The Science of Reading Formula - TopPodcast.com

View Top 200 Chart

Back to Rankings Page

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:

Helping Struggling Readers Build Confidence (And Avoid Shutdown) Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

If you’ve ever had a student say “I can’t read” with tears in their eyes, this episode is for you. Today we’re exploring why reading shutdown happens—and what you can do to rebuild confidence and spark success in your most discouraged learners.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

The emotional root behind student shutdown (it’s not laziness).
Why celebrating effort beats chasing perfection.
How to use affirming language to shape reading identity.
A fun fluency game that builds confidence through repetition.
Why your enthusiasm is a powerful teaching tool.

Show Links

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.

Orthographic Mapping Made Simple with Molly Ness Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

Teaching spelling shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. In this episode, Dr. Molly Ness breaks down orthographic mapping—the science-backed process that helps students permanently store words in memory.

Whether you’re new to the term or ready to ditch ineffective sight word drills, you’ll walk away with real strategies you can start using tomorrow.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

What orthographic mapping actually means (no jargon!).
A 4-step method for helping students master new words.
Why flashcards and memorization don’t work.
How oral language boosts word retention.
The #1 first step to transform your spelling instruction.

Show Links

Molly Ness- 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! Follow right here.

How to Build Comprehension Before Students Can Decode Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

Some students can’t read “cat” yet—but can explain the moral of a story better than anyone. So how do we support comprehension before decoding clicks? In this episode, we’re exploring how to nurture deep thinking while building foundational reading skills.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

Why decoding and comprehension must grow side-by-side.
How to use read alouds and class discussions to build thinking skills.
What kinds of questions spark comprehension—even with simple texts.
Using podcasts and morphology to boost meaning-making early on.

Show Links

Decodable Texts
Comprehension Questions
Trainings- Morphology / Read Aloud Magic
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!

When Phonics Isn't Enough with Michelle Sullivan Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

Ever feel like phonics just isn’t enough to help your students tackle bigger words? You’re not imagining it. In this episode, we’re joined by literacy coach Michelle Sullivan to explore why morphology—yes, even in K–2—is the missing link in your literacy block. She shares easy-to-implement strategies that help kids understand how words work—without overwhelming them (or you). If you’re ready to make word study more meaningful, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

Why introducing morphology in primary grades is essential—not optional.
The difference between teaching phonics and teaching word structure.
What a “colorful classroom” really means (hint: it’s not about bulletin boards).
Easy ways to start using base words, suffixes, and prefixes with young learners.
How to integrate morphology, phonics, and vocabulary for deeper comprehension.

Show Links

Michelle's Website / Podcast / Instagram / TPT Shop
Mastering Morphology Course (Logos Literacy Academy on IG)
ABCs of Morphology Reference Sheet
Phonics & Morphology Terms Every Teacher Needs to Know
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!

Teaching a Class with 4+ Reading Levels? Here's How to Make It Work Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

If your classroom feels like a jigsaw puzzle of reading needs, this episode is for you. We’re diving into the ACEd method—a simple, step-by-step way to manage mixed reading levels without prepping 25 separate lessons.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

The #1 reason teachers feel overwhelmed by reading instruction.
How to assess students efficiently and meaningfully.
Why grouping by skill (not grade) makes all the difference.
What a “just right” reading goal looks like for each student.
How to map out your phonics instruction for the entire year.

Show Links

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!

Making the Shift from Balanced Literacy to the Science of Reading with Meghan Hein Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

What does it really look like to move from balanced literacy to the science of reading? In this episode, veteran teacher Meghan Hein shares her honest, four-year journey—complete with mindset shifts, classroom trials, and practical wins.

Whether you're just starting or deep in the transition, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and ready to take your next small step.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

The moment Meghan realized balanced literacy wasn’t working for all students.
How she started changing her instruction—without throwing everything away.
The data shift that helped her identify who needed more phonics support.
Why decodable books became her must-have for small group reading.
What to do when you're overwhelmed by everything you didn't know.

Show Links

Find Meghan on Instagram.
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!

Phonics Without Tears: Science of Reading Phonics Routine Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

Planning phonics lessons shouldn't leave you stressed and scrambling. In this episode, we're sharing a simple, science-backed routine that takes the guesswork out of teaching phonics—so your lessons practically plan themselves.

In this episode, we’ll talk about...

My Thanksgiving-themed phonics mistake you don’t want to repeat.
The 4-step routine that works with any skill.
How to help students build accuracy, automaticity, and application.
Fun, low-prep ways to reinforce phonics skills through games.

Show Links

Phonics Questions and Chants
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!

Game-Changing ADHD Strategies For Primary Teachers with Cheryl Agrawal Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

What if the student who "won’t sit still" or "never starts their work" isn’t trying to misbehave—but is quietly asking for support? In this episode, veteran educator Cheryl Agrawal helps us rethink ADHD in the primary classroom. You’ll walk away with fresh insights and game-changing strategies that make your school days smoother—for you and your students.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

What ADHD really looks like in PreK–2 students (it’s not just hyperactivity).
The overlooked link between reading struggles and inattentive ADHD.
Movement and “sensory snacks” that support regulation without disrupting class.
How to team up with families and paraprofessionals without feeling overwhelmed.
Why small shifts in seating, check-ins, and routines can transform your day.

Show Links

Pulsehive
Cheryl on LinkedIn / Instagram
ADHD 2.0 Book 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!

When to Move on to the Next Phonics Skill Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

Moving too fast in phonics instruction can lead to shaky reading foundations—but how do you know when students are truly ready to progress? In this episode, we’ll show you exactly what to look for so you can successfully move forward with confidence.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

Why checking a box on a scope and sequence isn’t enough.
The “Three A’s” every student must show before moving on.
What fluent reading and spelling of target skills actually looks like.
How to use sentence dictation to test real-world application.
What to do when some students aren’t ready yet.

Show Links

Sight Word Lists Sorted by Phonics Skill
Decodable Sentence Strips
Decodable Passages
Decodable Literacy Centers
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 Teach Morphology in Early Elementary Without Overwhelming Your Students with Sarah Paul Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

What if the key to better decoding, spelling, and vocabulary was hidden in the very structure of words? In this episode, we're diving deep into how morphology can transform literacy instruction—starting as early as PreK. Our guest, Sarah from Snippets by Sarah, shares how she helps students understand meaningful word parts and why it's never too early to start.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

How to teach morphology in PreK–3rd grade classrooms.
Why even young students are ready for prefixes, suffixes, and bases.
Easy ways to introduce morphemes through word sums and read-alouds.
The difference between roots, bases, and affixes (and how to explain them to kids).
How morphology builds a foundation for stronger decoding and spelling skills.

Show Links

Sarah Paul- Website / Instagram
Shine Learning Services
Sarah's Morphology Training
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.

Related Podcasts