At Memphis Striving Readers, we are committed to fostering literacy in our community through various programs and initiatives. Whether you are looking for tutoring services, interested in family reading nights, or want to get involved as a volunteer, we are here to help.

We encourage you to reach out to us for more information on how you can participate or support our mission. Your involvement can make a significant difference in the lives of children and families in Memphis.

Here are some ways to connect with us:

Thank you for your interest in Memphis Striving Readers. Together, we can promote literacy and empower our community.

Reading the Market: Using Everyday Topics to Build Literacy

A phrase like "cookware's share of the market" might seem far from a literacy program, but everyday consumer topics are some of the best material for building real-world reading skills. Adults and teens who are strengthening their reading often say that what they most want is confidence with the texts they meet every day: product labels, store flyers, warranty cards, news articles about local businesses and simple charts showing who sells what.

Turning a kitchen topic into a reading lesson

Tutors can use cookware as a friendly, low-pressure theme. A single pot or pan comes with a surprising amount of text, and each piece practises a different skill:

  • Packaging and labels teach vocabulary such as nonstick, stainless steel, oven-safe and dishwasher-safe, along with how to read warnings and care instructions.
  • Comparison shopping builds number sense. Learners compare sizes, materials and unit prices and explain in their own words which option makes sense.
  • Simple market charts, such as a pie chart showing how different brands or materials share sales, introduce data literacy. Learners practise reading titles, legends and percentages and asking what a chart does and does not show.
  • Recipes connect reading with following steps in order, measuring and planning.

Bringing it home

Families can try this at home. During a grocery trip or while cooking together, ask children to read an ingredient list aloud, find the biggest number on a label, or guess which product in an ad is cheapest and check the answer. These short, practical moments show young readers that reading is a tool they use every day, not only a school subject.

If you would like ready-made activity ideas, visit our Resources page. To learn how tutors bring practical themes like this into sessions, see our Programs. If you enjoy making learning hands-on, consider volunteering with us.