The Science of Reading Formula

Malia Hollowell
  • 4.8 (44)
  • How To
  • Updated 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. 6d ago

    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!

  2. Sep 7

    The Surprising Science Behind Play-Based Learning with Kristen Day

    Is play just for fun—or is it doing something deeper? In this episode, I sit down with Kristen Day, founder of Butterfly Hill Nature Preschool and a fierce advocate for honoring how young children actually learn. We dig into the real science behind play-based learning—what it does for the brain, how it shapes behavior, and why removing it from early childhood classrooms may be doing more harm than we realize. Whether you're feeling pressure to “get more academic” or just need language to advocate for more play in your day, this episode will leave you feeling grounded, validated, and inspired to make small changes that matter. In this episode, we'll talk about: What the research really says about play-based learning.Why risky play (yes, even stick sword fights!) builds essential life skills.What happens when children don’t get enough time to play.Practical ways to bring meaningful play back into your PreK–2 classroom.How to talk to admin about protecting playtime—using research, not guilt.Show Links Kristen Day'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!

  3. Aug 31

    Stop Teaching Vocabulary the Wrong Way - Try This Instead with Natalie Wexler

    Still asking your students to guess word meanings from context? It’s time for a change. In this episode, Natalie Wexler breaks down the science of how vocabulary really works—and why it’s the key to unlocking reading comprehension. You’ll learn how to move beyond surface-level word lists and start building deep, long-term word knowledge using techniques grounded in cognitive science. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why context clues often lead students away from true understanding.How long-term memory supports comprehension—and how to build it.The three-step process for helping students retain and apply new words.How to use writing and oral language to deepen vocabulary.Ways to integrate vocabulary across subjects—even in math and science.Show Links Natalie Wexler's Website / Book / LinkedIn 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. Aug 24

    Why Kids Act Out and What Their Nervous System is Trying to Tell You with Kim Barthel

    Why do some kids act out, melt down, or shut down—no matter how consistent or calm we are? In this powerful episode, I’m joined by internationally respected occupational therapist Kim Barthel, who helps us unpack the neuroscience of behavior. We talk about how trauma affects student behavior, what’s really happening when kids dysregulate, and why traditional behavior plans often miss the mark for the kids who need our help the most. If you’ve ever felt helpless in the face of a child’s big emotions—or exhausted from trying to manage it all—this conversation will leave you feeling grounded, validated, and better equipped to support every learner in your room. In this episode, we'll talk about: How trauma affects student behavior—and what we often missWhy some kids explode, while others shut down completelyWhat “co-regulation” looks like in real-life classroomsHow your own nervous system impacts your studentsWhat you can do tomorrow to create more safety and connectionShow Links Kim's Course: Trauma Sensitive Education (Use MALIA20 for 20%off!) 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. Aug 17

    The Surprising Way Your Voice Can Calm a Dysregulated Classroom with Tracy Goodwin

    What if your voice was the key to calming chaos in your classroom? In this episode, voice expert Tracy Goodwin shares how tone, pace, and presence can either soothe or activate a child’s nervous system—especially those who are dysregulated. You’ll learn simple shifts you can make to use your voice as a powerful tool for connection, co-regulation, and classroom calm. In this episode, we'll talk about: How your voice impacts student behavior and emotional safety.The science behind tone, cadence, and nervous system response.Why some calm voices still feel “tense” to kids—and how to fix it.Simple strategies to use your voice for co-regulation.How to build student trust without raising your volume.Show Links Tracy Goodwin Website / Instagram / LinkedIn 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. Aug 10

    "I Couldn't Keep Reteaching... so I Tried Something Different" with Rose Crystal

    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 this episode, we’ll talk about: Why so many teachers feel stuck teaching reading—and how to break free.The very first step Rose took to start seeing real student growth.How the Reading Roadmap gives you just what you need (without the overwhelm).What changed in her confidence, planning time, and student results.How to know if you’re ready to join The Science of Reading Formula.Show Links Preview the Vault of Tools & Trainings 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. Aug 3

    How School Leaders Quietly Shape (or Sabotage) Reading Success with Dr. Terrie Noland

    What if leadership is the reason your reading scores aren’t moving? You’ve trained your teachers. You’ve rolled out new curriculum. But something still isn’t working. In this episode, Terrie Noland reveals how leadership—yes, even well-meaning leadership—can quietly block or boost reading success. It’s not about blame. It’s about getting real. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why literacy leadership is the missing link in most schools.The difference between knowledge, wisdom, and curiosity.How school leaders unintentionally block reading success.Small “micro-moves” that drive big culture change.How to inspire teachers and build buy-in without burning out.Show Links Connect with Dr. Noland on LinkedIn 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. Jul 27

    Is Your Curriculum Aligned with the Science of Reading? with Kari Kurto

    You’re told to teach with fidelity—but what if the curriculum itself isn’t aligned with the science of reading? In this episode, Kari Kurto from The Reading League breaks down how to evaluate your materials, spot red flags, and use the Curriculum Navigation Reports and Compass tools to make better instructional decisions—without starting from scratch. In this episode, we'll talk about: How to tell if a curriculum is really SoR aligned.The top red flags to watch for in your materials.Why “fidelity” isn’t always the best approach.Free tools to help you evaluate and improve.How to make change—even if your district isn’t there yet.Show Links The Reading League Website Curriculum Decision Maker's Page The Reading League's Evaluation Guidelines 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!

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4.8
out of 5
44 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
    117
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Playdough to Plato, LLC
  • Show Website
    The Science of Reading Formula