At Memphis Striving Readers, we are dedicated to supporting English-language learners (ELLs) and their families. Our program offers a variety of resources to enhance literacy skills and foster a love for reading.
We provide:
- Tutoring services tailored to the needs of ELLs
- Family reading nights to engage parents and children in literacy activities
- Volunteer training to empower community members to assist ELLs
Our mission is to create a supportive environment that encourages independent learning and literacy development. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed in reading and writing, regardless of their language background.
Join us in our efforts to promote literacy across Memphis. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of English-language learners and their families.
Practical Reading Strategies for English-Language Learners at Home
Families who are learning English often ask what they can do between tutoring sessions. The good news is that strong reading habits do not depend on a parent's English level. Many of the most effective strategies work in any language, and some work best in the language a family speaks most comfortably.
Keep the home language strong
Reading together in a child's first language builds vocabulary, background knowledge and comprehension skills that carry over into English. A child who understands what a story is, how characters change and why events happen has a head start when reading the same kinds of texts in English. Bilingual picture books, folktales from a family's home country and library books in Spanish, Arabic or other languages are all valuable, not a step backwards.
Choose books that match the learner
- Picture books with clear illustrations help readers connect new English words to meaning.
- Dual-language editions let parents and children read side by side, each in the language they know best.
- Predictable and repetitive texts build confidence because learners can anticipate phrases and join in.
- Nonfiction on familiar topics, such as food, animals or sports, lets students lean on what they already know.
Talk before, during and after reading
Conversation is where much of the learning happens. Before opening a book, look at the cover and guess what it might be about. While reading, pause to point at pictures and name objects. Afterward, ask simple open questions: What was your favourite part? What would you do next? Answers can come in any language; the goal is thinking about the story.
Make short, regular practice the routine
Fifteen minutes most days usually helps more than one long session a week. Listening to audiobooks while following the printed text, labelling items around the house in English and reading signs and menus on outings around Memphis all add up. The public library system is also worth visiting for free cards, multilingual collections and story times.
If you would like structured support, our tutoring and family reading nights welcome English-language learners of all ages, and our resources page gathers more materials for families and volunteers.
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