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PODCAST

The Science of Reading Formula

Malia Hollowell

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

education how to

All Episodes

44:59

Early Signs of Dyslexia in Preschool and Kindergarten...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/06/09

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...

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16:58

What's Better: Decodable Books or Leveled Readers?

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/06/02

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 ...

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1:03

Season One Wrap Up

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/05/30

Season 1 of The Science of Reading Formula podcast was all about giving K-2 teachers practical, no-fluff strategies grounded in research. Whether it was demystifying phonics instruction, navigating structured literacy, or choosing the right decodable texts, each episode tackled real classroom struggles with clarity and compassion. From veteran teachers rethinking old routines to new educators building strong reading foundations from the start, our goal was to support you every step of the way...

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10:27

Science of Reading Strategies for Teaching Sight...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/05/26

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...

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22:40

Effective Classroom Strategies for Supporting...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/05/19

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...

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23:05

Teachers, Turn Your Skills Into Cash!

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/05/12

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...

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44:40

Differentiation Strategies for Gifted Students in...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/05/05

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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12:54

Effective Tier 1, 2, and 3 Reading Interventions for...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/04/28

Have you ever wondered why some students seem to pick up reading effortlessly while others struggle—even when you’re teaching the exact same lesson? It’s a lot like learning to ride a bike! Some kids take off immediately, while others need training wheels (and some need one-on-one coaching). That’s where Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 instruction come in. In this episode, I break down what each tier of instruction actually means, how to identify which students need extra support, and what researc...

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11:46

Common Phonics Teaching Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/04/21

If teaching phonics sometimes feels overwhelming, you’re not alone! With so much conflicting advice out there, it’s easy to fall into common teaching traps that actually slow down student progress. But the good news? Once you know better, you can do better—and I’m here to help! In this episode, I’m breaking down the four biggest phonics mistakes I see teachers make and, more importantly, how to fix them. Whether it’s moving too fast, skipping phonemic awareness, or relying on outdated strateg...

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48:49

Culturally Responsive Teaching Strategies with Dr....

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/04/14

How can we create a truly inclusive, equitable classroom where every student feels seen, valued, and supported? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jarri Goodman, an educator, faculty coach, and advocate for equity in education, to explore the real barriers students of color face—and the powerful role teachers play in breaking them down. We discuss how to move beyond surface-level representation, address implicit bias, and create culturally responsive learning environments where all students...

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11:36

Science-Backed Strategies for Struggling Readers

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/04/07

Have you ever felt like teaching reading is an uphill battle—no matter how hard you try, some students just don’t seem to get it? You’re not alone! In this episode, I break down the three essential elements that every successful reading teacher needs to master. Using a surprising analogy from the reality show Alone, I’ll show you why the most effective teachers don’t just know what works—they take action and surround themselves with the right support. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or isolat...

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15:01

The #1 Predictor of Reading Success (And How to Teach...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/03/31

If you’ve ever had a student struggle to sound out words or blend sounds together, chances are they need more support with phonemic awareness. Research shows that phonemic awareness is the strongest predictor of future reading success—yet many teachers receive little formal training on how to teach it effectively. In this episode, I break down exactly what phonemic awareness is, how it differs from phonological awareness, and why it plays a critical role in developing strong readers. You'll a...

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10:02

7 Surprising Jobs of Silent E (That Most Teachers...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/03/24

Have you ever told your students that the word have is a rule breaker because the silent E doesn’t make the A say its name? I used to think that too—until I learned the real reasons silent E exists. Spoiler alert: have isn’t a rule breaker at all! In this episode, I’m breaking down the seven jobs of silent E—why it’s not just there to make vowels long, and how understanding its purpose can transform your students’ spelling and decoding skills. Once you know these patterns, you’ll never look a...

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31:44

Understanding Autism with Heather Cacioppo

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/03/17

Have you ever had a student with autism in your classroom and felt unsure of how to best support them? You’re not alone! In this episode, I sit down with special education teacher Heather Cacioppo to break down simple, evidence-based strategies to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for students with autism. We explore common misconceptions, how to recognize early signs, and what teachers can do to provide meaningful support—without overhauling their entire classroom routi...

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21:15

Stop the Spelling Struggle! The Smarter Way to Teach...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/03/10

Have you ever given your students a list of spelling words, drilled them all week, and still watched them struggle on Friday’s test? If so, you’re not alone! In this episode, I’m breaking down the biggest myths about spelling instruction—and sharing research-backed strategies that actually help students retain spelling patterns for the long haul. We’ll dive into how spelling and phonics go hand in hand, why memorization doesn’t work, and how to teach spelling in a way that sticks. Plus, I’ll ...

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27:56

Snack Smarter, Teach Better with Kate Lyman

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/03/03

Ever feel like you're running on caffeine and fumes just to make it through the school day? You're not alone! In this episode, I sit down with nutrition educator and coach Kate Lyman to talk about how small, strategic nutrition shifts can boost energy, improve focus, and help prevent teacher burnout. We break down the science behind brain fuel and simple, no-stress ways to eat better—even with a packed schedule. From high-protein breakfasts to easy grab-and-go snacks, you’ll walk away with pr...

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31:51

How to Support Early Literacy Through Speech and...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/02/24

Have you ever had a student who struggles to pronounce words clearly—or one who seems to have trouble following directions or understanding new vocabulary? You might be seeing early signs of speech and language difficulties, which can directly impact reading success. In this episode, I sit down with pediatric speech pathologist Rita Shamoun to explore the critical connection between oral language development and literacy. We break down how speech and language delays affect phonemic awareness,...

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8:31

Multisensory Phonics Activities That Work

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/02/17

Teaching phonics doesn’t have to feel like reinventing the wheel! In this episode, I'm sharing my favorite multisensory strategies to engage every learner. Whether you’re a new teacher looking to make phonics fun or a veteran searching for fresh ideas, this episode will give you practical tips to elevate your instruction. Learn how multisensory techniques activate multiple parts of the brain, making learning faster, easier, and more enjoyable for kids—without adding extra work to your plate. ...

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34:46

What You Didn't Know About Hearing Loss and Learning...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/02/10

Have you ever had a student who was hard of hearing and felt unsure about how to meet their needs? You’re not alone! In this episode, I sit down with Deanna Barlow, an itinerant teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing, to explore practical, research-backed strategies for making literacy instruction more accessible. We dive into how hearing loss impacts phonemic awareness, language development, and reading skills—and what you can do to ensure every student thrives. Whether it’s using assistive...

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37:52

AI Tools Every Teacher Needs to Know with Dan...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/02/03

Are you curious about how AI is reshaping the future of education? This episode of The Science of Reading Formula dives deep into the transformative power of AI in the classroom—specifically for elementary teachers. Join me and my guest Dan Fitzpatrick, author of The AI Classroom for Teachers and Infinite Education, as we discuss the role of AI in enhancing literacy instruction, fostering creativity, and saving teachers countless hours. In this episode, we'll talk about... How AI tools ...

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