At Memphis Striving Readers, we are committed to fostering literacy within our community. We offer a variety of programs designed to support learners of all ages, including personalized tutoring, engaging family reading nights, and comprehensive volunteer training.

We encourage you to reach out and connect with us. Whether you have questions about our programs, want to get involved as a volunteer, or are interested in hosting a family reading night, we are here to assist you.

Here are some ways you can get in touch:

Your involvement is crucial to our mission of promoting literacy throughout Memphis. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of individuals and families in our community.

Using Video and DVDs to Support Young Readers

The page title points to an old-fashioned but still useful tool: the digital video disc. Many Memphis families still have a shelf of DVDs at home, and libraries continue to lend them. Used thoughtfully, video can become a bridge to reading rather than a replacement for it.

Turn on the captions

One of the simplest literacy habits a family can build is watching with subtitles or closed captions switched on. When children see words on screen while hearing them spoken, they get repeated, low-pressure practice in matching sounds to print. This works especially well with favourite films that a child has already seen several times, because the story is familiar and attention can shift to the words.

Pair a film with the book

Many popular children's movies began as picture books or novels. Reading the book before or after watching invites good conversation:

  • What was different between the book and the film?
  • Which version did you like better, and why?
  • Was a character described differently in words than they looked on screen?

Questions like these build comprehension and help children notice how authors use language to create pictures in a reader's mind.

Keep viewing active

Pausing to predict what happens next, retelling a scene in your own words, or writing a short alternative ending all turn screen time into language practice. For older learners and adults improving their English, short documentaries with captions can also build vocabulary on topics they genuinely care about.

Balance matters

Video works best as a supplement. Children still need time with real books, read-alouds with a caring adult, and chances to talk. Our tutors and volunteers are happy to suggest ways to mix media and print at home. You can find book lists and family activity ideas on our resources page, or learn how tutoring and family reading nights fit together on our programs page.