At Memphis Striving Readers, we are committed to fostering literacy in our community. Whether you are a parent, volunteer, or community member, there are numerous ways to get involved and support our mission.
We offer:
- Tutoring Programs: Personalized reading support for children of all ages.
- Family Reading Nights: Engaging events that encourage families to read together and promote a love for books.
- Volunteer Training: Opportunities for individuals to become trained volunteers and make a difference in the lives of young readers.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our programs, please feel free to reach out to us. We are always here to help you and provide the information you need to get involved.
Thank you for your interest in Memphis Striving Readers. Together, we can make a significant impact on literacy in Memphis!
Small Steps That Build Strong Readers at Home
Much of a child's reading growth happens between tutoring sessions, in the ordinary moments of family life. The kitchen is one of the best places for it. A recipe card, the instructions on a new appliance or a grocery list are all real texts with a real purpose, and children often read more willingly when the words lead to something they can taste or use.
Families who join our programs often ask how to keep practice going without turning evenings into homework. A few simple habits make a difference:
- Read the steps aloud together. Let your child read one instruction while you read the next. Sequencing words like first, then and after build comprehension naturally.
- Talk about new words. Terms such as preheat, simmer or capacity are good chances to discuss meaning and spelling without a worksheet.
- Write it down. Ask younger readers to copy a shopping list or label containers. Older children can write their own version of a family recipe.
- Keep books within reach. A small basket of picture books or magazines near the table invites reading while dinner cooks.
- Praise effort, not speed. Struggling readers gain confidence when mistakes are treated as part of learning.
These routines work for every age and reading level, and they need no special materials. For printable reading logs, book lists and tips for different ages, visit our resources page. If you would like structured support for your child, our tutoring and family reading programs pair families with trained volunteers who can suggest activities that fit your household.
Every page read together adds up. Fifteen minutes a day, spread across a school year, gives a child many hours of extra practice, along with the steady message that reading belongs at home as much as in the classroom.