Launching Young Readers

Episode 1: The Roots of Reading looks at the earliest stages of literacy in such locations as a baby speech lab and a Head Start center. The program examines how parents, childcare providers, and kindergarten teachers can get children started on the road to literacy. Features host Fred Rogers and children's book author and illustrator Rosemary Wells (Max and Ruby).

Episode 2: Sounds and Symbols focuses on how children learn the relationship between sounds, letters, and words as an initial step before being able to decode the printed word. Features host Annette Bening and children's book author and illustrator Norman Bridwell (Clifford the Big Red Dog).

Episode 3: Fluent Reading explores the ability to decode quickly and achieve fluency. The program also demonstrates how early testing and intervention can help struggling readers. Features host Deborah Norville and children's book author and illustrator Kate Duke (Aunt Isabel Tells a Good One).

Episode 4: Writing and Spelling examines the connection between reading and writing and between spelling and composition. The program features successful methods for encouraging children to write and build their vocabularies. Features host Vivica A. Fox and children's book author and illustrator William Joyce (George Shrinks).

Episode 5: Reading for Meaning highlights effective strategies to help kids understand – and care about – what they read, the ultimate goal of learning how to read. Features host Frank McCourt and children's book author Walter Dean Myers (Harlem).

[Special]: Reading Rocks! is an empowering, upbeat, and totally hip show for kids ages 7-12 years old. It uses wacky humor and stories of hope to encourage struggling readers to keep trying. Click here for more information.

Episode 6: Empowering Parents helps families identify the early signs of reading problems and provides advice for navigating the system in order to get kids help. Features host Al Roker. Click here for more information.

Episode 7: Becoming Bilingual takes an up-close look at the challenges of teaching children to read in a new language. Features host Rita Moreno. Click here for more information.

Episode 8: Reading and the Brain investigates how brain scientists — using technology in new and innovative ways — are working to solve the puzzle of why some children struggle to read while others don't. Features host Henry Winkler. Click here for more information.

Episode 9: A Chance to Read looks at the reading challenges facing kids with disabilities, and what schools across the country are doing to help them find success. Features host Molly Ringwald. Click here for more information.