In this episode, host Erin Bailey welcomes Dr. Molly Ness, a renowned literacy expert, to discuss the transformative power of reading aloud. Dr. Ness shares her journey from classroom teacher to researcher, emphasizing that read alouds are not just enjoyable but essential for language comprehension, emotional well-being, and building lifelong readers. She explains that reading aloud should never be used as a reward or punishment, but as a cornerstone of effective literacy instruction for all ages—even infants and adults.

Dr. Ness highlights research showing the physiological and psychological benefits of reading aloud, including its calming effects on infants in neonatal care. She also discusses the importance of making read alouds accessible in any language and adapting them to fit diverse family routines. The conversation explores creative approaches, such as reading to animals or using wordless picture books, to foster a love of reading in all children.

The episode delves into orthographic mapping—a cognitive process that helps readers instantly recognize words—and its critical role in reading comprehension. Dr. Ness addresses the gap between literacy research and classroom practice, advocating for educators and families to become critical consumers of research and to seek out accessible resources.

Looking ahead, Dr. Ness is excited about the interdisciplinary focus in literacy research and the growing recognition that every teacher is a reading teacher. She concludes by sharing how reading inspires her, providing both intellectual stimulation and personal rejuvenation, and encourages listeners to embrace whatever reading brings them joy.

About Dr. Molly Ness:
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 five books, Molly served on the Board of Directors for the International Literacy Association and is a New York state chapter founder of the Reading League. 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.   

In 2024, Molly was invited to serve on the New York State Dyslexia Task Force. A frequent speaker and presenter, her happy place is translating the science of reading to schools and teachers. As a tireless literacy advocate, Molly created the End Book Deserts podcast, which brings awareness to the 32 million American children who lack access to books. She is currently writing a forthcoming Scholastic book, helping teachers understand orthographic mapping. In 2024, she founded Dirigo Literacy, a literacy consulting firm supporting schools, districts, and states 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.  

Dr. Molly Ness’s books:

Read Alouds for All Learners

Making Words Stick by Molly Ness, Katie Pace Miles | Scholastic Education