At Memphis Striving Readers, we believe in the power of literacy to transform lives. Our community-focused program offers a variety of services aimed at improving reading skills for individuals and families across Memphis.
We invite you to connect with us in several ways:
- Tutoring: Our dedicated tutors provide personalized support to help students excel in their reading abilities.
- Family Reading Nights: Join us for engaging events designed to foster a love for reading within families and communities.
- Volunteer Training: Become a part of our mission by participating in our volunteer training sessions, where you can learn how to make a difference in the lives of others.
We are always here to assist you. Whether you have questions, need support, or want to get involved, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can make a significant impact on literacy in Memphis.
Gaming, Screens and Reading: Turning Play into Literacy Practice
The page title points to gaming computers and accessories, and many families we meet ask how gaming fits alongside reading. Screens don't have to compete with books. Used thoughtfully, games and the equipment around them can become another doorway into literacy, especially for young people who feel reading is a chore.
Games are full of text
Story-driven and strategy games are packed with dialogue, quest logs, item descriptions and on-screen instructions. A player who wants to progress has a real reason to read carefully, follow multi-step directions and pick up new vocabulary. Parents and tutors can build on this by asking a child to explain a game's plot, summarise a mission, or read a tricky passage aloud together. These are the same comprehension skills practised in a tutoring session.
Practical ways to connect play and reading
- Turn on subtitles. Captions on games and videos give steady, low-pressure reading practice.
- Explore related books. Many popular games have novels, guidebooks and graphic novels set in the same world. Libraries often carry them.
- Write about it. Encourage short reviews, character profiles or a journal of a gaming adventure to practise writing and spelling.
- Read the manual or wiki. Looking up strategies means reading informational text, a skill that carries over to school assignments.
Choosing equipment with learning in mind
If your household is choosing a computer or accessories, think beyond play. A machine that runs games well can also handle homework, e-books, audiobooks and free reading apps. Headsets help listeners follow audiobooks without distraction, and a comfortable keyboard makes typing practice easier. Check age ratings and use parental controls so content suits each child.
Keeping a healthy balance
Setting regular screen-free reading time, such as twenty minutes before bed, helps children build lasting habits. Our tutors and family reading programmes can suggest titles that match a young gamer's interests, and you'll find more ideas on our resources page.