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Description
Welcome to The Science of Reading Formula, the podcast that helps you simplify reading instruction, save time, and support every student’s success—without feeling like you’re running on empty.
I’m Malia Hollowell—a National Board Certified Teacher, author, and founder of Playdough to Plato. Over the past 20 years, I’ve honed my craft, combining science-backed practices with practical solutions to meet the real challenges educators face every day.
Each episode dives into essential pillars of teaching success:
- Smart strategies to meet the needs of every student without adding extra stress to your plate.
- Honest conversations and tips to tackle teacher burnout and find a balance between school and home life.
- Science-backed practices that actually work—saving you time and boosting student results.
- Practical tips to streamline your planning and free up time for what matters most.
This is your space to find encouragement, expert insights, and actionable ideas to create a classroom (and life) that works for you. Let’s get started!
75 Episodes
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Feeling whiplash from decades of shifting reading strategies? You’re not alone. In this episode, we unpack the real story behind the science of reading—and why it’s not just another trend. If you’ve been burned by balanced literacy, whole language, or three-cueing, this conversation is your turning point. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why the science of reading isn’t a passing fad—but a 50-year body of research.What makes it different from past methods like whole language or balanced lit...
Get ready for an eye-opening conversation that might just change the way you see your classroom. In this episode, Dr. Emily King—student psychologist and neurodivergent expert—shares practical, shame-free strategies to help PreK–2 teachers support students struggling with executive functioning, emotional regulation, and mental health needs. In this episode, we'll talk about: How to tell the difference between “can’t” and “won’t” in student behavior.Why emotional regulation must come before ac...
MTSS often gets written off as just another intervention checklist—but what if it’s actually your strongest tool for preventing reading failure? In this episode, I’m joined by MTSS experts Dr. Sarah Brown and Dr. Stephanie Stollar to break down what MTSS really is, clear up the biggest myths, and show you how this framework can support your Tier 1 instruction, simplify your decisions, and help more kids learn to read the first time. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why MTSS is a preventativ...
If you’ve ever had a student say “I can’t read” with tears in their eyes, this episode is for you. Today we’re exploring why reading shutdown happens—and what you can do to rebuild confidence and spark success in your most discouraged learners. In this episode, we'll talk about: The emotional root behind student shutdown (it’s not laziness).Why celebrating effort beats chasing perfection.How to use affirming language to shape reading identity.A fun fluency game that builds confidence through ...
Teaching spelling shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. In this episode, Dr. Molly Ness breaks down orthographic mapping—the science-backed process that helps students permanently store words in memory. Whether you’re new to the term or ready to ditch ineffective sight word drills, you’ll walk away with real strategies you can start using tomorrow. In this episode, we'll talk about: What orthographic mapping actually means (no jargon!).A 4-step method for helping students master new words.Why ...
Some students can’t read “cat” yet—but can explain the moral of a story better than anyone. So how do we support comprehension before decoding clicks? In this episode, we’re exploring how to nurture deep thinking while building foundational reading skills. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why decoding and comprehension must grow side-by-side.How to use read alouds and class discussions to build thinking skills.What kinds of questions spark comprehension—even with simple texts.Using podcasts...
Ever feel like phonics just isn’t enough to help your students tackle bigger words? You’re not imagining it. In this episode, we’re joined by literacy coach Michelle Sullivan to explore why morphology—yes, even in K–2—is the missing link in your literacy block. She shares easy-to-implement strategies that help kids understand how words work—without overwhelming them (or you). If you’re ready to make word study more meaningful, this episode is a must-listen. In this episode, we'll talk about: ...
If your classroom feels like a jigsaw puzzle of reading needs, this episode is for you. We’re diving into the ACEd method—a simple, step-by-step way to manage mixed reading levels without prepping 25 separate lessons. In this episode, we'll talk about: The #1 reason teachers feel overwhelmed by reading instruction.How to assess students efficiently and meaningfully.Why grouping by skill (not grade) makes all the difference.What a “just right” reading goal looks like for each student.How to ma...
What does it really look like to move from balanced literacy to the science of reading? In this episode, veteran teacher Meghan Hein shares her honest, four-year journey—complete with mindset shifts, classroom trials, and practical wins. Whether you're just starting or deep in the transition, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and ready to take your next small step. In this episode, we’ll talk about: The moment Meghan realized balanced literacy wasn’t working for all student...
Planning phonics lessons shouldn't leave you stressed and scrambling. In this episode, we're sharing a simple, science-backed routine that takes the guesswork out of teaching phonics—so your lessons practically plan themselves. In this episode, we’ll talk about... My Thanksgiving-themed phonics mistake you don’t want to repeat.The 4-step routine that works with any skill.How to help students build accuracy, automaticity, and application.Fun, low-prep ways to reinforce phonics skills through g...
What if the student who "won’t sit still" or "never starts their work" isn’t trying to misbehave—but is quietly asking for support? In this episode, veteran educator Cheryl Agrawal helps us rethink ADHD in the primary classroom. You’ll walk away with fresh insights and game-changing strategies that make your school days smoother—for you and your students. In this episode, we’ll talk about: What ADHD really looks like in PreK–2 students (it’s not just hyperactivity).The overlooked link between...
Moving too fast in phonics instruction can lead to shaky reading foundations—but how do you know when students are truly ready to progress? In this episode, we’ll show you exactly what to look for so you can successfully move forward with confidence. In this episode, we’ll talk about: Why checking a box on a scope and sequence isn’t enough.The “Three A’s” every student must show before moving on.What fluent reading and spelling of target skills actually looks like.How to use sentence dictatio...
What if the key to better decoding, spelling, and vocabulary was hidden in the very structure of words? In this episode, we're diving deep into how morphology can transform literacy instruction—starting as early as PreK. Our guest, Sarah from Snippets by Sarah, shares how she helps students understand meaningful word parts and why it's never too early to start. In this episode, we'll talk about: How to teach morphology in PreK–3rd grade classrooms.Why even young students are ready for prefixe...
Earning National Board Certification can feel overwhelming—but what if you could pass on your first try? In this episode, Malia shares the exact strategies she used to do just that, along with the hard lessons she learned along the way. In this episode, we’ll talk about: The #1 mistake teachers make when submitting student work samples.Why choosing “outlier” students is key to showcasing your impact.How to stay organized (and sane) with early evidence collection.Why standards alignment should...
In this powerful conversation, veteran educator Lori Josephson breaks down what dyslexia really is—and how you can spot the early signs in your preschool and kindergarten students. If you’ve ever had a gut feeling that something was “off” with a student’s reading but didn’t know what to look for or how to help, this episode is your guide. In this episode, we'll talk about: The most common myths about dyslexia (and what to stop believing today).Early red flags to watch for in pre-K and K stude...
For decades, schools have relied on leveled readers to teach kids how to read—but what if they’ve been setting students up to guess instead of actually read? In this episode, I’m breaking down the difference between leveled readers and decodable books, and why one approach is backed by science while the other reinforces bad reading habits. We’ll explore what makes decodable books so powerful, how they align with phonics instruction, and when to transition students to authentic texts. If your ...
If you’ve ever felt pressured to introduce sight words early but weren’t sure how to do it in a way that actually supports reading development, you’re not alone! In this episode, I’m breaking down when and how to introduce high-frequency words the right way—using research-backed strategies that align with the science of reading. We’ll explore why traditional sight word memorization sets students up for guessing, how to introduce high-frequency words based on phonics skills, and a simple, brai...
Have you ever had a student who avoids writing, struggles to stay on the lines, or complains about hand pain when trying to get their thoughts on paper? They may be dealing with dysgraphia—a commonly misunderstood learning disability that affects written expression. In this episode, I sit down with educational diagnostician Natasha Gray to break down what dysgraphia really is, how it differs from dyslexia, and most importantly, how teachers can provide the right support in the classroom. From...
Let’s be real—teaching is incredibly rewarding, but it doesn’t always cover the bills. If you’ve ever thought about launching a tutoring side hustle but didn’t know where to start, this episode is for you! I’m walking you through how to set up a tutoring business that fits your life, fuels your passion, and brings in extra income—without burning you out. Whether you're looking to make $500 a month or turn tutoring into a full-time gig, you already have what it takes. Let me show you how to tu...
When we think about differentiation, we often focus on supporting struggling readers—but what about the students who need more challenge? If you’ve ever had a student who finishes their work in record time or seems disengaged despite their advanced abilities, this episode is for you! I’m joined by gifted education expert Melita Haines to break down what giftedness really looks like (hint: it’s not always the straight-A student), how to differentiate effectively without adding hours to your wo...
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