They canceled Reading Rainbow for this little known reason- the importance of fostering a love of learning and the love of reading
As a homeschool mom and former teacher, I want to share something that is mind blowing
It involves LeVar Burton, the co-founder of "Reading Rainbow," a beloved 90s TV show that transformed countless children into enthusiastic readers—myself included.
I owe a great deal to my mom for celebrating educational programming, which laid the foundation for my lifelong love of books.
Now, as a 40-year-old parent striving to instill that same passion for reading in my children, I've come to a profound realization: reading has no limits.
Reading should never be viewed as a luxury; it is a necessity for brain development at every educational level.
Research consistently shows that having books in the home is directly correlated with success in school. (See the book “Game Changer” ) https://amzn.to/3P9P6XE
And see the Ted talk called “Read or else” https://youtu.be/LSGgPKoGNdQ?si=DXtxTVGDLD2X05xt
This is a message that resonates deeply with me, and I want to share it with fellow parents and educators.
In a recent conversation with LeVar Burton, I learned about the unfortunate fate of "Reading Rainbow." When PBS took the show off the air in 2009, it was primarily due to the constraints imposed by the “No Child Left Behind Act.”
Many people may not realize the implications of this legislation. While the intent was to ensure that every child learns to read, the focus became narrowly fixated on the mechanics of reading.
Unfortunately, this resulted in a significant lack of funding for programs that inspire a genuine love for reading.
In Burton's words, "Reading Rainbow" was seen as more of a luxury than an essential educational tool.
This is a critical point we must address. Reading is not merely about decoding words; it’s about fostering curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning. The joy of reading opens doors to new worlds, ideas, and perspectives—something that every child deserves to experience.
As we navigate our homeschooling journey, I strive to fill our home with books of all kinds, encouraging my children to explore and discover their unique interests. I want them to understand that reading is not just a school requirement; it is a gateway to imagination, empathy, and understanding.
See the great book “Book Whisperer” https://www.amazon.com/dp/0470372273/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_N8SM8EKR1QT4N3KA0H9X?linkCode=ml2&tag=christalmarsh-20
So, to all the parents and educators out there: let’s advocate for reading as a fundamental aspect of education. Let’s work together to ensure that every child has access to books and the opportunity to fall in love with reading. After all, it’s not just about teaching our kids how to read; it’s about inspiring them to want to read.
Comments