Video: Closing the book on ‘Reading Rainbow’
Monday, August 31st, 2009
After twenty-six years on PBS, Reading Rainbow ended its run on Friday, August 28th. Hosted by LeVar Burton (Roots, Star Trek: The Next Generation), Reading Rainbow was the third longest-running children’s show in PBS history, behind only Sesame Street and Mister Rogers. According to WNED in Buffalo NY, Reading Rainbow’s home station, the show is a victim of the recent economic crisis. For those of you feeling nostalgic, here’s a video of the original Reading Rainbow theme song:
To read more about the importance and impact of Reading Rainbow, check out this story on NPR.
3 Responses to “Video: Closing the book on ‘Reading Rainbow’”
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It’s sad to hear that Reading Rainbow is ending. My kids are grown and I can see the benefit of their having watched theRainbow on a regular basis. We kept a notebook of books reviewed on Reading Rainbow and made regular trips to the bookstore to buy them…those are some of the fondest memories I have of being a parent of young children and my kids are avid readers….and thinkers…as a result.
Thank you, Reading Raindbow team…
I’m very sorry to hear that Reading Rainbow is no longer going to be aired. As an elementary school teacher, I regularly included Reading Rainbow segments in my lessons and the students loved them. These segments brought to life, the topics we were studying. Also, on our visits to the library, the students enthuiastically scanned the library shelves for books highlighted on the show.
I know that the mechanics of reading is necessary, but so is the love of reading.
I ENJOYED WATCHING READING RAINBOW WHEN MY CHILD WAS VERY YOUNG AND TOO SEE MY CHILD’S EXPRESSION AND EXCITEMENT WHEN WATCHING THIS SHOW WAS A PURE JOY. THE BOOKS AND THE STORIES READ BY MR.LAVAR BURTON WAS A PLEASURE TO ENDURE. READING RAINBOW WILL TRULY BE MISSED BY ALL.