Read-alouds
By Desiree Salcido, Support Specialist
If you know me, you know that I love to read books to my kids, and I am sure most of you do as well. There is something so special about gathering together with your children to enjoy a story. One of my favorite moments is when I finish a chapter and close the book, and my children cry out in unison, "No! Keep going!" until I open it back up and continue reading. Read-alouds have the sweetest way of pulling everyone into the same story to enjoy together. It has become one of the most precious parts of our day.
There is something about a shared story that becomes part of your family's life together. The characters you meet and the moments you experience through books have a way of sticking around long after the last page. And even as your children grow older and become more independent in their education, reading together will draw everyone back to learn and grow as a family.
It doesn't have to be perfect to be meaningful. You can read with a baby on your lap, for just one chapter, or for only fifteen minutes. Even if you get interrupted and have to pick it back up the next day, it counts. My family loves to celebrate finishing a book by watching the movie adaptation together. It makes for a wonderful family movie night that our kids truly look forward to, and a natural way to spark even more conversation about the book.
If you are looking for a new read-aloud to add to your day, our Bookshelf is a wonderful place to start. We also have our community read-alouds, which are books specifically chosen to be enjoyed by the whole family. You can find these books in the Literature courses for grades 1-3 or in the Citizenship courses for grades 4+. We would love to know what you are currently reading aloud to your children that they are loving — and yes, school books count! Share them in the comments!
Spotlight: May is packed with giveaways leading up to our Alveary 2026–27 Lesson Plan Launch Party on June 4th. If you’re a 2026–27 Alveary member, you’re already entered. Winners will be announced in Alveary Weekly and emailed directly. You can also earn bonus entries by sharing and tagging us on social media. This week's winner: Sarah S.Next giveaway: Printed Our Work Book from Humble Heart Press
Notes:
- 2026–27: We are adding more support and guidance to our Plutarch lessons. Take a peek at one of the new videos.
- Humble Heart Press: We have a new print partner this year. Humble Heart offers high-quality printing, all in one place, with improved shipping options. Printed lesson plan ordering will open in June.
- Alveary+: Syllabird recently released a dark theme by popular request. You can enable it anytime in your settings. They’re also rolling out a new drag-and-drop feature that makes planning even easier. If you registered for Alveary+ this year, check your email for your unique code to activate your account.
- Graduates: If you have a student graduating this year, please let us know! We would love to feature our graduates and celebrate all they have accomplished.
- Office Hours: Join us for a relaxed conversation with the Alveary team, where you can ask questions, explore the dashboard, and feel supported as you begin the year. RSVP here.
- Home Science Tools: Use code ALVEARY10 during the month of May to get 10% off your order. Only one offer code may be used per order. Discount does not apply to shipping, tax, gift certificates, sale items, or select individual products. Maximum discount amount cannot exceed $150. Offer expires on 5/31/26.
- Blue Orchard Bee: CMI’s online support resource for families teaching neurodiverse children. Check out the community and resources here.
- CMI Courses: Looking for opportunities to deepen your understanding of Charlotte Mason's ideas? Join us for a summer course.
- 2026 CMI Conference: We hope to see you this summer at Faithfully Present. There will be so much to take in at the conference. Be sure to check out the different “Tracks” to help sort through it all and find sessions that most interest you. Register today!
- Friends & Fellow Labourers: The first Friends and Fellow Labourers talk is this month. Join Amber O’Neal Johnston for “Parenting the Charlotte Mason Way,” a conversation on living out these principles at home. Saturday, 30 May 2026 | 3:00–4:30 pm Learn more here.
Have a wonderful weekend!
