Today, we’re revisiting a listener-favorite episode that has some advice and an activity that I think are perfect for this time of year in our homeschools.

Jon Acuff, author of All It Takes Is a Goal, joined me a while back for a perspective-shifting conversation about setting and achieving goals for our homeschools, and how looking back at our best moments, from major milestones to pockets of joy, helps us envision the kind of future we really want.

Jon also shares some practical tips for reframing the urge to compare ourselves to others, especially on social media, giving ourselves credit for what we’re already doing–because it’s definitely more than you think–and approaching goals with a “some is better than none” mindset.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How taking stock of your past best moments helps you be more grateful and present for the moments happening right now
• Why having dreams and goals bigger than your calendar is actually a gift
• A simple key to finding goals that work for you and your family

Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie:

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

Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/jon-acuff

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