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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:

How School Leaders Quietly Shape (or Sabotage) Reading Success with Dr. Terrie Noland Aug 03, 2026

Show notes

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!

Is Your Curriculum Aligned with the Science of Reading? with Kari Kurto Jul 27, 2026

Show notes

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!

Behavior Management Strategies That Save Your Sanity with Allie Szczecinski May 18, 2026

Show notes

Ever feel like one more behavior outburst might push you over the edge? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re breaking down practical, real-life strategies that help K–2 teachers handle challenging behaviors without shame, power struggles, or burnout. If behavior’s been the hardest part of your day—you’re going to feel seen and supported here.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

Why behavior feels harder than ever—and what’s really going on.
Simple tools that help kids express needs before they escalate.
How to build strong classroom systems that support every child.
The one strategy you need for that student who always pushes back.
Ways to stay calm (even when you feel like yelling).

Show Links

Allie's Miss Behavior Blog / Instagram
Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence RULER
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!

You Can't Teach Every Vocabulary Word, So Teach This Instead with Dr. Trina Spencer May 11, 2026

Show notes

Teaching kids to decode words is essential, but what happens when they can read the words and still don’t understand what they’re reading? In this episode, we dive deep into the often overlooked role of academic language in reading comprehension. Language expert Trina Spencer joins us to explain why strong language skills are the true foundation of literacy and what teachers can start doing right away to help students build them. If you’ve ever had students who read fluently but struggle to make meaning from text, this conversation will shift the way you think about comprehension instruction.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

Why spoken language, not phonics, is the true foundation of reading comprehension.
What academic language really is and why it is much more than just vocabulary.
The different types of academic vocabulary, including general academic words, domain-specific words, polysemous words, and morphologically complex words.
A powerful 30-second strategy that helps students learn new words independently using inferential thinking.
Why read-alouds alone are not enough for building strong language comprehension and what teachers can do instead.
Simple shifts teachers can make to help students develop the language skills needed for reading success.

Show Links

Dr. Trina Spencer's website // on LinkedIn // free resources
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!

Literacy is a Human Right with Dr. Tanji Reed Marshall May 04, 2026

Show notes

What if reading isn’t just a skill we teach—but a right we protect?

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Tanji Reed Marshall, a powerful voice in education who invites us to rethink what it really means to teach every child how to read. We go beyond the buzzwords and into the heart of why literacy matters—not just for achievement, but for identity, dignity, and opportunity.

This conversation will challenge you (in the best way), ground you in purpose, and give you the language to advocate for real change—without needing to overhaul your classroom.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

What it really means to honor literacy as a human right.
How to spot the invisible barriers some students face.
Why representation in literacy materials matters more than we think.
What small shifts can make your instruction more inclusive.
How to keep growing—without guilt, overwhelm, or perfectionism.

Show Links

Dr. Tanji Reed Marshall 's website // on LinkedIn // on X (formerly Twitter)
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!

What No One Tells PreK-2 Teachers About Teaching Writing... Until Now with Joan Sedita Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

You’ve heard all about the science of reading—but what about the science of writing? Most K–2 teachers are handed phonics programs with zero guidance on how to actually teach writing. That changes today.

In this episode, Joan Sedita pulls back the curtain on what your teacher prep program never taught you. She introduces her powerful Writing Rope framework, shares why oral language matters more than perfect spelling in the early years, and gives you permission to start where your students are—scribbles, drawings, and all.

Whether you're teaching kinders who can’t write a sentence or second graders stuck in short, choppy responses, this episode will transform how you think about writing instruction.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

The 5 strands of writing all K–2 teachers should be weaving into their day.
Why “just wait until they can write” is the wrong advice for early learners.
Easy ways to turn drawing and talking into real writing progress.
How to make writing a daily routine—even in 15 minutes or less.

Show Links

Keys to Literacy
Joan Sedita's Books on Amazon
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 Mighty Moves That Transform Reading Instruction with Lindsay Kemeny Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

What happens when a veteran teacher discovers that her reading instruction isn’t working—not even for her own son?

In this episode, Lindsay Kemeny, author of 7 Mighty Moves, shares the pivotal moment that changed everything and walks us through the practical shifts she made to align her classroom with the science of reading.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

The 7 Mighty Moves and how to apply them without a complete overhaul.
Why decodable texts are helpful—but not forever.
How to design a reading block that actually works for your students.
The difference between engagement and entertainment.
What to do if you’re overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.

Show Links

Lindsay Kemeny Instagram // LinkedIn // Podcast // Website
7 Mighty Moves
Rock Your Literacy Block
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!

She Built an MTSS System That Actually Works—Here's How with Joan Schumann Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

What if your MTSS system actually worked—and didn’t leave teachers or students overwhelmed?

In this episode, Dr. Joan Schumann shares the exact strategies she used to build a Multi-Tiered System of Support that’s practical, sustainable, and truly effective. Whether you're a classroom teacher, coach, or school leader, this conversation will help you rethink how you use data, strengthen Tier 1, and support interventionists—without burning everyone out.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

The #1 mistake schools make with MTSS (and how to avoid it).
How to know if it’s a student issue… or a Tier 1 issue.
A simple 75/75 rule that streamlines your intervention process.
What to do when your Tier 2 students aren’t progressing.
How to train and support interventionists (even if they’re brand new).

Show Links

Joan's website / LinkedIn
MTSS Association
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!

Why Students Can Sound Out Words but Not Read Them with Beth Gaskill Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

Some students can sound out every letter in a word… but still not read it. In this episode, literacy interventionist Beth Gaskill helps us unpack why that happens and what to do about it. We’re talking about the “fuzzy middle” between phonemic awareness and fluent reading, and why simple, consistent, multisensory routines can make all the difference.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

Why some kids can sound out words but still can’t blend.
The role of working memory in decoding struggles.
Simple multisensory activities (like socks, beans, and chairs!)
What to try before reaching for letter tiles.
How to support students who freeze when it’s time to blend.

Show Links

Big City Readers Website // Instagram // Podcast
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!

The Tier 2 Formula You've Been Missing with Linsey Jones Mar 30, 2026

Show notes

What if Tier 2 didn’t feel like a last-ditch effort—but your most powerful tool for early reading success? In this episode, I sit down with Linsey, a school-based SLP who built a Tier 2 intervention program that’s catching struggling readers before they fall behind. Short, targeted, and backed by real results—you’re going to want to hear how she’s doing it.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

What makes most Tier 2 interventions ineffective—and how to fix it.
A simple framework for high-impact small group instruction.
The role of adaptive instruction and visual supports in closing gaps.
How early data collection leads to better outcomes.
Why collaboration across roles is the secret to success.

Show Links

Linsey'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!

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