The end of Reading Rainbow.

So.

I'm embarrassed to admit that I didn't know that Reading Rainbow was still on.  (In my defense, we haven't had television reception for, like, ever.  Or, obviously, cable.)

But that doesn't make me any less sad to hear that it is ending tomorrow.

From NPR:

Grant says that PBS, CPB and the Department of Education put significant funding toward programming that would teach kids how to read — but that's not what Reading Rainbow was trying to do.

"Reading Rainbow taught kids why to read," Grant says. "You know, the love of reading — [the show] encouraged kids to pick up a book and to read."

Here're some italics of my own:  While of course I understand that it's important to teach kids how to read (DUH), I think it's just as important to teach kids why to read, to get them excited about reading, to teach them the magic and power of books, and to inspire them to want to learn to read.

There's a conversation going on about it at Twitter:  #SaveReadingRainbow.

Comments

[Sharry]

Good times with Reading Rainbow!! I didn't know it was still airing new episodes... some old ones come on TV and I just watch it for the memories..

[Mairi]

I completely agree about it being just as important to teach kids why to read. In fact, I'm pretty sure I learned that before I could even recite the alphabet. (Thanks, Mom!)

[Str4y]

seconded.

[Brooke]

New episodes of Reading Rainbow haven't been produced for several years, but the reruns have been still syndicated as part of PBS' subcription. I'm rather miffed that it's being taken out of the package since my six-year-old son LOVES that show.

The same thing happened to Mr. Roger's Neighborhood last fall. No more Land of Make-Believe, sigh.

[Chad Aaron Sayban]

I agree completely. It's a sad day, indeed.

[Katie]

Oh man, really? I grew up on Reading Rainbow. Next to Seasame Street, Mr. Roger's Neighborhood and Barney I watched that show annually. When I watched it LeVar Burton was hosting it, I don't know if he still is or not. I, truthfully, didn't know the show was still on - I just assumed so. It saddens me to hear they are taking such a good show off of the air.

Children need shows like that to inspire them as to why to read. Shows like the "teletubbies" (does that even still exist?), though I know many children love them, teach them nothing benificial! Reading is highly benificial and Reading Rainbow may not have necessarily taught you how to read, but it showed kids why they should!

*Sigh* Where are all the good shows for kids now-a-days?

[Maureen E]

Noooooooo!!!!!! Man, I loved that show. :( At least we had good times while it lasted.

[Kelly]

Oh MAN. I hadn't heard. Phonics & reading fundamentals are fine and dandy, but what about the STORY?

You gotta love a good STORY before you can want to read for yourself! Argh!!!!!