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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:

"I Couldn't Keep Reteaching... so I Tried Something Different" with Rose Crystal Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

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!

How to Convince Your Admin to Support the Science of Reading Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

You know the science of reading works—you’ve seen the difference in your classroom. But what happens when your administrator isn’t on board, or doesn’t fully understand why this shift matters?

In this episode, we’ll walk through how to have these conversations with confidence and care.

You’ll learn how to share your classroom data, connect it to the bigger picture, and offer solutions that make it easier for your admin to say yes. Most importantly, you’ll be reminded that administrators are humans too—and when you lead with clarity and collaboration, you can open doors for real change.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

Why many administrators hesitate about the science of reading.
How to use your own student data to make a powerful case.
What state and national reading scores reveal about the need for change.
Low-cost, high-impact solutions you can suggest right away.
The language that builds trust and keeps the conversation positive.

By the end, you’ll feel ready to walk into that meeting prepared, brave, and focused on what matters most: helping every student become a confident reader.

Show Links

Science of Reading Formula Admin Flyer
Report Card Data by State / National
International Dyslexia Association Fact Sheet
The Reading League
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!

Fan Favorite- The Best Order to Teach Phonics Skills Dec 29, 2025

Show notes

Teaching phonics can feel overwhelming, but having a clear, step-by-step sequence makes all the difference! In this episode, we’ll break down the best order to teach phonics skills, so your students build strong reading foundations with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned educator or new to the science of reading, this progression will help you support every learner at their own pace.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

The first phonics skills students need to master.
How to move students up the “phonics ladder” step by step.
The importance of word families, digraphs, blends, and more.
Practical strategies for teaching each skill effectively.

Show Links

Phonics Cheat Sheet
Printable Step by Step Phonics Lesson Plans
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!

Fan Favorite- The Ultimate Reading Recipe Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

Struggling readers aren’t a mystery—there’s a clear formula for reading success! In this episode, we’re breaking down the Simple View of Reading—a powerful, research-backed framework that explains how decoding and comprehension work together to build strong readers. You’ll learn why some students struggle, how to pinpoint the root cause, and actionable strategies to support them. Whether your students need help with phonics, language comprehension, or both, this episode will give you the tools to make a real impact.

In this episode, we’ll answer:

What is the Simple View of Reading?
Why do some students struggle with comprehension while others get stuck decoding?
How can you target instruction based on students' specific needs?

Show Links

FREE Phonological Awareness Daily Warm Ups
FREE Sound Map
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!

Fan Favorite- Decoding Dyslexia: Tips, Tricks, and Strategies That Work Dec 15, 2025

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.

*Note: Since this episode first aired, The International Dyslexia Association released a new and updated version of their definition of dyslexia. You can find that definition here.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

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.

Show Links

Dyslexia Training
International Dyslexia Association's List of Accommodations & Modifications
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!

Fan Favorite- Stop Drilling Sight Word Flashcards! (Do This Instead) Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

Are your students still struggling with sight words even after hours of drilling flashcards? You're not alone—and there’s a better way. In this episode, we're diving into research-backed strategies that actually help K-2 students retain high-frequency words without relying on visual memory.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

Why traditional sight word flashcard drills don’t work.
The 3-step shift to help students memorize words on autopilot.
How to align sight words with phonics instruction for better results.
A simple tool (sound maps!) that builds fluency and retention.
Why sorting by phonics rules is a game changer.

Show Links

Sight Word Lists by Phonics Skill on TPT / Free inside the Formula
Phonics Curriculum- Printable Lessons
Free Sound Map
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!

Fan Favorite: Help! My Students Can't Blend Letter Sounds to Read Words Dec 01, 2025

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.

Show Links

Phonological Awareness Warm Ups
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 AI Developmentally Appropriate for Pre K to 2nd Grade with Vicki Davis Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

Is AI really safe—or even useful—for our youngest learners? In this episode, veteran educator Vicki Davis unpacks what developmentally appropriate AI use looks like in PreK–2 classrooms. You’ll hear practical ways to integrate technology without sacrificing connection, creativity, or literacy.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

Whether AI supports or harms early childhood development.
Creative ways to use AI that don’t rely on screens.
How to use AI to differentiate reading instruction.
A powerful mindset shift called “turtling” that makes tech feel less overwhelming.
Simple ways to teach AI concepts like input, output, and prompts—even in kindergarten.

Show Links

Vicki's Website / LinkedIn / Podcast
Snorkl
Book Creator
Claude
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 Truth About the Top 5 Literacy Curriculums Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

Not all literacy programs are created equal—and some of the most popular ones may actually be holding your students back.

In this episode, we’re uncovering the truth about the top 5 literacy curriculums used in schools today. You’ll learn which ones align with the science of reading, which ones don’t, and what to do if your school’s core program is missing critical pieces.

This isn’t about shaming teachers or schools—it’s about giving you clarity, confidence, and practical next steps to make sure your instruction works for kids.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

The truth behind the 5 most widely used literacy curriculums.
Which programs align with the science of reading (and which miss the mark).
Why strategies like three-cueing and picture clues don’t build real readers.
How to use a 27-point checklist to evaluate your own curriculum.
Practical supplements you can add right now to fill the gaps.

Show Links

Curriculum Evaluation Checklist
The Reading League Curriculum Evaluation Reports
NAEP Report Card
Phonics Lessons
Phonological Awareness Warm Ups
Read Aloud Book 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!

Dyslexia Myths Debunked: What Every Teacher Needs to Know with Melanie Brethour Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

So many of us grew up believing myths about dyslexia—like thinking it meant kids saw letters backwards, or that they would eventually “catch up” if we just gave them time. But those myths don’t just confuse teachers… they keep students from getting the support they desperately need.

In this episode, I sit down with resource teacher and dyslexia advocate Melanie Brethour to unpack the most common dyslexia myths—debunked with research and real classroom experience. Melanie shares her journey as both a teacher and a mom, the guilt she felt realizing she had unknowingly reinforced ineffective practices, and the small shifts that changed everything for her students.

Whether you’ve been teaching for 5 years or 25, this conversation will help you separate fact from fiction so you can support struggling readers with confidence.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Why “backwards letters” are not the hallmark of dyslexia.
The biggest misconceptions still circulating in schools.
Practical ways to spot early signs of dyslexia in your classroom.
Simple shifts to move beyond myths and into effective support.

Show Links

Melanie's Instagram / LinkedIn / 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!

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