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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

38:10

Skip the Worksheets! Here's How to Really Teach...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/10/27

Teaching handwriting in early grades can feel frustrating—especially when kids struggle to form letters, and the pressure to move fast is real. In this episode, Malia chats with pediatric occupational therapist Kelli Fetter to uncover what actually works. From Play-Doh to pencil grips, you’ll walk away with brain-based strategies that make handwriting instruction developmentally appropriate and fun. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why handwriting still matters—even in a digital age.The bes...

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18:50

The Phonics Staircase: What It Is and How to Use It

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/10/20

Struggling to figure out what phonics skill to teach next? What if there was a simple, visual roadmap that showed you exactly where your students are—and where they need to go? In this episode, we're breaking down The Phonics Staircase, a powerful, step-by-step framework that will change how you think about phonics instruction forever. In this episode, we'll talk about: The exact order to teach phonics skills—without skipping critical steps.Why starting with just 8 letters can unlock hundreds...

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36:07

What the Most Impactful Teachers Do Differently with...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/10/13

What if the key to student success isn’t just in your curriculum—but in how you see your students? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rebecca Knighton, author of Flip the Script: Breaking Down Barriers, Building Relationships, and Engaging Secondary Students to explore how the most impactful teachers build deep connections with students who are often the hardest to reach. If you’ve ever felt stuck or discouraged by student behavior, this conversation will leave you inspired, reflective, an...

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11:36

If You're Nervous About the Science of Reading......

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/10/06

Feeling overwhelmed by all the science of reading lingo? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re breaking it down in a way that feels clear, relatable, and reassuring—especially if you're just getting started. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why it’s totally normal to feel nervous about shifting to science-based reading instruction.The biggest myth that holds teachers back from making the switch.How the science of reading differs from how we were taught.What you actually need to focus on ...

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32:36

How Early Literacy Prevents the School to Prison...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/09/29

What if the behavior issues in your classroom weren’t about defiance—but about reading? In this powerful episode, we talk with Hildebrand Pelzer III, a former prison principal turned education advocate, about how early literacy is the key to preventing the school to prison pipeline. This is a conversation every teacher and school leader needs to hear. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why reading failure—not behavior—is at the root of the school to prison pipeline.How to reframe classroom mi...

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9:43

Is the Science of Reading Just Another Early Literacy...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/09/22

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...

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36:01

The Hidden Struggles of Neurodivergent Students— And...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/09/15

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...

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14:22

The Top Five Things Phonics Programs Get Wrong

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/09/08

If you’ve ever followed your phonics program to the letter and still thought, “What am I missing?” — this episode is for you. The truth? Even the best programs make mistakes that leave students stuck. We’re pulling back the curtain on the top 5 things phonics programs get wrong—and how to fix them with practical, science-backed strategies you can use right away. In this episode, we'll talk about: The red flag hiding in your phonics scope and sequence.Why students aren’t gaining fluency (even ...

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48:27

Using MTSS to Prevent Reading Failure with Dr....

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/09/01

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...

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8:10

Helping Struggling Readers Build Confidence (And...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/08/25

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 ...

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26:30

Orthographic Mapping Made Simple with Molly Ness

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/08/18

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 ...

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14:36

How to Build Comprehension Before Students Can Decode

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/08/11

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...

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30:24

When Phonics Isn't Enough with Michelle Sullivan

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/08/04

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: ...

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8:54

Teaching a Class with 4+ Reading Levels? Here's How...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/07/28

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...

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29:01

Making the Shift from Balanced Literacy to the...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/07/21

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...

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16:45

Phonics Without Tears: Science of Reading Phonics...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/07/14

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...

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42:04

Game-Changing ADHD Strategies For Primary Teachers...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/07/07

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...

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10:01

When to Move on to the Next Phonics Skill

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/06/30

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...

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31:18

How to Teach Morphology in Early Elementary Without...

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/06/23

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...

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12:32

How to Pass National Board Certification the First Time

The Science of Reading Formula ·

2025/06/16

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...

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