🌈 Reading Rainbow: A Journey Through Stories & Imagination
At Hall Academy, we know that great stories have the power to change the world — and one show that did just that for generations of children is Reading Rainbow.
Whether you’re a parent rediscovering this treasure or a new homeschooler seeking screen time with meaning, Reading Rainbow is a gentle reminder that reading is fun, visual, imaginative, and for everyone.
🎬 What is Reading Rainbow?
Reading Rainbow was an American children’s television series that aired from 1983 to 2006 on PBS. It was created to inspire a love of books and reading in children aged 4–8 through immersive storytelling, animated visuals, and book reviews by other kids.
📺 Hosted by: LeVar Burton
- Known for his iconic role as Kunta Kinte in Roots and Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation
- A lifelong advocate for literacy and education
- Beloved for his warm tone, genuine curiosity, and powerful storytelling
- Winner of 12 Daytime Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award for his work on the show
LeVar Burton taught generations that “you don’t have to take my word for it” — because reading lets children form their own conclusions and explore their own worlds.
📚 Where to Watch Today
✨ Start your 7-day free trial: Reading Rainbow on Amazon Prime
Enjoy beautifully narrated stories, stunning animations, and featured books from every genre — from history and science to animals and culture.
🎞️ Similar Literacy Shows to Explore
Looking for more content like Reading Rainbow? Check out these gems:
🔹 Super Why (PBS Kids)
An interactive superhero-style show where characters jump into books to solve problems using reading and spelling skills.
🔹 BOOKABOO
A touring puppy rockstar who can’t perform unless he reads a book with a guest reader. Great for reluctant readers!
🔹 Ghostwriter
A mystery-solving show where kids use clues hidden in written words to uncover secrets and solve cases.
🔹 Tumble Leaf (Amazon Prime)
Visually stunning stop-motion show for younger viewers with curiosity-driven learning and discovery through daily adventures.
🎧 Bonus: Bedtime or Travel Listening with Adventures in Odyssey
When screen time is winding down, but imaginations are still wide awake…
🎧 Visit: https://app.adventuresinodyssey.com/radio
Produced by Focus on the Family, Adventures in Odyssey is a rich audio series that combines morals, faith, and storytelling in radio drama form. Ideal for:
- Quiet time
- Bedtime wind-down
- Long car rides
- Building listening skills
✂️ Reading Rainbow Activity: Story Spinner Adventure
Materials:
- Book list or story elements (character, setting, object)
Instructions:
- Divide the plate into 4–6 sections. Label each with a story element (e.g., “A farm,” “A dragon,” “A backpack”).
- Attach an arrow to the center with the fastener.
- Spin the arrow to build a silly story idea!
- Have your child write or draw their story based on the spin results.
🌀 Goal: Spark storytelling, creativity, and writing — just like Reading Rainbow encourages!
🍪 Snack of the Day: Rainbow Story Smoothie
Ingredients:
- Red: Strawberries
- Orange: Mango
- Yellow: Banana
- Green: Spinach
- Blue: Blueberries
- Purple: Frozen grapes
- Yogurt or almond milk
Instructions:
- Layer fruits in a clear cup or blend them into a “rainbow smoothie swirl.”
- Let kids help sort by color and name the fruit.
- Talk about their favorite character or book while you sip!
🥤 Pair this snack with a cozy book corner or Reading Rainbow episode to end the day with intention.
🌟 Final Word from Hall Academy
Reading Rainbow taught us that books could take you anywhere.
This week, let your family rediscover that joy — on screen, on paper, and in your imagination.
🛒 Watch the show, try the smoothie, spin a story, and cozy up with a good book.
Because at HALL ACADEMY, we believe:
“Every child deserves a book, a story, and a place to dream.”
📲 Let’s Grow Together
- Subscribe for weekly literacy spotlights
- Join the Lifetime Learners Reading Circle
- Download free reading tools at HALLACADEMY.NET
- Follow us @hall.academy