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Rethinking Post‑Reading Responses: “I’m Done With the Book, Now What?” (Part 2)
Wednesday, May 13, 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.
Any classroom teacher is familiar with the phrase, “I’m done with the book, now what?” Part two of this two-part edWebinar series provides ideas grounded in research on how students can respond to texts in post-reading work that is collaborative and engaging. Author, reading researcher, and former classroom teacher Dr. Molly Ness is back to encourage teachers to put away those shoe boxes—these strategies don’t involve making dioramas!
This session explores meaningful, student‑centered ways to extend thinking after reading—without busywork or one‑size‑fits‑all projects. K-6 teachers and administrators explore how to:
- Ensure student comprehension and engagement with the text after reading
- Encourage students to return to completed texts in ways that are collaborative, engaging, and authentic
- Promote discussion, reflection, and deeper comprehension
- Use writing to foster comprehension and show student thinking
By the end of this edWebinar, you have fresh ideas for what comes after students finish a book—ideas that keep comprehension front and center. You leave with practical strategies that invite students back into texts, deepen understanding through writing, and make post‑reading work something students actually want to do.
This recorded edWebinar is of interest to K-6 teachers, administrators, and education technology leaders.
View Part 1: How to Foster Reflective Readers and Keep the Comprehension Train on Track
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.
