It could be said that if not for a slightly impulsive email to Andrew Pudewa, the Read-Aloud Revival might not exist.

That’s right – today I am welcoming back Andrew Pudewa from the Institute for Excellence in Writing – who was also the very first guest on the podcast.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

  • why reading aloud matters
  • when to start literary analysis with our kids (the answer might surprise you!)
  • what to do if your kids want you to read all their schoolwork to them

Click the play button below:

Listener Guide

Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast:

  • 5:14 How The Read-Aloud Revival was born
  • 6:49 Why read aloud with older kids?
  • 10:15 What is reading comprehension really?
  • 13:03 Encouraging kids to read better books
  • 20:16 When should I worry about my late reader?
  • 24:09 Should I read aloud my child’s assignments?
  • 25:04 When should I start literary analysis?
  • 28:43 Homeschooling high school
  • 33:23 Let the kids speak

A couple takeaways …

  • Treat them like individuals.

“One of the worst things we do is we attach grade level to age, and then we assume because a child is a certain age, he should have certain knowledge or skills or ability and it never works out that way … Let’s treat kids like individuals and not get attached to the age-grade-ability paradigm that’s so destructive.”

  • What lights them up.

“It reminds me of the Charlotte Mason philosophy to give your child something to think about, something to do and something to love … Giving them the time and space and opportunities to figure out what’s going to light them up.”

Books from this episode:

(All links are affiliate links.)

The Bark of the Bog Owl (Wilderking Trilogy)
Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective
The Story About Ping
Bridge to Terabithia
The Chronicles of Narnia Box Set: Full-Color Collector’s Edition
The Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your Kids
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

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