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Effective K–2 Vocabulary Instruction Rooted in Joyful Read-Aloud Experiences
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EST
Presented by Molly Ness, Ph.D., Author and Teacher Educator, Dirigo Literacy; and Angela Cammarata, M.Ed., National Literacy Consultant, Zaner-Bloser
Sponsored by Zaner-Bloser
Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features.
A quick scan of any picture book reveals the treasure trove of vocabulary words to be found in children’s literature. In this dynamic, research-informed edWebinar, Dr. Molly Ness empowers viewers with practical strategies to make vocabulary instruction both effective and joyful. She explores the why, what, how, and when of explicit vocabulary instruction, using beloved read-aloud books as a source for rich words as well as valuable teaching and learning opportunities.
By the end of this session, viewers are able to:
- Understand why vocabulary is foundational to reading success
- Identify high-impact vocabulary words
- Apply direct, explicit instruction techniques using student-friendly definitions, think-alouds, morphology, and more
- Design engaging, playful activities to teach and reinforce vocabulary
Following Dr. Ness’s presentation, Angela Cammarata provides a short preview of Zaner-Bloser’s comprehensive English language arts curriculum, The Superkids Reading Program.
This recorded edWebinar is tailored to K–2 teachers and literacy leaders, and viewers receive access to Dr. Ness’s new white paper on vocabulary instruction. Join us to explore the plentiful, engaging world of words at our fingertips in the books we read aloud!
About the Presenters
Dr. Molly Ness is a former classroom teacher, a reading researcher, and a teacher educator. She earned a doctorate in reading education at the University of Virginia and spent 16 years as an Associate Professor at Fordham University in New York City. The author of six books, Dr. Ness served on the Board of Directors for the International Literacy Association and is a New York State chapter founder of The Reading League. She has extensive experience directing reading clinics, consulting with school districts, leading professional development, and advising school systems on research-based reading instruction. A frequent speaker and presenter, she finds enjoyment in translating the Science of Reading to educators. In 2024, she founded Dirigo Literacy, a literacy consulting firm helping schools, districts, and states align with and implement the Science of Reading.
Angela Cammarata, M.Ed., is the national literacy consultant for Zaner-Bloser and The Superkids Reading Program. She has more than 20 years of experience in literacy education, serving as a classroom teacher; literacy coach; curriculum, instruction, and assessment specialist; school administrator; and adjunct professor. She is passionate about developing and delivering professional learning focused on improving student outcomes by bridging Science of Reading research and implementation of evidence-based instructional practices.
Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features.
Join the Be a Literacy Hero community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.
Zaner-Bloser develops curriculum resources to teach foundational literacy and math skills to students in prekindergarten through sixth grade. Our resources help teachers engage and empower students and inspire more “aha” moments to harness the creative power of learning. As a member of the Highlights Family of Companies, we believe children are the most important people, so we strive to always do what’s right for children and to make a significant contribution to their education.
