In this episode of the Everyday Educator podcast, host Delise Germond sits down with her mother and longtime homeschooling veteran Chelly Barnard to talk about why reading is the single most important skill you can give your child. From raising reluctant readers and navigating learning challenges, to building a lifelong love of books through read-alouds and classical education — this conversation is packed with practical encouragement for every homeschool mom.

Chelly and Delise get honest about their own reading journeys — including what it looked like to struggle, to teach differently, and to fall in love with books later in life. You'll hear real strategies for helping kids who resist reading, advice on when to seek outside help, and why classical Christian education uniquely positions homeschool families to raise voracious, articulate readers.

The episode wraps with a rich list of book recommendations — from Fahrenheit 451 and Stepping Heavenward to Winnie the Pooh and Beatrix Potter — plus a reference to Mortimer Adler's beloved essay "How to Mark a Book."

Whether your child loves reading or avoids it, this episode will encourage and equip you to make books a central part of your homeschool life.

This episode of Everyday Educator is sponsored by:

Classical Conversations just released "The Habits of a Classical Education"—the long-awaited successor to "The Core." This resource helps you naturally integrate the Five Core Habits into daily life, enabling classical, Christian education where relationships and lifelong learning flourish.

It's here! Order your copy of "The Habits of a Classical Education: Practicing the Art of Grammar" during the April sale!