The Science of Reading Formula

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The Science of Reading Formula

Malia Hollowell

81 episodes

1 day ago

What do you say when a parent questions your reading instruction with, “This isn’t how I learned to read”? In this episode, we’re giving you clear, confident responses that help build trust and explain the science of reading—without getting lost in the research. In this episode, we'll talk about: What parents really mean when they say, “I didn’t learn to read like this”.How to use a math analogy that makes phonics click for families.Why we’ve moved away from leveled books and sight word memor...

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What do you say when a parent questions your reading instruction with, “This isn’t how I learned to read”? In this episode, we’re giving you clear, confident responses that help build trust and explain the science of reading—without getting lost in the research. In this episode, we'll talk about: What parents really mean when they say, “I didn’t learn to read like this”.How to use a math analogy that makes phonics click for families.Why we’ve moved away from leveled books and sight word memor...

Show more...

Episodes (20/81)

The Science of Reading Formula

What to Say When Parents Tell You "I Didn't Learn to Read Like This"

What do you say when a parent questions your reading instruction with, “This isn’t how I learned to read”? In this episode, we’re giving you clear, confident responses that help build trust and explain the science of reading—without getting lost in the research. In this episode, we'll talk about: What parents really mean when they say, “I didn’t learn to read like this”.How to use a math analogy that makes phonics click for families.Why we’ve moved away from leveled books and sight word memor...

1 day ago

7 minutes

The Science of Reading Formula

Skip the Worksheets! Here's How to Really Teach Handwriting with Kelli Fetter

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...

1 week ago

38 minutes

The Science of Reading Formula

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

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...

2 weeks ago

19 minutes

The Science of Reading Formula

What the Most Impactful Teachers Do Differently with Rebecca Knighton

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...

3 weeks ago

36 minutes

The Science of Reading Formula

If You're Nervous About the Science of Reading... Start Here!

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 ...

4 weeks ago

11 minutes

The Science of Reading Formula

How Early Literacy Prevents the School to Prison Pipeline with Hilderbrand Pelzer III

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...

1 month ago

32 minutes

The Science of Reading Formula

Is the Science of Reading Just Another Early Literacy Trend?

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...

1 month ago

9 minutes

The Science of Reading Formula

The Hidden Struggles of Neurodivergent Students— And What Teachers Can Do About It with Dr. Emily King

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...

1 month ago

36 minutes

The Science of Reading Formula

The Top Five Things Phonics Programs Get Wrong

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 ...

1 month ago

14 minutes

The Science of Reading Formula

Using MTSS to Prevent Reading Failure with Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Dr. Sarah Brown

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...

2 months ago

48 minutes

The Science of Reading Formula

Helping Struggling Readers Build Confidence (And Avoid Shutdown)

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 ...

2 months ago

8 minutes

The Science of Reading Formula

Orthographic Mapping Made Simple with Molly Ness

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 ...

2 months ago

26 minutes

The Science of Reading Formula

How to Build Comprehension Before Students Can Decode

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...

2 months ago

14 minutes

The Science of Reading Formula

When Phonics Isn't Enough with Michelle Sullivan

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: ...

3 months ago

30 minutes

The Science of Reading Formula

Teaching a Class with 4+ Reading Levels? Here's How to Make It Work

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...

3 months ago

8 minutes

The Science of Reading Formula

Making the Shift from Balanced Literacy to the Science of Reading with Meghan Hein

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...

3 months ago

29 minutes

The Science of Reading Formula

Phonics Without Tears: Science of Reading Phonics Routine

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...

3 months ago

16 minutes

The Science of Reading Formula

Game-Changing ADHD Strategies For Primary Teachers with Cheryl Agrawal

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...

4 months ago

42 minutes

The Science of Reading Formula

When to Move on to the Next Phonics Skill

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...

4 months ago

10 minutes

The Science of Reading Formula

How to Teach Morphology in Early Elementary Without Overwhelming Your Students with Sarah Paul

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...

4 months ago

31 minutes