Sunday, 1/11/09 - 3/22/09, 2:30-3:00 p.m. 

Launching Young Readers is a public television series designed for teachers, parents, caregivers, and anyone else interested in helping children learn to read.  Based on the latest research findings, the series consists of 30-minute television programs that explore the stages of reading tht every child goes through.  The programs feature the country's top reading experts, look at different reading strategies, provide practical advice for parents, and interweave the personal stories of children, families, and teachers.

Hosted by Fred Rogers, Annette Bening, Deborah Norville, Vivica A. Fox, Frank McCourt, and Nick Spano, the programs were filmed in schools, childcare centers, libraries, research centers, and homes around the country. Each program also includes a profile of a prominent children's book author.

The series has won many awards, including four Silver Statuettes and a Bronze Statuette from the 24th Annual Telly Awards and a First Place Gold Camera award from the 36th Annual International Film and Video Festival.

1. The Roots Of Reading.  This program 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).

Sunday, 1/11/09, 2:30-3:00 p.m.

2. Sounds & Symbols.  This program 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).

Sunday, 1/18/09, 2:30-3:00 p.m.

3. Fluent Reading.  This program 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).

Sunday, 2/1/09, 2:30-3:00 p.m.
  
4. Writing & Spelling.  This program 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).

Sunday, 2/8/09, 2:30-3:00 p.m.
 
5. Reading For Meaning.  This program 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).

Sunday, 2/15/09, 2:30-3:00 p.m.
 
6. Empowering Parents.  This program helps families identify the early signs of reading problems and provides advice for navigating the system in order to get kids help.

Sunday, 3/1/09, 2:30-3:00 p.m.

7. Becoming Bilingual.  This program takes an up-close look at the challenges of teaching children to read in a new language.  Features host Rita Moreno.

Sunday, 3/1/09, 2:30-3:00 p.m.

8. Reading & The Brain. This program 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.

Sunday, 3/15/09, 2:30-3:00 p.m.