Examine the Critical Role of Self-Efficacy for Young Readers
Why Motivation Matters: Unlocking Early Reading Success
Only a small percentage of children today report enjoying reading for pleasure, and motivation to read begins to decline as early as first grade. For educators, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity.
In this engaging, research-based webinar, Dr. Molly Ness explores how reading motivation fuels academic achievement and the development of foundational reading skills, such as word recognition, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. She unpacks why intrinsic motivation is linked to deeper comprehension, higher achievement, and greater persistence with challenging texts, and reveals the critical role of self-efficacy: when young learners believe they can succeed as readers, they're more willing to take risks, stay engaged, and read more.
Attendees of this session will:
- Explore what truly motivates young readers and why intrinsic motivation matters more than rewards and incentives
- Discover how self-efficacy shapes a child's identity as a reader and how instruction can strengthen it
- Learn ways to support early reading development through meaningful, engaging literacy experiences
- Walk away with practical strategies to build students’ confidence and motivation to read
Following Dr. Ness’s presentation, Dana Jaffee provides a short preview of the new edition of Zaner-Bloser’s comprehensive English language arts curriculum, The Superkids Reading Program.
Whether you’re working to build a strong early literacy foundation, boost engagement, or cultivate a culture of joyful reading, this session will equip you with practical tools and research-based insights to better support every student’s journey toward becoming a confident, capable reader. This on-demand webinar will be of interest to K–2 teachers and school and district leaders.
About the Presenters
Dr. Molly Ness
Author and Teacher Educator
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 serves on the board for the World Literacy Foundation. She has extensive experience directing reading clinics, consulting with school districts, leading professional development, and advising school systems on research-based reading instruction. In 2024, she founded Dirigo Literacy, a literacy consulting firm helping schools, districts, and states align with and implement the science of reading.
Dana Jaffee
Director, Professional Learning Services at Zaner-Bloser
Dana Jaffee has more than 18 years of experience in elementary teaching and instructional coaching. She has spent the past nine years at Zaner-Bloser where she currently serves as director of professional learning services. She is passionate about helping all students access high-quality core reading instruction grounded in scientifically based reading research. She loves partnering with educators to deliver relevant and impactful professional development that empowers them to create meaningful learning experiences for their students.