions about this book in RAR Premium.
More info →
The Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your Kids
FROM SARAH:
I wrote this book as a love note, of sorts, to the Read-Aloud Revival community. You'll find practical tips, inspiring stories, and booklists for every age. The audio book won was nominated for an Audie Award!
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
USA Today Bestseller | The stories we read--and the conversations we have about them--help shape family traditions, create lifelong memories, and become part of our legacy. Reading aloud not only has the power to change a family--it has the power to change the world.
More info →
Fin M’Coul: The Giant of Knockmany Hill
**Description from Amazon: When the fiercest giant in all of Ireland comes knocking at his door, what can peaceful Fin M'Coul do to escape him? An ALA Notable Book, by the bestselling author-illustrator of Strega Nona, Quiet, and many more. Fin M'Coul lives atop windy Knockmany Hill, and spends his days with the other giants ...
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Goldfish on Vacation
**Description from Amazon: From a New York Times bestselling author and a rising-star illustrator comes a humorous tale based on an amazing-but-true story about the summer a city fountain was used as a goldfish pond. H, Little O, and Baby Em are stuck in the city for the summer with only their pet goldfish—Barracuda, Pat...
More info →
