The Study
Considering the many arguments for and against television as a tool for learning to read, this study was devised to determine if a television show designed to promote literacy could help develop reading skills. Nell K. Duke, an assistant professor of teacher education at Michigan State University, and Julie M. Wood, a doctoral candidate and instructor in the Language and Literacy Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, studied the show "Reading Rainbow" during the 1995 season to determine if it contained key elements of effective reading instruction.

The Findings
While the television vs. literacy debate continues on, millions of children tune into "Reading Rainbow" and are presented with meaningful television programming centered on literacy. The program reflects many prevailing beliefs about reading development by providing viewers exposure to the printed word through quality children's literature and examples of print as it is seen in daily life. "Reading Rainbow" builds important background knowledge children need to understand the featured book. The program also relates the subject matter of featured books to children's lives. This not only increases comprehension but also gives young readers a strategy for better contextual understanding of what they may read in the future. Viewers also are encouraged to interact with print outside of the show, and evidence from book sales and library use indicates that they do so. Lastly, "Reading Rainbow" gives viewers examples of the range of use and importance that literacy has on our lives and shows how people not only learn from, but also enjoy their reading experiences.

What It Means to You
Those involved in teaching children to read would do well to examine "Reading Rainbow" as one way to foster partnerships, rather than competition, between television and literacy. Shows like "Reading Rainbow" could be a tool for teachers and parents alike, perhaps even a way "in" to reading for a child who has struggled with literacy or has had little contact with reading at home. The show brings its viewers not only a wide variety of books, but also demonstrates to children how literacy can benefit their own lives. Viewing the show as a class, followed by a discussion, could be a helpful aid to students learning to read. Parents could be informed, as well, about the positive reinforcement that the show offers young readers.

More Information
To find out more about this topic, see Wood, J.M., and Duke, N.K., "Inside 'Reading Rainbow': A Spectrum of Strategies for Promoting Literacy," Language Arts, February 1997, Vol. 74, pp. 95-106.

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