Close & Credits

Summary

In this heartfelt message, Rita Moreno reflects on her journey from a young girl in Puerto Rico to a celebrated performer. She highlights the importance of reading, which has been pivotal to her success. Moreno shares how a special teacher helped her overcome her fears and taught her the essential skill of reading. She encourages others to make a difference by offering children the gift of reading, emphasizing its role in unlocking potential. The video also provides resources for teaching English language learners to read, supported by the U.S. Department of Education.

Takeaways

• 😀 Anita, the character in West Side Story, embodies optimism and celebrates the freedom to be anything one chooses in America.
• 😀 Rita Moreno has been performing her whole life, focusing on singing, dancing, and acting, but she emphasizes the importance of reading.
• 😀 Reading is highlighted as the most important skill to her, essential for understanding and navigating scripts.
• 😀 A special teacher once made a difference in Rita Moreno's life by helping her overcome her fear and teaching her how to read.
• 😀 Rita emphasizes the power of teachers and how they can change children's lives through education and literacy.
• 😀 The script encourages viewers to make a difference by giving children the gift of reading.
• 😀 Rita Moreno is advocating for the education of English language learners, stressing the importance of teaching them to read.
• 😀 The video is part of the 'Becoming Bilingual' series, focused on supporting bilingual literacy.
• 😀 The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs.
• 😀 The video promotes PBS's resources for teaching reading to young learners and offers DVDs and video cassettes for educational purposes.
• 😀 The overall message calls for action to help children become strong readers, with a focus on bilingual education and English learners.

Q & A

What is Anita's character like in *West Side Story*?

Anita's character in *West Side Story* is described as the ultimate optimist, celebrating everything that's great about America and the freedom to be anything you choose.

Why is reading important to the speaker, Rita Moreno?

Reading is important to Rita Moreno because it was the skill that enabled her to succeed in her career. She mentions that without being able to read, she wouldn’t have been able to get past her first script.

What personal experience did Rita Moreno share in the script?

Rita Moreno shared her experience of a special teacher who reached out to her when she was a scared little girl from Puerto Rico. This teacher made a significant difference in her life by helping her learn to read.

What message is Rita Moreno conveying about teaching children to read?

Rita Moreno emphasizes the importance of giving children the gift of reading. She believes that we can all make a difference in children's lives by ensuring they learn to read.

What is the significance of becoming bilingual in the context of the script?

The script highlights the value of becoming bilingual, with a focus on helping English language learners read and succeed. It connects this theme to the importance of reading and education.

How does Rita Moreno connect her personal life to the topic of reading?

Rita Moreno connects her personal life to reading by sharing her experience of how a teacher helped her overcome her initial fear and challenges in life, making reading a pivotal part of her success.

Who funded the *Becoming Bilingual* special mentioned in the script?

The *Becoming Bilingual* special is funded by the United States Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs.

What resource is provided for those interested in teaching English language learners to read?

The script directs viewers to visit PBS.org for more information on teaching English language learners to read, highlighting the importance of such educational resources.

How can someone obtain a DVD or video cassette of the *Becoming Bilingual* program?

To obtain a DVD or video cassette of *Becoming Bilingual*, or to order the entire *Reading Rockets* Launching Young Readers series, viewers can call 1-800-228-4630.

What is the broader educational initiative that the video is a part of?

The broader initiative is the *Reading Rockets* program, which is dedicated to launching young readers and helping children succeed in learning to read.