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The Science of Reading Formula — Education
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!

Copyright: © 2024 Playdough to Plato, LLC

Latest Episodes:

Teach Reading With Music... No Singing Required! With Jocelyn Manzanerez Nov 25, 2024

Show notes

Teaching reading with music doesn’t mean you have to sing! Our special guest, Jocelyn Manzanerez, explains how rhythm, beats, and chants can enhance literacy skills—no microphone required.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

Why music is a powerful tool for teaching reading skills
How rhythm and movement improve phonemic awareness
The science behind music and language processing
Easy, no-singing-required activities to use in your classroom
How to boost engagement and memory retention using music-based strategies

Join us as we uncover practical ways to make reading instruction more engaging and effective with music, even if you’re not a singer! Jocelyn shares her expertise on making literacy instruction fun and accessible for all educators.

Show Links
Musically Minded 360 on Instagram
Musically Minded on YouTube
Musically Minded's Free Lyric Sheet and Video
Musically Minded's Alphabet Song
Alphabet Chant
Follow 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! Follow right here.

Secrets to Supporting Multilingual Learners Nov 17, 2024

Show notes

Teaching multilingual learners can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, you can help them thrive. In this episode, we break down simple, research-backed techniques that support emergent bilinguals in the elementary classroom.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

Why multilingual learners should be seen as assets, not challenges.
The key stages of language acquisition and how to support each phase.
Practical classroom strategies that make learning more accessible.
How to use visuals, gestures, and predictable speech to aid comprehension.
The importance of celebrating students’ cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

By making small, intentional shifts in your teaching approach, you can create an inclusive environment where all learners feel valued and supported.

Tune in now to learn actionable tips you can implement right away!

Show Links

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! Follow right here.

Essential Classroom Management Tips Every Elementary Teacher Needs to Know With Alex John Nov 11, 2024

Show notes

Managing a classroom effectively can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with defiant behavior, constant blurting, and disruptive transitions. But with the right strategies, you can create a structured and engaging learning environment that fosters student success. In this episode, we’re diving into proven classroom management techniques with Alex from The Kindergarten Connection—a true expert in helping teachers turn classroom chaos into calm.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

The most common classroom management mistakes and how to avoid them.
Practical strategies for establishing effective routines from day one.
How to reset classroom expectations mid-year for a smoother learning experience.
Simple, teacher-approved techniques for handling challenging student behaviors.
Why patience, consistency, and follow-through are key to classroom success.

Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned educator looking for a classroom management reset, this episode will equip you with actionable strategies to make teaching more effective and enjoyable.

Listen now and transform your classroom management approach!

Show Links
Alex’s Free Blurt Sign // The Kindergarten Connection on Instagram
Classroom routine list
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! Follow right here.

Help! My Students Can't Blend Letter Sound to Read Words Nov 04, 2024

Show notes

Struggling to help your students blend letter sounds into words? You’re not alone! Many early readers know their letter sounds but face challenges when it comes to smoothly blending them into recognizable words. The good news? Blending is a skill that can be developed with the right strategies and activities.

In this episode, we break down simple, research-backed phonemic awareness techniques that will help your students become more confident and fluent readers.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

Why blending is one of the most essential phonemic awareness skills for early readers.
The biggest mistake teachers make when teaching blending (and what to do instead!).
Fun, engaging activities that make blending practice more effective.
A simple tweak that makes blending easier for struggling students.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical, easy-to-implement strategies that will make a real difference in your students' reading success.

Listen now and transform your students' blending skills!

Show Links

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! Follow right here.

Time Management Tips for New Teachers with Ashleigh Smith Oct 28, 2024

Show notes

Teaching as a new educator can feel overwhelming, but what if you had simple strategies to take back control of your time? In this episode, we’re talking with Ashley Smith from Rainbow Sky Creations about practical time management tips for new teachers. Whether you're struggling with endless to-do lists, classroom organization, or work-life balance, these strategies will help you create a more manageable teaching routine.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

How to shift your mindset from a to-do list to a wish list
Time-saving classroom organization strategies
Why setting boundaries with a "no work" day is essential
The five-minute rule for tackling tasks efficiently
How AI tools can support teachers and save time

Tune in now and start simplifying your teaching life!

Show Links

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! Follow right here.

How to Go From Stressed to Thriving with Kelsey Sorenson Oct 21, 2024

Show notes

Teaching is rewarding, but it can also be exhausting. In this episode, we explore practical strategies to help teachers avoid burnout and manage stress effectively.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

The top signs of teacher burnout and how to recognize them early.
Simple self-care strategies to maintain mental and emotional well-being.
How setting boundaries can transform your work-life balance.
The power of intentional scheduling to reduce overwhelm.

Tune in for actionable insights to help you thrive in your teaching career while maintaining a healthy, balanced life.

Show Links

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! Follow right here.

Literacy Center SOS Oct 14, 2024

Show notes

If you've ever dreaded your literacy center time, worried about noise and distractions, or felt anxious when an admin walked in, this episode is for you because I'm sharing actionable tips that will make centers a consistent highlight of your school day.

In this episode, I'm diving into surprisingly simple strategies that will transform your literacy centers from "chaotic and stressful" to "calm and productive". Your students will be on task and working independently in no time!

In this episode, we'll talk about...

Why it's so important to meet each student's specific learning needs and strengths
The literacy center system that will save you HOURS of lesson planning and prep time
Plus must-know classroom management secrets that will help centers run smoothly every. single. day.

Show Links

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! Follow right here.

Supercharge Your Reading Groups Oct 07, 2024

Show notes

Teaching reading in small groups can be overwhelming—but what if you had a simple, structured plan to make it easier and more effective? In this episode of The Science of Reading Formula, we’re diving into a powerful four-step system (ACED) that will help you assess, group, and teach your students efficiently while saving valuable lesson planning time.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

The biggest mistake teachers make when organizing small reading groups.
How to quickly assess students and form skill-based reading groups.
Setting just-right reading goals to ensure steady progress.
A simple way to plan an entire year of small group reading instruction.

If you’ve been struggling to meet every child’s reading needs without spending countless hours prepping, this episode is for you! Tune in now and discover how to make small group reading instruction more effective and manageable.

🔗 Join The Science of Reading Formula today! Click here to enroll.

Show Links

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! Follow right here.

Stop Drilling Sight Word Flashcards! (Do This Instead.) Sep 30, 2024

Show notes

Are sight word flashcards really the best way to teach reading? If you’ve spent hours drilling flashcards only to see students still struggle, you’re not alone! Research shows that memorizing words visually isn’t how the brain learns to read.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

Why traditional sight word flashcards don’t work for most students.
The science behind how kids truly memorize words for fluent reading.
Three simple, brain-friendly tweaks to transform sight word practice.

If you're ready to ditch ineffective drills and use strategies that actually stick, this episode is for you!

Show Links

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! Follow right here.

5 Digraph Chants That Will Change Your Life! Sep 23, 2024

Show notes

Teaching digraphs can feel challenging, but what if there was a fun, engaging way to make phonics stick? In this episode, we’re diving into fun digraph chants for kindergarten that get kids moving, chanting, and mastering their phonics skills with ease.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

Why movement-based learning improves phonics retention.
Five engaging digraph chants for sh, ch, th, ph, and wh.
Simple classroom strategies to keep kids excited about learning.

These chants will turn phonics lessons into interactive experiences that your students will love! Tune in and bring more energy to your literacy instruction today.

🔗 Want more science-backed reading strategies? Join The Science of Reading Formula!

Show links:

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! Follow right here.

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