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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:

Unlocking SEL with Lana Penley Sep 16, 2024

Show notes

Teaching today isn’t just about academics—it’s about helping students navigate emotions, build resilience, and feel safe in the classroom. But how do we do that effectively without adding more to an already full plate?

In this episode, I sit down with Lana Penley, former principal and author of Unlocking SEL, to explore how social-emotional learning (SEL) can transform your classroom into a calm, high-functioning space. She shares practical strategies for reducing student stress, preventing teacher burnout, and integrating mindfulness into daily routines.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

Why social-emotional learning is essential for student success
How to use mindfulness to create a more peaceful classroom
Simple SEL strategies you can implement right away
The connection between teacher well-being and classroom management

👉 Ready to bring more calm into your classroom? Tune in now!

Show links:

Grab the book "Unlocking SEL" by Lana Penley
Visit Lana's Website
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.

5 Simple Ways To Make Phonics Fun Sep 09, 2024

Show notes

Teaching phonics doesn’t have to be boring! In this episode, we’re diving into five simple, engaging activities that make phonics instruction exciting and effective for early readers. Whether you’re looking for hands-on games, fluency-building strategies, or creative ways to keep students motivated, this episode has you covered!

In this episode, we'll talk about:
✔️ Why using a structured phonics sequence prevents frustration.
✔️ Simple phonics games that turn learning into play.
✔️ A fun, classroom-tested way to boost fluency and confidence.
✔️ How your energy as a teacher impacts student engagement.
✔️ The power of celebrating small wins to build motivation.

Ready to make phonics fun and effective? Tune in now and get practical strategies you can use in your classroom today!

👉 Want more phonics resources? Join The Science of Reading Formula for ready-to-use lessons and activities: scienceofreadingformula.com/enrollment

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.

The Science of WRITING with April Smith Sep 02, 2024

Show notes

Teaching writing can be challenging, but it’s a vital skill that supports students' reading and communication abilities. In this episode, we explore effective strategies to make writing instruction engaging, structured, and brain-friendly. Our guest, April Smith, shares expert insights on how to overcome common obstacles and create a thriving writing environment in your classroom.
In this episode, we'll talk about...

What research shows us about how students actually learn to write
The step-by-step of a perfect writing lesson in your elementary classroom
Simple ways to overcome teachers' biggest struggles with teaching writing
Quick tips for easy differentiation
Proven ways to motivate students who hate writing

Tune in and discover how to transform your writing instruction to better support young learners!

Show Links

Simplify Writing Curriculum
April Smith's "Science of Writing Instruction" Podcast
April Smith's "Simplify Writing" Book (Amazon 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! Follow right here.

How Teachers Can Manage Anxiety and Burnout Naturally with Dr. Brian Plante Aug 29, 2024

Show notes

Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions—but it also comes with high levels of stress, exhaustion, and burnout. Research shows that K-12 teachers experience more anxiety and burnout than even healthcare workers. So, how can educators protect their mental health and continue doing what they love?

In this episode, Dr. Brian Plante, a naturopathic physician, joins us to share science-backed strategies to help teachers manage anxiety, reduce stress, and restore balance—naturally.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

The warning signs of teacher burnout and how to recognize them.
How nutrient deficiencies impact anxiety (and what to check!).
Simple mindfulness and breathing techniques to calm stress in minutes.
The role of hormones in teacher stress—especially perimenopause and menopause.
Small but powerful lifestyle shifts that restore energy and mental clarity.

Your well-being matters. Tune in for practical, holistic approaches to managing stress so you can show up for your students and yourself with renewed energy.

Show links:

Follow Malia on Instagram
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!
Dr. Brian Plante on Instagram
Dr. Plante at the Amen Clinic
Dr. Amen on Instagram
Seed Cycling How-To
Vitanica Femrebelance (Always check with your medical doctor before taking any supplement to find out if there are potential medication complications.)
Vitanica Women's Phase II (Always check with your medical doctor before taking any supplement to find out if there are potential medication complications.)
Ultima Electrolyte Powder
LMNT Electrolyte Powder

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.

Read Aloud Magic! Aug 26, 2024

Show notes

Reading aloud isn’t just about fun—it’s one of the most effective ways to develop language comprehension in young learners. In this episode, we dive into simple, brain-friendly strategies to make read-alouds more impactful for K-2 students.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

How to structure read-aloud sessions for maximum engagement.
The best types of books to choose for language comprehension.
Easy ways to incorporate vocabulary-building strategies into your read-alouds.
Practical questions to ask before, during, and after reading.

If you’re looking for an easy way to enhance your students’ comprehension skills, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in now and start making your read-alouds even more powerful.

Show links:

1-hour read aloud training on The Science of Reading Formula
Read Aloud Book List
Free Read Aloud Questions
Follow Malia on Instagram.
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!
Geronimo Stilton Series (on Amazon)
Magic Tree House Series (on Amazon)
Whatever After Series (on Amazon)
Mercy Watson (on Amazon)
Poppleton (on Amazon)
A Sick Day for Amos McGee (on Amazon)
Gruffalo (on Amazon)

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.

When Your Admin Doesn't Support the Science of Reading Aug 19, 2024

Show notes

What do you do when your administrator doesn’t support the Science of Reading? In this episode, we break down practical strategies to overcome resistance, advocate for evidence-based literacy practices, and continue making an impact on student learning.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

How to stay focused on what you can control.
Using student data to demonstrate the effectiveness of SOR.
Ways to introduce Science of Reading to your school’s leadership.
The power of collaboration with fellow educators.

If you're struggling with admin pushback, this episode is packed with insights to help you move forward confidently!

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.

Decoding Dyslexia: Tips, Tricks, and Strategies that Work Aug 12, 2024

Show notes

Supporting students with dyslexia doesn’t have to feel overwhelming! In this episode, we’re sharing science-backed dyslexia support strategies to help struggling readers build confidence and fluency. Learn how to use multisensory instruction, structured phonics, and effective accommodations to create a dyslexia-friendly learning environment.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

What dyslexia really is (and what it isn’t)
Why phonemic awareness and phonics are essential for dyslexic learners
How to use multisensory techniques to improve reading skills
Accommodations that help dyslexic students succeed in the classroom

Tune in now to discover practical strategies that make reading more accessible for all learners!

Show links:

1-hour dyslexia training on The Science of Reading Formula
Accommodations and Modifications (International Dyslexia Association)
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.

13 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Teaching Reading Aug 08, 2024

Show notes

Teaching reading can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, we’re diving into the things I wish I knew before teaching reading—time-saving, research-backed strategies that make a real difference.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

The biggest mistakes new reading teachers make
Why phonemic awareness and systematic phonics are essential
How to use decodable texts instead of leveled readers
Simple ways to differentiate instruction and use small groups effectively

Tune in now and learn how to make reading instruction easier and more effective!

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.

Meet Heidi, a Kindergarten Teacher Who Cut Her Planning Time in Half Aug 06, 2024

Show notes

Meet Heidi, a kindergarten teacher from Missouri. She used to spend Sundays planning and prepping for the week ahead and many sleepless nights worrying that students were slipping through the cracks. But then she made a decision that changed her work-life balance forever.

Show links:

Take 15% off your Science of Reading Formula enrollment with code POD15
But hurry! Doors close this Sunday, August 11th.

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 a 30 Year Veteran Teacher Became a School Standout Aug 06, 2024

Show notes

Karen had been teaching for 30+ years but she knew some of her students were slipping through the cracks. They struggled with reading but she didn't know how to help them. And then almost overnight everything changed! Her students' growth soared and her admin team started to notice. Here is her inspiring story of transformation, confidence, and results.

Show links:

Take 15% off your Science of Reading Formula enrollment with code POD15
But hurry! Doors close this Sunday, August 11th.

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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