At Memphis Striving Readers, we are dedicated to enhancing literacy in our community. We offer various programs including tutoring sessions, engaging family reading nights, and comprehensive volunteer training. Our mission is to empower individuals and families across Memphis through the joy of reading.
We invite you to connect with us in several ways:
- Contact Us: Have questions or need assistance? Reach out to us anytime.
- Volunteer: Join our team of passionate volunteers and help make a difference in the lives of children and families.
- Events: Participate in our family reading nights and other community events to promote literacy.
We are always here to support you and the community. Together, we can foster a love for reading and learning!
Reading Labels and Health Claims: A Practical Literacy Skill
The title of this page sounds like a product announcement about a new range of immune-support vitamins. We are a literacy program, not a health retailer, so we can't vouch for any supplement. But headlines like this one are a good reminder of how much everyday reading happens outside of books. Supplement labels, pharmacy leaflets, and advertising copy are some of the most important texts adults read, and some of the hardest.
Why health text is tricky
Product names and marketing phrases often pack several ideas into a few words. Terms like "defense" or "support" can sound medical without making any specific promise. Ingredient lists use technical names, and dosage instructions rely on abbreviations and small print. For a striving reader, or for someone reading in a second language, it is easy to misread a serving size or miss a warning.
Habits we practise with learners
- Separate the claim from the facts. Find the supplement facts panel or ingredient list and read it on its own, apart from the front-of-pack wording.
- Look up unfamiliar words. Keep a short list of new terms and their plain-language meanings.
- Read directions aloud. Saying the dose and timing out loud helps catch mistakes.
- Ask a professional. A pharmacist or doctor can explain whether a product is suitable, especially alongside other medicines. Labels are not a substitute for medical advice.
Bringing it into family reading
Families can turn a grocery or pharmacy trip into a short reading activity. Children find words they recognise, and adults model careful checking. These small moments build confidence with real-world print. You can find more ideas on our resources page, and tutors who want to bring practical reading into their sessions can learn about training through our volunteer program.
Also on this site: Events