What does having a happy homeschool mean to you?

How would you describe it? What would you be doing?

Our homeschools are all unique. We have different kids, different spouses, different resources, different homes, different demands on our time and energy. And yet I have a hunch that when we think about what having a happy homeschool means, our answers would be remarkably similar.

As many of us are getting into the swing of a new school year, I want to revisit a topic that I think is incredibly important to keep in mind so that you can actually enjoy your homeschool this year.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• The one word we want our homeschools to emulate
• Why your peace and contentment as a homeschool mama matters more than curriculum
• The five things moms told us again and again about having a happy homeschool (with a handy acronym!)

Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie:

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

Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/homeschool-habits

Today, I have a very special treat for you! This spring, our publishing imprint here at RAR, Waxwing Books, celebrated the release of Painting Wonder: How Pauline Baynes Illustrated the Worlds of C. S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien at one of my favorite bookstores, Fabled Bookshop in Waco, Texas.

I had so much fun talking to Painting Wonder’s incredibly talented author and illustrator, Katie Wray Schon, about this picture book biography of the fascinating woman behind the iconic illustrations in the works of C. S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.

We knew this conversation would be too good to keep to ourselves, so we recorded it, and now we’re sharing it with you!

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why Katie wanted to write and illustrate a picture book about Pauline Baynes
• Katie’s process for writing, illustrating, and revising a page-turning book
• What Katie would go back and tell her younger self, plus her favorite resources for aspiring authors and illustrators

Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie:

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

Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/painting-wonder-launch

One of the all-time most useful things I’ve implemented in my homeschool is Quiet Reading Time.

I did Quiet Reading Time with my three eldest kids, who are now in college and beyond, during the most hectic years when I had all six at home (three of whom were babies at the time!), and I still do it with those younger three today. It has made a bigger difference in our homeschool than almost anything else.

It isn’t always quiet. And it isn’t always reading, in the most traditional sense. But it is incredibly effective, and it’s still my kids’ favorite part of the day.

In this episode, I’m going to talk all about how to bring Quiet Reading Time into your homeschool.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why and how Quiet Reading Time can simplify your curriculum
• What Quiet Reading Time does for your kids (and for you!)
• How to manage reading time with littles underfoot

Learn more about Sarah Mackenzie:

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

Find the rest of the show notes at: readaloudrevival.com/quiet-reading-time