The beloved children’s program “Reading Rainbow” made its comeback on October 1, 2023, offering a free platform for its new host, Mychal Threets, to inspire a new generation of readers. The revival occurs at a critical time as national reading scores for children have shown concerning declines, raising alarms among educators and parents alike.
National Literacy Crisis
According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), reading scores for fourth and eighth graders dropped by two points in the past year. This decline marks a continuation of a troubling trend from 2019 to 2022, where less than one-third of students in these grades achieved proficiency in reading. The situation is even more dire among high school seniors, whose scores fell by three points, the lowest recorded in NAEP history.
The causes of this downturn are multifaceted. Factors such as economic disparities, environmental challenges, and excessive screen time have been identified as significant contributors to the decline in literacy. Research from Reading is Fundamental indicates that approximately 80% of children from low-income backgrounds lose reading skills during summer breaks due to insufficient access to books and educational resources. Additionally, a study published in the JAMA Network suggests that prolonged social media use can impair memory and cognitive skills.
In contrast, Virginia has seen modest improvements in reading scores post-pandemic, although no other states reported gains for fourth or eighth graders last year. The Virginia Literacy Act, passed in 2022, aims to enhance early literacy outcomes, with its full implementation set to begin in 2024.
Strategies for Improvement
Experts emphasize the importance of instilling reading habits early on. Valerie Robnolt, an associate professor at Virginia Commonwealth University with over two decades of experience in education, highlights the need to motivate children to read beyond simple word recognition. “We must encourage students not just to read short passages but to delve into the joy of reading,” she stated. Robnolt advocates for read-aloud sessions using high-quality literature to model fluent reading.
Robnolt also encourages parents to engage with their children during reading activities by asking questions and prompting discussions about the storylines. This interactive approach can help children develop critical comprehension skills.
The return of “Reading Rainbow” to a free platform is particularly significant for families who may lack access to reading materials. Robnolt asserts that many parents of disadvantaged children may be unable to dedicate time to reading or afford the necessary resources. Callee Boulware, the South Carolina regional director of the Reach Out and Read program, echoes this sentiment, stressing the importance of parent-child engagement during reading sessions.
“Parents need to lead by example and foster strong reading habits,” Boulware noted. The program focuses on providing reading materials and promoting bonding between parents and children from birth to age five.
Amid these challenges, Beth Morris, the youth services coordinator at the Richmond Public Library, offers practical advice for parents. In an email, she remarked that while many parents listen to their children read, they often neglect to ask questions about the content. “They are just checking off that reading was done,” Morris observed, suggesting that quizzing children during reading can enhance their understanding.
The Impact of Censorship on Literacy
The original host of “Reading Rainbow,” LeVar Burton, remains a prominent advocate for reading and literacy. He recently addressed the issue of book censorship during the 2023 Banned Books Week, stating that “books are under attack” due to misguided censorship efforts. In Virginia, over 200 books have been removed from libraries in the past five years, with 75% of these removals concentrated in five counties.
Many of the titles on the removal list tackle themes of racial inequality, sexuality, and social issues. Local school boards make decisions about library materials, often responding to community advocacy aimed at removing what some consider harmful content. The Joint Legislative and Audit Review Commission (JLARC) reported that some school boards misinterpreted a 2022 law regarding sexually explicit reading material, leading to unnecessary book removals.
Robnolt advocates for maintaining a diverse selection of developmentally appropriate books in libraries. “We shouldn’t be taking books out,” she emphasized, underscoring the importance of diverse literature for students’ educational growth.
As “Reading Rainbow” continues to release new episodes on the KidZuko YouTube channel, its impact on literacy remains to be seen. The commitment to fostering a love for reading among children is crucial as educational leaders strive to address the ongoing literacy crisis.
