At Memphis Striving Readers, we believe in the power of community and literacy. Our program focuses on providing essential tutoring services, organizing family reading nights, and offering volunteer training throughout Memphis. We are committed to fostering a love for reading and supporting families in their literacy journey.
We invite you to connect with us in various ways:
- Join Our Events: Participate in our family reading nights and community gatherings to engage with other families and enhance your reading skills.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Become a part of our mission by volunteering. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of children and families in Memphis.
- Contact Us: We are always here to help. Reach out to us for any inquiries or to learn more about our programs.
Stay updated on our latest news and events by following us on social media. Together, we can make a positive impact on literacy in our community.
Reading Together Beyond the Tutoring Table
Strong readers are rarely made in a single weekly session. The habits that matter most, such as talking about stories, noticing words in everyday life and reading a little every day, grow at home, on the bus and at the kitchen table. That is why our work with Memphis families goes beyond tutoring. It also covers simple routines that keep reading alive between visits.
Small habits that make a real difference
- Read aloud, even to older children. Hearing fluent reading builds vocabulary and comprehension long after a child can read independently.
- Ask open questions. Instead of asking whether they liked the book, try asking what they think will happen next, or why a character made that choice.
- Make print part of the day. Recipes, street signs, menus and grocery lists are all chances to practise decoding and meaning.
- Let children choose. Comics, sports magazines and graphic novels count. Interest drives effort.
- Keep it short and steady. Fifteen relaxed minutes every day usually does more than one long, stressful session each week.
When a reader is struggling
Some children avoid reading because it feels hard, not because they are uninterested. Common signs include guessing at words from the first letter, losing their place often, or tiring quickly when reading aloud. If you notice these patterns, talk with your child's teacher. A school specialist or pediatrician can help rule out vision, hearing or learning differences. Tutoring works best alongside that kind of professional guidance.
Volunteers as reading partners
Many of our volunteers have no teaching background. What they bring is patience, consistency and genuine curiosity about the learner in front of them. Training focuses on practical skills: how to listen to a child read without jumping in too fast, how to praise effort specifically, and how to choose books at the right level. If that sounds like something you could offer, our volunteer page explains how to get started.
Families looking for book lists, activity ideas and tips for reading at home can browse our resources, or explore the full range of programs we run across Memphis.