Bring Reading Rainbow Back
I grew up with this show, I always looked forward to watching it in school, and I'd watch it at home as well. I loved the adventures and special effects, and just adored watching it.<p>Having said that, this show did absolutely nothing for me when it came to reading. It didn't inspire me to read, it didn't get me reading, it didn't make reading exciting for me. None of those elementary school programs (Book-it, book fairs, Reading Rainbow) did. I didn't start reading books until I found books that didn't condescend to and patronize children. When I discovered there were books with real situations and characters that acted real (and featured violence and sex and bad language), that's when I realized that books were good.<p>It's odd, enjoying this show for its entertainment value, but realizing it was completely ineffective in its goal, especially when so many people seem to think this is the greatest thing since sliced bread.