213: LeVar Burton | Storytelling the Enemies of Education Off

TV's Power

LeVar Burton's journey from acting in "Roots" to hosting "Reading Rainbow" highlights the transformative power of television. He realized the medium's potential to educate and engage after witnessing the national impact of "Roots," which reshaped America's understanding of slavery. This inspired him to use television to foster a love for reading among children, making "Reading Rainbow" a stealthy educational tool that ran for over 21 years 1.

When the idea for Reading Rainbow was pitched to me to use this very powerful medium for engagement, to steer children who are making that decision as to whether or not they're going to be a reader for life.

--- LeVar Burton

Burton's innovative approach turned a summer TV show into a beloved educational staple, ranking third in longevity behind "Sesame Street" and "Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood."

   

Reading Influence

LeVar Burton emphasizes the importance of parental modeling in encouraging children's reading habits. He shares that his mother's passion for reading was a critical influence on his own literacy journey, suggesting that parents should read visibly and align books with their children's interests 2.

My mom was a reader and that was as it turns out, really critical modeling and I believe it still is.

--- LeVar Burton

Burton recalls his own early reading experiences, highlighting the emotional connection and confidence gained from literature, which he believes is unmatched by other forms of entertainment 3.

   

Digital Shift

LeVar Burton's reinvention of "Reading Rainbow" into a digital platform showcases his commitment to adapting educational tools for modern audiences. Through a successful Kickstarter campaign, he expanded the program's reach to digital devices, creating an interactive app that integrates books and videos to engage children 4.

It was a pretty ballsy move thinking that I could reinvent a television show as an app. But as it turns out, I was right.

--- LeVar Burton

Burton believes that the true challenge in education today is not technology, but the national will to prioritize education over other expenditures, such as military spending 5.