The Reading Rainbow is a beloved children's television program that first aired on June 6, 1983, and has been around for over 30 years. It was created by WNED-TV Buffalo and hosted by actor LeVar Burton. The show aimed to encourage children to read by featuring books and their authors in each episode.
Early Years
When it first started, the Reading Rainbow was a half-hour television show that aired in the afternoon on PBS. The show was geared towards children between the ages of four and eight and featured a variety of books, both fiction and non-fiction.
In each episode, LeVar Burton would introduce a book and read it aloud, while the pages of the book were shown on screen. He would also visit various locations related to the book's theme or topic, such as a farm or a museum. The show also featured book reviews by children, as well as interviews with authors and illustrators.
Popularity and Awards
The Reading Rainbow quickly became a popular show with both children and adults. It won numerous awards, including 26 Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, and a National Education Association Award.
The show's popularity also led to the creation of a spin-off series called "Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest." The contest encouraged children to write and illustrate their own stories, with the winners having their stories featured on the show.
Changes and Cancellation
In the late 1990s, the Reading Rainbow underwent some changes. The show was shortened to 15 minutes and began focusing more on non-fiction books. The show also began featuring more computer animation and special effects.
Despite these changes, the show was eventually cancelled in 2009 due to funding issues. The show's creators attempted to bring it back through a Kickstarter campaign in 2014, but the campaign fell short of its goal.
Legacy
Although the Reading Rainbow is no longer on the air, its legacy lives on. The show introduced countless children to the joy of reading and helped to spark their imaginations. Many adults who grew up watching the show still have fond memories of it and credit it with inspiring their love of books.
LeVar Burton, the show's host, has also continued to promote literacy and reading. He started a podcast called "LeVar Burton Reads" in which he reads short stories to adults. He has also been an advocate for bringing back the Reading Rainbow in some form, whether it be through a new show or an app.
Conclusion
The Reading Rainbow may no longer be on the air, but its impact on children's television and literacy is undeniable. The show's focus on books and reading helped to inspire a generation of children to become lifelong readers. Although the show may be gone, its legacy lives on through the memories of those who watched it and the continued advocacy for literacy by LeVar Burton.