The multi-hyphenate LeVar Burton enters a new role as chief reading officer for Osmo from BYJU’s, an international STEM and edtech brand. In this new position, Burton will provide insight for educators on how to inspire kids to prioritize reading. Additionally, Burton is working with Osmo to launch a personalized reading program titled Osmo Reading Adventure.
“Teaching children to become eager readers is my life’s work, so becoming the Chief Reading Officer at Osmo by BYJU’S is the perfect way for me to further this mission,” Burton says. “Osmo’s Reading Adventure makes learning to read a magical experience — one that helps parents and teachers nurture a love of books in children.”
Osmo Reading Adventure will use speech recognition and artificial intelligence alongside physical and digital play to cover crucial reading skills from kindergarten to first grade. Developed by educators, the technology based learn-to-read program provides an accessible multisensory experience in an effort to reduce the literacy gap. Osmo Reading Adventure features an app, physical books, and an interactive crystal wand. Furthermore, the program includes reading based games and activities that adapt to meet the skill level of the child.
“LeVar Burton personifies the joy of reading and he is celebrated around the world as an enthusiastic proponent for early childhood literacy,” says Cherian Thomas, senior vice president of Osmo and international business at BYJU’S. “For nearly 40 years, LeVar has inspired us and our children to read. Now, as Osmo’s Chief Reading Officer, we will work together to teach the next generation to love reading.”
The former Star Trek actor and Reading Rainbow host will launch Osmo Reading Adventure alongside Osmo this summer at playosmo.com and on Amazon.
