The Science of Reading Formula

Malia Hollowell
  • 4.8 (32)
  • HOW TO
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Science of Reading Formula

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!

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Help Your Struggling Readers Catch Up in Just 3 Steps

    Struggling readers can feel like a tough puzzle to crack—especially when the pressure is on to help them catch up. Sound familiar? In this episode, I'm tackling that challenge head-on with three proven steps to help your students make meaningful progress. You’ll learn how to pinpoint exactly where they’re stuck, actionable strategies to move them forward, and creative tips to keep them motivated along the way. So grab your favorite cozy drink and let’s dive into some powerful strategies for r...

    20 min

  2. DEC 2

    Literacy Curriculum Warning Signs

    Do you think your literacy curriculum is hitting all the marks? Maybe it doesn't, but maybe it needs a little help. In this episode, I'm addressing one of the most asked questions I get: "is my curriculum science of reading aligned?". I'm sharing what to look for in science of reading aligned programs and some telltale red flags that your program isn't hitting the mark. In this episode, we'll talk about... The 27 signs that your reading program isn't aligned to the science of readin...

    28 min

  3. NOV 25

    Teach Reading With Music... No Singing Required!

    Whether you’re an undiscovered American Idol who can carry every tune on the planet or you’re more like me and the word “singing” makes your palms sweat and your heart race, this episode is for you. Because today’s guest is Jocelyn Manzanerez, the founder of Musically Minded, and she's sharing all of her favorite tips for teaching literacy through music.And the best part is you don't have to have an American Idol voice to pull it off... In fact, you don't have to sing at all!I've seen so many...

    43 min

  4. NOV 18

    Secrets to Supporting Multilingual Learners

    With rapidly diversifying classes, teachers need effective strategies to help ALL students thrive - including the ones whose first language is something other than English. So today, I'm excited to share practical, research-based strategies that set up multilingual learners for success.In this episode, you'll learn: Why writing in English is the last skill students will learn and what skills come before itSimple ways to help students understand what you're saying before they learn Englis...

    17 min

  5. NOV 11

    Essential Classroom Management Tips Every Elementary Teacher Needs to Know

    Defiant behavior, blurting out, and disruption can feel VERY frustrating. So I'm excited to welcome the queen of classroom management herself: Alex John from the Kindergarten Connection. She's here to spill the tea on all of the essential classroom management tips every teacher needs to know so you can finally turn that frustrating classroom chaos into consistent, predictable calm.In this episode, we'll talk about... The top 4 keys to classroom management successQuick and simple ways to ...

    34 min

  6. NOV 4

    Help! My Students Can't Blend Letter Sound to Read Words

    Do you have students who know their letter sounds but, when it comes time to blend those sounds together to read words, it seems like everything falls apart? For instance, they might read, "/p/ /o/ /t/. HOP."It's tempting to think they just need more practice reinforcing letter sounds, but what they're actually struggling with is a phonemic awareness skill called blending. In this episode, we'll talk about: What phonemic awareness is and why it's so importantThe six phonemic ...

    17 min

  7. OCT 28

    New Teacher? This Will Make Your Life Easier with Ashleigh Smith

    Did you know that 50% of teachers will leave the profession within the first five years? Today's podcast guest is committed to changing that statistic! I'm sitting down with Ashleigh Smith, a 20 year veteran teacher and the co-founder of Rainbow Sky Creations, a community dedicated to helping new teachers THRIVE.She's diving into all of the essential teacher things: classroom management, work-life balance, creating a support network….Ashleigh shares actionable tips and strategies for so many ...

    31 min

  8. OCT 21

    How to Go From Stressed to Thriving with Kelsey Sorenson

    If you have ever felt burned out, overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious – and let’s be real, we probably have ALL felt that way at some point in life – today’s episode is for you! I’m sitting down with Kelsey Sorenson, the teacher turned life coach who just published her first ever book called Educate and Rejuvenate. Her book is a step-by-step guide to worrying less and living more so you can show up as your very best self each and every day. In this episode, Kelsey spills the tea on......

    39 min
See All (33)

4.8
out of 5
32 Ratings

About

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!

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