A name known throughout the literacy world, Maryanne Wolf, Ed.D., directs UCLA’s Center for Dyslexia, Diverse Learners, and Social Justice. She’s published over 170 scientific articles  and four books focusing on the science of the reading brain. In her conversation with Susan in this episode, she discusses the reading brain in a digital context and delves into some of the tensions of the present moment in literacy instruction: 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:

• Book: Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain
• Book: Tales of Literacy for the 21st Century: The Literary Agenda
• Book: Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World 
• Listen: Maryanne Wolf on The Ezra Klein Show

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