It's the end of an era. Yesterday was Reading Rainbow's last episode on PBS, after 26 years and over 24 Emmys. Yes, Reading Rainbow was still on. I know, right?
The show started in 1983, hosted by actor LeVar Burton (NOT Omar Gooding, as much as my husband insisted) and was designed to teach kids the importance of reading. Every episode featured a different story, a new adventure, another compelling reason to pick up a book.
It was not to teach kids how to read, which, according to NPR, was part of the show's demise.
When Reading Rainbow came on the air, the main goal was to get more children psyched about books, assuming they already had the basic skills needed to actually read. Then, under the Bush administration's Department of Education, the focus of educational television was shifted toward the mechanics of reading, like spelling and phonics. While the show's original premise was important and inspirational, it wasn't deemed as critical in the Fight For Literacy to warrant the funding.
But 26 years ain't bad.
Here's to you, Reading Rainbow. You'll be missed.
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