Science of Reading: The Podcast

S8 E8: The plea to preserve deep reading, with Maryanne Wolf, Ed.D.

Jan 17, 2024

Maryanne Wolf, esteemed literacy expert and director of UCLA's Center for Dyslexia, delves into the tensions of literacy instruction. She talks about the plea to preserve deep reading in the digital age, literacy and screens, and the most pressing topics in research on the brain and literacy. She also emphasizes the importance of teachers and passing on knowledge.

01:01:49

Episode guests

Maryanne Wolf

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Expanding knowledge in the science of reading involves more than just phonics, requiring systematic and integrated approaches to teaching foundational skills.

Preserving deep reading is crucial amidst the challenges of skimming and screen reading, promoting a comprehensive understanding of texts.

Deep dives

Understanding the Science of Reading and the Evolving World of Reading Research

Dr. Marianne Wolf discusses the importance of expanding knowledge in the science of reading, emphasizing that it is more than just phonics. She highlights the need for systematic, structured, and integrated approaches to teaching foundational skills, bridging the gap between different teaching philosophies. Dr. Wolf also addresses the challenges of skimming and screen reading, urging readers to preserve the practice of deep reading. She emphasizes the significance of bringing scientific knowledge into pre-service and professional development for teachers to better support struggling readers and dyslexic learners. Dr. Wolf concludes with gratitude for the hard work of teachers and encourages them to continue making a profound impact on students' lives.

Introduction

2min

Roles and Experiences in Education, Advocacy, and Literacy

4min

The Cognitive Neuroscience of Reading

7min

Developing Language Skills in Young Children

7min

Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain

9min

The Negative Consequences of Skimming in Reading

10min

The Importance of Foundational Skills

20min

Acknowledgment, Teasers, and Sponsor Announcement

2min

A name known throughout the literacy world, Maryanne Wolf, Ed.D., has published over 170 scientific articles and four books focusing on the science of the reading brain. In this episode she discusses the reading brain in a digital context and delves into some of the tensions around literacy instruction in the present moment, including the Science of Reading beyond just phonics, the plea to preserve deep reading, and literacy and screens. She also talks about the topics she’s most focused on and the ones she feels are most pressing in general when it comes to research on the brain and literacy. And she ends with an impassioned message to teachers, expressing her deep respect and gratitude.

Show notes:

Quotes:

“What I would say to any teacher of balanced literacy: Let us bring our best selves and expand our knowledge. We both have things we can learn from each other. ” —Maryanne Wolf, Ed.D.

“Pass on why you learned to be a teacher. Pass it on to your students. Let’s make that next generation of teachers truly excited about what we can do to release the potential of every child.” —Maryanne Wolf, Ed.D.

Episode Content Timestamps*

2:00: Introduction: Who is Maryanne Wolf?
7:00: Cognitive neuroscience and how it relates to early childhood literacy
14:00: Elements kids aged 0-5 need to develop before build the reading circuits in the brain
21:00: Maryanne’s first book, Proust and the Squid
27:00: Maryanne’s third book, Reader Come Home
31:00: The reading brain in the digital age: What screens do to the reading brain
43:00: Maryanne Wolf and the Science of Reading movement
48:00: Discussing presentation with the Teachers College
55:00: Most important topics in the evolving world of reading research
58:00: Maryanne’s message to teachers of deep gratitude and respect

*Timestamps are approximate, rounded to nearest minute

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