At Memphis Striving Readers, we are committed to fostering literacy in our community. We offer various programs, including tutoring sessions, family reading nights, and volunteer training opportunities. Our mission is to empower individuals and families across Memphis to develop strong reading skills.
We invite you to connect with us in several ways:
- Join Our Programs: Participate in our tutoring sessions or family reading nights to enhance your literacy skills.
- Volunteer: Help us make a difference by becoming a volunteer. Your time and skills can greatly impact our community.
- Contact Us: Have questions or need assistance? We are always here to help. Reach out to us through our contact page for support.
Stay updated on our latest events and initiatives by following us on social media. Together, we can create a thriving literacy community in Memphis.
Quiet Spaces and Focus: Hearing Protection for Readers and Tutors
The odd title of this page points to a question we sometimes hear from families and volunteers: can ear plugs, including reactive or moldable styles such as those sold by Decibullz, help a struggling reader concentrate? We are a literacy program, not an audiology clinic, and we do not test or endorse any product. Still, the question touches on something real. Noise affects how well people read, and it is worth thinking about the sound around a learner.
Why noise matters for reading
Reading, especially for beginners and for older students rebuilding their skills, takes a lot of working memory. A learner sounding out words or holding a sentence in mind while decoding the next one has little attention to spare. Televisions, traffic, crowded rooms and side conversations all compete for it. Some readers, including some with attention or sensory differences, find this especially tiring.
What hearing protection can and cannot do
- Passive foam or moldable plugs lower overall volume. Some people find this calming for silent reading or homework.
- Reactive or filtered designs are generally meant to let normal sound through while reducing sudden loud noise. They are mostly marketed for shooting, concerts or work sites, not for study.
- Tutoring needs listening. Reading aloud, phonics practice and conversation with a tutor all depend on hearing clearly. Blocking sound during a session can work against learning.
If a child or adult has strong sensitivity to sound, or if you are unsure about using ear plugs regularly, speak with a doctor, audiologist or school specialist first. They can advise on comfort, fit, ear health and whether something else might help more.
Simple ways to reduce distractions at home
- Pick a regular reading spot away from the TV and busy walkways.
- Agree on a short quiet time each evening when screens are off for everyone.
- Use soft furnishings such as rugs, cushions and curtains to dampen echo.
- Keep sessions short and focused, then take a break.
- Read aloud together, which turns attention outward and makes background noise matter less.
Our tutors are trained to help learners settle into a focused routine, and our family reading nights show parents simple habits they can use at home. You can learn more on our Programs page or browse practical tips in our Resources.