The Science of Reading Formula

Malia Hollowell
  • 4.8 (45)
  • How To
  • Weekly

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. 3d ago

    The Secret to Reading Comprehension No One Talks About with Doug Lemov

    What if your comprehension lessons are missing the one thing that actually makes them work? In this episode, Doug Lemov joins us to reveal the science-backed—but often overlooked—key to reading comprehension: background knowledge. You’ll learn how attention, fluency, vocabulary, and shared reading experiences shape your students’ ability to understand what they read—and what you can do to improve it starting tomorrow. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why comprehension isn’t a skill you can teach in isolationThe powerful role background knowledge plays in student successHow to build fluency in a way that boosts understandingSimple ways to improve vocabulary instruction without wasting timeWhy reading aloud is more than just fun—it’s essentialShow Links Teach Like a Champion Website / Book (Amazon affiliate link) Join Malia on Instagram. Become a Science of Reading Formula member! Rate, Review, and Follow If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode! While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out!

  2. Oct 26

    Assessment Overload? Use These 3 Steps to Make It Count with Dr. Jan Hasbrouck

    Do assessments feel like one more thing on your plate—with no clear payoff? In this episode, Dr. Jan Hasbrouck shares how to make assessments actually work for you by connecting them directly to instruction. You’ll learn how to simplify your assessment process, use quick data checks to guide small group decisions, and stop wasting time on scores that don’t drive results. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why more assessments aren’t the answer—and what actually isHow to match assessments to the skills you’re teachingQuick, informal checks that help guide daily instructionHow to group students based on skill needs—not reading levelsThe mindset shift that makes assessment feel empowering, not exhaustingShow Links Jan's Website Join Malia on Instagram. Become a Science of Reading Formula member! Rate, Review, and Follow If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode! While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out!

  3. Oct 19

    The Secret to Better Comprehension? Use What Kids Already Know with Zaretta Hammond

    What if the real key to comprehension isn’t in your curriculum — but in your students’ lived experiences? Zaretta Hammond flips the script on traditional reading instruction in this episode of The Science of Reading Formula Podcast.  You’ll learn how activating what kids already know can dramatically improve comprehension, engagement, and equity — no fancy program required. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why schema matters more than you think.How to help students “mix the new with the known”.Quick ways to build background knowledge during your regular block.How to make your reading lessons more meaningful — starting tomorrow.Show Links Connect with Zaretta on LinkedIn Zaretta's Book: Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain Join Malia on Instagram. Become a Science of Reading Formula member! Rate, Review, and Follow If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode! While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out!

  4. Oct 12

    Structured Literacy Strategies That Actually Help with Dr. Lousie Spear-Swerling

    Helping struggling readers can feel frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be a mystery. In this episode of The Science of Reading Formula Podcast, author and expert Louise Spear-Swerling breaks down the structured literacy strategies that actually move the needle for PreK–2 students. From spotting instructional mismatches to giving more effective feedback, this episode is packed with teacher-tested, science-backed insights. In this episode, we'll talk about: What structured literacy really means (and why it works).How to use informal assessments to drive instruction.A smarter way to monitor student progress weekly.The most common myths about dyslexia in schools.How to build consistency across MTSS tiers.Show Links Dr. Louise Spear-Swerling on LinkedIn Dr. Spear-Swerling's book: Structured Literacy Interventions Join Malia on Instagram. Become a Science of Reading Formula member! Rate, Review, and Follow If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode! While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out!

  5. Oct 5

    Teaching Writing is Essential to Reading Success with Dr. Steve Graham

    What if the secret to stronger readers isn’t more reading instruction—but better writing instruction? In this episode, literacy expert Dr. Steve Graham reveals why writing is often the missing piece in early reading success—and how you can use it to supercharge your phonics, fluency, and comprehension instruction. We’re talking research-backed strategies you can actually use in your PreK–2 classroom, even if writing always feels rushed, messy, or squeezed into the last 10 minutes of the day. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why writing instruction is a game-changer for early readers.How sentence construction helps build comprehension.What SRSD is (and why it works, even for first graders).Smart ways to teach writing—without a full writing block.What the science really says about the writing–reading connection.Show Links Dr. Steve Graham's Faculty Page at ASU National Writing Project Join Malia on Instagram. Become a Science of Reading Formula member! Rate, Review, and Follow If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode! While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out!

  6. Sep 28

    Simple Moves That Supercharge Vocabulary Instruction with Blythe Anderson

    What if teaching vocabulary didn’t mean adding more to your plate—but simply rethinking the words you already use? In this episode, Dr. Blythe Anderson shares simple talk moves that make a big impact. From classroom job titles to science experiments, you’ll learn how to turn everyday moments into powerful vocabulary instruction. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why word lists aren’t enough—and what actually works.8 talk moves that boost vocabulary in seconds.How to build word consciousness in your classroom.Why vocabulary supports decoding, not just comprehension.Practical tips for supporting multilingual learners.Show Links Dr. Anderson's Faculty Profile at University of Buffalo Join Malia on Instagram. Become a Science of Reading Formula member! Rate, Review, and Follow If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode! While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out!

  7. Sep 21

    Why Good Readers Still Struggle with Spelling & How to Fix It with Joanne Rudling

    What if everything you’ve believed about spelling is only half the story? In this episode, spelling expert Joanne Rudling reveals why even your strongest readers still misspell words like said, bottle, and shopping—and why the fix has nothing to do with more phonics worksheets. Get ready for a conversation that will change the way you teach spelling forever. In this episode, we'll talk about: The surprising reason reading and spelling don’t develop at the same pace.Why spelling rules have far fewer “exceptions” than you’ve been told.How history, morphology, and silent letters actually make spelling EASIER.Why mistakes aren’t setbacks—they’re shortcuts to mastery.A simple shift that instantly boosts student spelling confidence.Show Links Joanne's Email Address // Books on Amazon How to Spell Website Join Malia on Instagram. Become a Science of Reading Formula member! Rate, Review, and Follow If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode! While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out!

  8. Sep 14

    My Child Couldn't Read and No One Noticed with Missy Purcell

    Missy Purcell was a teacher. Her son went to a “good” school. But in third grade, she realized something no one else had: he couldn’t read. In this powerful conversation, Missy shares the story that shocked her district—and later, the country—when she told it on Emily Hanford’s Sold a Story. What happens when a bright, well-behaved child falls through the cracks of a balanced literacy system? And what does it take to finally get him the instruction he deserved? This episode is part personal wake-up call, part rally cry for educators who want to get it right. If you’ve ever wondered whether your reading block is working for all kids… don’t miss this one. In this episode, we'll talk about: The moment Missy realized her son had been “passing” without reading.How balanced literacy hides real reading struggles.Why compliant kids are the easiest to overlook.What Sold a Story revealed about systemic failure.How teachers can shift without shame—and start making change now.Show Links Missy's Website // Instagram // Facebook Join Malia on Instagram. Become a Science of Reading Formula member! Rate, Review, and Follow If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode! While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out!

See All (124)

4.8
out of 5
45 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!

Information

  • Creator
    Malia Hollowell
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    124
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Playdough to Plato, LLC
  • Show Website
    The Science of Reading Formula

You Might Also Like