At Memphis Striving Readers, we are committed to fostering literacy and a love for reading throughout our community. We offer various programs, including tutoring sessions, engaging family reading nights, and comprehensive volunteer training opportunities.
Whether you are a parent looking to support your child's reading journey, a volunteer eager to make a difference, or simply someone interested in our initiatives, we are here to assist you. Our team is dedicated to providing resources and support to help everyone in Memphis thrive.
To stay informed about our latest events, programs, and volunteer opportunities, please reach out to us through the contact options provided. We value your engagement and look forward to connecting with you!
Reading the Fine Print: Using Sale Ads as a Family Literacy Lesson
Headlines about shoe sales, like the one at the top of this page, are everywhere: in inboxes, on social feeds and on store windows across Memphis. They are also a surprisingly good tool for building practical reading skills. Advertising copy is short, persuasive and full of numbers, which makes it ideal for helping young readers and adult learners practise careful, critical reading.
Turning a sale headline into a reading exercise
Try sitting down with a child or a learner and a real advertisement. Ask a few simple questions together:
- What does "up to" mean? A discount of "up to 50 per cent" usually means only some items reach that price cut, while many are reduced by less.
- Who is the sale for? Words such as "private" or "members only" suggest conditions, like signing up for an account or an email list.
- What is missing? Look for end dates, sizes, colours and return policies. Often the most important details sit in smaller print.
- How does the wording make you feel? Phrases like "finest" or "limited time" are designed to create excitement and urgency. Naming that effect is a key media literacy skill.
Practising maths and vocabulary together
Sale ads also connect reading with everyday numeracy. Work out what half of a price would be, compare two offers, or estimate the savings on a family purchase. New words such as "discount", "exclusive" and "clearance" can go onto a family word wall. Learners who read ads with these questions in mind tend to become more confident shoppers and more careful readers of contracts, forms and online messages.
Bringing it to family reading night
Our tutors often use real-world texts, from menus to bus schedules to flyers, because they show learners that reading matters beyond school. If you would like more activities like this, browse our reading resources or learn about the programs where families practise these skills together. Volunteers who enjoy making everyday reading fun are always welcome through our volunteer training.
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