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How to Foster Reflective Readers and Keep the Comprehension Train on Track (Part 1)
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm EDT
Presented by Dr. Molly Ness, Literacy Specialist; and Heather Blankenship, M.Ed., Partnerships and State Initiatives Manager, Learning A-Z
Sponsored by Learning A-Z
Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features.
Do you have students who plow through their reading and are unaware when their comprehension train has derailed? Join us for part one of an engaging, two-part edWebinar series to discover research-based approaches to transforming your readers from passive and disengaged to curious and reflective. Author, reading researcher, and former classroom teacher Dr. Molly Ness outlines the importance of reflective reading and share practical strategies for readers of all ages.
In this session, Dr. Ness connects current research to classroom‑ready practices teachers can use right away and give a clear understanding of:
- Current trends and research in reading motivation and stamina
- How to explicitly teach students to notice and respond when comprehension breaks down
- What a reflective reader looks like and how to see more of it in classrooms
- The importance of self-regulated reading for younger readers
By the end of this edWebinar, you have practical and powerful strategies to help students slow down and think about their thinking—so reading becomes an active, purposeful process rather than a race to the finish. Whether you’re supporting emerging readers or strengthening comprehension habits in upper elementary classrooms, you leave with new insights and actionable ideas to help every reader stay engaged, reflective, and on track.
This recorded edWebinar is of interest to K-6 teachers and education technology leaders.
View Part 2: Rethinking Post‑Reading Responses: “I’m Done With the Book, Now What?”
About the Presenters
Dr. Molly Ness is a former classroom teacher, a reading researcher, and a teacher educator. She 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 on the New York State Dyslexia Task Force. Dr. Ness has extensive experience in reading clinics, consulting with school districts, leading professional development, and advising school systems on research-based reading instruction. She provided literacy leadership for nationally recognized literacy non-profits, as well as major educational publishers.
A frequent speaker and presenter, her happy place is translating the Science of Reading to schools and teachers. As a tireless literacy advocate, Dr. Ness created the End Book Deserts podcast, which brings awareness to the 32 million American children who lack access to books. In 2024, she founded Dirigo Literacy (deer-ǐ-gō), a literacy consulting firm supporting schools, districts, and states to align with and implement the Science of Reading. When she is not reading and writing about reading and writing, Dr. Ness is driving her ice-hockey-obsessed teenage daughter to the rink, learning how to fly fish, or hiking with her poorly behaved goldendoodle.
Heather Blankenship, M.Ed., brings over 20 years of experience in education to her role as Manager of Education Partnerships and State Initiatives at Learning A-Z. Her journey began in the classroom, where she spent 11 years as a passionate elementary educator before moving into campus and district leadership roles focused on curriculum and instruction. When she’s not supporting and collaborating with others, you’ll find her powering through kettlebell workouts, off-roading in a side-by-side, or spending time with family and friends.
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.
Learn more about earning a CE certificate and our accessibility features.
At Learning A-Z, we equip elementary educators with practical, research-based literacy solutions that spark joyful learning experiences. Our solutions support teacher-led instruction and provide engaging online practice for students—blending the best of classroom learning with flexible, standards-aligned content. Every resource we offer is developmentally appropriate, easy to implement, and designed to improve outcomes for all learners.
