We talk a lot around here about the incredible impact stories have on our kids. They build empathy and connection, letting us walk a mile in another’s shoes. And some stories also help us see what it looks like to be brave and courageous, even in the face of fear or daunting challenges.

Today, Audrey is back to talk with me about how stories inspire courage in our kids and ourselves and can connect us to profound truths, no matter how fantastical the setting.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How stories become companions to us through challenging seasons
• Which stories have shaped Sarah and Audrey’s own lives
• The ways myths can echo profound truths to us that feed our hearts and minds and inspire heroic virtue

Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie:

• Read-Aloud Revival
• Waxwing Books
• Subscribe to the Newsletter

Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/inspiring-heroic-virtue

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
• Subscribe to the Newsletter

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