At Memphis Striving Readers, we are dedicated to fostering literacy in our community. Whether you are looking for tutoring, want to participate in family reading nights, or are interested in volunteer training, we are here to support you.

We encourage you to reach out to us through various channels. Your involvement can make a significant difference in promoting reading and literacy across Memphis.

To get in touch or learn more about our programs, feel free to contact us:

Thank you for your interest in Memphis Striving Readers. Together, we can empower our community through literacy.

Reading About Style: How Clothing and Fashion Can Spark Literacy

A page title about the greatest men's clothing brands might seem far from a literacy program, but everyday interests like fashion are one of the most effective doorways into reading. Many teens and adults who say they "don't like reading" will happily spend an hour comparing sneakers, reading product descriptions or following style guides. Tutors who build on those interests often see reluctant readers stay engaged longer.

Why interest-based reading works

Motivation matters as much as skill. When a learner chooses material connected to something they care about, they push through unfamiliar words because they want the information. Fashion writing is also rich in useful vocabulary: fabric names, care instructions, sizing terms and descriptive adjectives that build both comprehension and confidence.

Practical activities for tutors and families

  • Read care labels together. Washing symbols and short instructions are real-world texts that reward careful reading.
  • Compare and contrast. Ask a learner to read two descriptions of similar jackets and explain which they would choose and why, using details from the text.
  • Write a style review. A short paragraph describing a favorite outfit practices descriptive writing and organizing ideas.
  • Explore the history of clothing. Library books on how jeans, uniforms or traditional dress developed turn a casual interest into nonfiction reading.
  • Practice budgeting and reading prices. Shopping flyers combine reading with everyday math.

Bringing it into a session

Volunteers do not need to be fashion experts. The goal is to listen to what a learner enjoys and find texts at the right level. Magazines, catalogs, online articles read together and library books can all play a part, as long as the reading stays purposeful and the learner has room to talk about what they discover.

If you are a volunteer looking for more ideas like these, our reading resources collect practical materials for tutors and families, and our volunteer training covers how to match texts to a learner's interests and reading level.

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