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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

28:25

Why Students Can Sound Out Words but Not Read Them...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2026/04/06

Some students can sound out every letter in a word… but still not read it. In this episode, literacy interventionist Beth Gaskill helps us unpack why that happens and what to do about it. We’re talking about the “fuzzy middle” between phonemic awareness and fluent reading, and why simple, consistent, multisensory routines can make all the difference. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why some kids can sound out words but still can’t blend.The role of working memory in decoding struggles.Simp...

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29:16

The Tier 2 Formula You've Been Missing with Linsey Jones

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2026/03/30

What if Tier 2 didn’t feel like a last-ditch effort—but your most powerful tool for early reading success? In this episode, I sit down with Linsey, a school-based SLP who built a Tier 2 intervention program that’s catching struggling readers before they fall behind. Short, targeted, and backed by real results—you’re going to want to hear how she’s doing it. In this episode, we'll talk about: What makes most Tier 2 interventions ineffective—and how to fix it.A simple framework for high-impact ...

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35:42

What to Do When Kids Can Read but Don't Understand...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2026/03/23

You know the type—students who can read every word but still have no idea what they just read. In this episode, literacy expert Dr. Tim Shanahan breaks down why this happens and what you can do about it. Get ready for myth-busting moments and practical tools you can use in your classroom tomorrow. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why kids who read fluently may still struggle to comprehend.The myth of “just right” texts—and what to do instead.How vocabulary, background knowledge, and morphol...

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7:18

Why Does "Two" Have a Silent W? (And Other...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2026/03/16

Have you ever wondered why there is a silent W in the word two? In this episode, we explore a surprisingly powerful concept that helps students unlock word meaning just by noticing how a word is spelled. It is called a phonestheme, and once you understand it, you will start seeing these hidden clues everywhere. We look at how sound clusters like TW, GL, and SN give hints about a word’s meaning and how this awareness helps students become more confident readers. You will also learn how to intr...

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47:57

A Simpler Way to Teach Multisyllabic Words with Devin...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2026/03/09

Teaching students how to read longer words shouldn’t feel like a lesson in rule-breaker management. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Devin Kearns, a leading researcher in early literacy, who shares a simpler, more flexible way to teach multisyllabic word reading—without relying on confusing syllable rules that don’t always work. If you’ve ever watched your students freeze at the sight of a longer word, this conversation is going to change the way you teach. In this episode, we'll talk about...

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31:47

How to Teach Phonological Awareness Through Play with...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2026/03/02

Can kids really build phonological awareness by pretending to sell you a $1 million cup of ice cream? According to literacy expert Beck Goodman… yes! In this episode, we’re unpacking how to teach phonological awareness through play—with fun, simple strategies that actually work. In this episode, we'll talk about: The spectrum of play-based learning—and where structured lessons fit in.Easy phonological awareness games using sensory bins, storytelling, and locks!What to do when your kids get wi...

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29:37

Turn Your Living Room Into a Thriving Preschool with...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2026/02/23

Burned out by the system but still love teaching? You don’t have to choose between your passion and your peace. In this episode, you’ll hear how Joy Anderson went from stay-at-home mom with no income to thriving preschool founder—and how you can turn your own living room into a flexible, fulfilling preschool too. In this episode, we'll talk about: The moment Joy realized she had to create a new future for her kids—and herself.How she launched her first preschool using just her living room and...

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13:12

How to Know if Your Reading Instruction is Actually...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2026/02/16

How do you really know if what you’re teaching in reading is actually helping kids grow? If you’ve ever finished a lesson wondering, “Is this even working?” — this episode is for you. We're diving into how to use student data to take the guesswork out of reading instruction and make sure every moment you teach counts. In this episode, we'll talk about: The 3 types of assessments that show you what’s working (and what’s not).How to use student data to plan smarter, faster reading lessons.Why g...

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22:32

What to Say to Parents After a Dyslexia Diagnosis...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2026/02/09

When a family receives a new dyslexia diagnosis, emotions run high—and teachers are often the first person they turn to for answers. But what should you say? In this episode, dyslexia therapist Rebecca Bush gives teachers practical guidance on how to talk to families with clarity, empathy, and confidence. In this episode, we'll talk about: What to say (and what not to say) after a dyslexia diagnosis.How to support families emotionally and practically.The role of the teacher in early intervent...

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69:26

What if Irregular Words Aren't Irregular? Introducing...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2026/02/02

What if the word “does” isn’t irregular at all? Most teachers were taught to memorize tricky words like does, there, or really—but today’s guest says that’s exactly the problem. In this episode, Dr. Peter Bowers introduces us to Structured Word Inquiry (SWI)—a powerful, meaning-based approach to spelling that helps students (and teachers!) understand how English truly works. If you've ever wondered why certain words are spelled the way they are—or struggled to explain them to students—this ep...

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50:02

The Hidden Skill Struggling Readers Need but Aren't...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2026/01/26

Why do some students decode perfectly but never seem to retain the words? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. David Kilpatrick to uncover the most misunderstood skill in reading instruction—and why phonics alone isn’t enough. In this episode, we'll talk about: The hidden skill struggling readers must master to build fluency.Why phonemic awareness can’t be replaced by phonics.The difference between decoding and remembering words.What orthographic mapping really is—and how to strengthen it.Ho...

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27:23

How One Man Discovered He Was Dyslexic in Prison and...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2026/01/19

He was called stupid. Beaten for not being able to read. And it wasn’t until prison that Ameer Baraka learned the truth—he was dyslexic. In this gripping episode, Ameer shares how a compassionate teacher, a late diagnosis, and sheer determination transformed his life—from a struggling student to a scriptwriter for Tyler Perry. If you teach reading, this is the kind of story that will stay with you. In this episode, we'll talk about: How undiagnosed dyslexia shaped Ameer’s childhood and led to...

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16:45

"I Couldn't Keep Reteaching... so I Tried Something...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2026/01/12

What if your students could finally retain what you teach—and you could stop second-guessing every phonics lesson? In this episode, veteran first grade teacher Rose shares how she went from overwhelmed and unsure… to confident and clear—thanks to her first step inside The Science of Reading Formula: our four-week bootcamp called The Reading Roadmap. If you’re tired of piecing together your reading instruction, this conversation is the encouragement and direction you’ve been looking for. In th...

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8:27

How to Convince Your Admin to Support the Science of...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2026/01/05

You know the science of reading works—you’ve seen the difference in your classroom. But what happens when your administrator isn’t on board, or doesn’t fully understand why this shift matters? In this episode, we’ll walk through how to have these conversations with confidence and care. You’ll learn how to share your classroom data, connect it to the bigger picture, and offer solutions that make it easier for your admin to say yes. Most importantly, you’ll be reminded that administrators...

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15:15

Fan Favorite- The Best Order to Teach Phonics Skills

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/12/29

Teaching phonics can feel overwhelming, but having a clear, step-by-step sequence makes all the difference! In this episode, we’ll break down the best order to teach phonics skills, so your students build strong reading foundations with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned educator or new to the science of reading, this progression will help you support every learner at their own pace. In this episode, we’ll talk about: The first phonics skills students need to master.How to move students up...

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24:02

Fan Favorite- The Ultimate Reading Recipe

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/12/22

Struggling readers aren’t a mystery—there’s a clear formula for reading success! In this episode, we’re breaking down the Simple View of Reading—a powerful, research-backed framework that explains how decoding and comprehension work together to build strong readers. You’ll learn why some students struggle, how to pinpoint the root cause, and actionable strategies to support them. Whether your students need help with phonics, language comprehension, or both, this episode will give you the tool...

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16:25

Fan Favorite- Decoding Dyslexia: Tips, Tricks, and...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/12/15

Supporting students with dyslexia doesn’t have to feel overwhelming! In this episode, we’re sharing science-backed dyslexia support strategies to help struggling readers build confidence and fluency. Learn how to use multisensory instruction, structured phonics, and effective accommodations to create a dyslexia-friendly learning environment. *Note: Since this episode first aired, The International Dyslexia Association released a new and updated version of their definition of dyslexia. You can...

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9:39

Fan Favorite- Stop Drilling Sight Word Flashcards!...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/12/08

Are your students still struggling with sight words even after hours of drilling flashcards? You're not alone—and there’s a better way. In this episode, we're diving into research-backed strategies that actually help K-2 students retain high-frequency words without relying on visual memory. In this episode, we’ll talk about: Why traditional sight word flashcard drills don’t work.The 3-step shift to help students memorize words on autopilot.How to align sight words with phonics instruction for...

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15:45

Fan Favorite: Help! My Students Can't Blend Letter...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/12/01

Struggling to help your students blend letter sounds into words? You’re not alone! Many early readers know their letter sounds but face challenges when it comes to smoothly blending them into recognizable words. The good news? Blending is a skill that can be developed with the right strategies and activities. In this episode, we break down simple, research-backed phonemic awareness techniques that will help your students become more confident and fluent readers. In this episode, we’ll talk ab...

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42:45

Is AI Developmentally Appropriate for Pre K to 2nd...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/11/24

Is AI really safe—or even useful—for our youngest learners? In this episode, veteran educator Vicki Davis unpacks what developmentally appropriate AI use looks like in PreK–2 classrooms. You’ll hear practical ways to integrate technology without sacrificing connection, creativity, or literacy. In this episode, we'll talk about: Whether AI supports or harms early childhood development.Creative ways to use AI that don’t rely on screens.How to use AI to differentiate reading instruction.A powerf...

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