Tag Archives: read-alouds

Why I made John cry ... and 2 more reasons to read out loud

Have you ever read Charlotte's Web … and not cried at the end? When you're reading out loud with your children, I think those tears could be a gift. Sometimes we think books can "only" help kids develop critical thinking … Continue reading

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How Reading Sonlight Books Helps Children with Anxiety

When I was young, I remember being anxious. Not only was I scared of mice, snakes, and the usual assortment of phobia-inducing creatures, but I also was scared of going up and down stairs at night, worried about natural disasters … Continue reading

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12 More Books from American History That Teach Empathy

Here is yet another collection of great titles taken from Sonlight Readers and Read-Alouds that teach empathy. When you read a book, you put yourself in the characters' shoes, seeing the world through their eyes, and experiencing their feelings. This … Continue reading

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25 Ways to Satisfy the Wiggle Worm Urge During Read-Alouds

If I told you my children were always perfectly still, quiet, and attentive during our Read-Alouds, I would be lying. Don’t get me wrong. My children thoroughly enjoy reading time, so it’s not a lack of interest that distracts them … Continue reading

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Why I’m Glad Sonlight Includes Hard Books

I’m the oldest in a family of seven children that has used Sonlight curriculum since the 90s. I've noticed that certain books have become legends of family lore. These are usually the harder books—the books that have challenged us, broken … Continue reading

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10 Can't-Miss Read-Alouds for the Early Years

I’ll begin my eighth year teaching my children with Sonlight curriculum this fall, and while my children have enjoyed it thoroughly, I have to admit that I have more fun than anyone! Let’s just say that my kids never have … Continue reading

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12 Books That Teach Empathy for Ages 6-8

Great books do more than build comprehension skills, develop rich vocabularies, and lay the foundation of cultural literacy. Yes, they do all of that in the academic realm. But they do so much more in the aesthetic arena, too. When … Continue reading

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