Reading Rainbow ends today

[tirant]

As reported on NPR, Reading Rainbow ends its 26 year career today. This end is not because those involved with the show were interested in quiting, but because no one was interested in paying the broadcast fees. Apparently teaching kids to love reading is less important than teaching them the mechanics of reading

Comments

[usofe]

Yeah, we are probably approaching the apex of the stupidity-pendulum that is teaching reading. Soon, there will be mention of all the studies that show the importance of loving to read, of intent and curiosity, and the importance of whole language, and the pendulum will violently shift, through "legislation" back out waaaay away from phonics, with horrible results. Meanwhile, most teachers will understand that phonics are vital tools, as is desire. Like my whole-language prof. told us, "I love the alphabet and have nothing against it." It's not an us vs. them thing, yet we legislate pedagogy as if it's phonics vs. whole language.

Stupid PBS; now I have to teach my kid to love reading! Man, it's like I have to do EVERYTHING here.

[tirant]

that was part of the story, since parents are doing nothing, it was considered "best" to have the children learn the mechanics, and not the love of, reading.

Which is sad, because if you love something enough, you will learn how to do it.

[usofe]

yeah, it's a whole chicken-&-egg thing that we can't seem to resolve with our current attempt at discrete, compartmentalized, educational systems.

[hamtrap]

I wish this were the apex of the stupidity pendulum. Unfortunately, our culture continues to devalue education in general and critical thinking in specific. Nowhere is this more apparent than in California where all forms of education from primary to universities are suffering due to a fear that public schools are socialist. We are living in a country where a sizable portion of the populace chafes at the idea of supporting any "government-run" institution, including schools and PBS. Those forming opinion would have to be well-educated to swing the pendulum back; and there would also have to be a majority population that respects the concept of education and intelligence. Now, both are viewed with suspicion. Unfortunately, I believe the pendulum has enough momentum to go over the top and keep spinning in the same direction, or worse yet, break loose and fly off the clock.