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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:

AI Tools Every Teacher Needs to Know with Dan Fitzpatrick Feb 03, 2025

Show notes

Are you curious about how AI is reshaping the future of education? This episode of The Science of Reading Formula dives deep into the transformative power of AI in the classroom—specifically for elementary teachers. Join me and my guest Dan Fitzpatrick, author of The AI Classroom for Teachers and Infinite Education, as we discuss the role of AI in enhancing literacy instruction, fostering creativity, and saving teachers countless hours.

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

How AI tools like ChatGPT can support lesson planning, differentiation, and student feedback.
Why strong communication skills are essential for students in an AI-driven world.
Practical, time-saving tips to integrate AI into your teaching—without sacrificing quality.

If you're ready to embrace the possibilities of AI while staying grounded in evidence-based reading strategies, this episode is for you.
Show Links
The AI Educator website
Dan's books: Infinite Education, The AI Educator, and Back to School Guide 24-25
ChatGPT
Brisk AI Teaching Assistant
Google Notebook LM
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.

Burned Out? Early Signs and How to Reverse Them With Dr. Plante Jan 27, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I sit down with one of the show’s favorite guests, Dr. Brian Plante, a licensed naturopathic physician from the Amen Clinics. Dr. Plante shares invaluable insights into preventing and managing burnout—something so many teachers grapple with in their quest to balance teaching responsibilities and personal lives.

From understanding the difference between stress and burnout to discovering practical strategies for replenishing energy, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you move from surviving to thriving in your classroom and beyond.

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

The key differences between stress and burnout—and how to recognize the early warning signs.
Why boundaries matter and how to set them with courage and compassion.
Practical mindfulness and relaxation techniques for reducing daily stress.

Show Links
Join Dr. Plante on Instagram
Psychology Today
Join Malia on Instagram.
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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 Secrets With MeQuel Bolden Jan 20, 2025

Show notes

One of my favorite ways to learn new teaching strategies is to watch OTHER teachers teaching. That’s why I’m so excited about today’s guest. MeQuel Bolden spends her days supporting teachers in classrooms throughout Washington DC and today she’s sharing her best lessons learned with US so that we can take literacy centers to the next level.
In this episode, we'll talk about...

How much time is TOO much time for literacy centers.
The most common challenges teachers face with literacy centers and how to overcome them.
Tips for setting up literacy centers on a budget.

Show Links
Early Literacy Center Observation Sheet
Follow MeQuel on 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.

Advanced Phonics Instruction Jan 13, 2025

Show notes

Teaching advanced phonics can feel like a daunting leap—vowel teams, r-controlled vowels, diphthongs, multisyllabic words... where do you even begin? In this episode, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about teaching phonics to advanced readers.
Whether you’re supporting students who are ready to level up or those who need extra scaffolding to decode tricky words, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help every reader succeed.

Discover how to take your phonics instruction to the next level—because your students are ready, and you’ve got the tools to guide them!

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

What advanced phonics really is and why it’s critical for fluency and comprehension.
Common challenges students (and teachers!) face when tackling complex phonics patterns.
Proven strategies, like syllable division rules and morphology that make advanced phonics instruction effective and manageable.

Show Links
Scope and sequence
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.

Morphology 101 Jan 06, 2025

Show notes

Alright, teachers, today we're diving into the wild world of morphology! (Don’t worry, it’s not as fancy as it sounds.) Morphology is about breaking words into their parts like prefixes, suffixes, and roots. And trust me - it’s a teaching game-changer.
In this episode, we'll talk about...

What morphology is.
Why it's essential for your reading instruction.
Practical strategies to bring it to life in your classroom.

Show Links
Morphology Cheat Sheet
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.

Don't Panic! How to Integrate the Science of Reading Without Starting From Scratch Dec 30, 2024

Show notes

Feeling overwhelmed by the shift to the Science of Reading? You’re not alone. Many educators worry that embracing this evidence-based approach means throwing out everything they’ve been doing—but that’s far from the truth.
The Science of Reading isn’t about reinventing the wheel—it’s about refining what you’re already doing to help your students thrive.
In this episode, we'll talk about...

What the Science of Reading really is—and what it isn’t.
How to identify and keep the practices that align with research.
Simple tweaks to strengthen your instruction without an overwhelming overhaul.

Show Links
Grab Your Spot in The Secret to Spotting Reading Gaps (and Filling Them!)
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.

Jumpstart Your 2025 Dec 23, 2024

Show notes

As the new year approaches, it’s the perfect time to hit the reset button and step back into your classroom with a fresh perspective. In this episode, I'm sharing how to set meaningful goals for 2025 using a "word of the year" approach to guide your decisions and actions. Reflect on 2024, choose a focus word, and take small, actionable steps to create a purposeful and joyful year. Tune in for practical tips, real-life success stories, and inspiration to transform your approach to goal-setting.

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

Tips and strategies to help you feel rejuvenated and energized all year long.
How to choose a 'word of the year' and prioritize what you really want and need.
Mindset shifts and practical tips that you can implement right away.

Show Links
Grab Your Spot in The Secret to Spotting Reading Gaps (and Filling Them!)
Jumpstart Your 2025 Workbook
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.

Planning Tips For A Stress-Free Year With Laurel Denise Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

Teaching is a rewarding job, but balancing work and personal life can feel impossible. In this episode, we sit down with planner expert Laurel Denise to discuss practical, real-world strategies for teachers to reclaim their time and reduce stress.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

The #1 mistake teachers make when trying to balance work and life
A simple planning system that helps you stay organized and stress-free
How to set boundaries without feeling guilty
Effective strategies for managing time and prioritizing tasks
Why “future task” lists can help you stay focused and productive

Tune in to learn how you can create a sustainable work-life balance and bring more joy back into your teaching journey!

Show Links
Grab Your Spot in The Secret to Spotting Reading Gaps (and Filling Them!)
Follow Laurel on Instagram//YouTube
Enjoy 10% off your order with code FORMULA10
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 Your Struggling Readers Catch Up in Just 3 Steps Dec 09, 2024

Show notes

Teaching reading to struggling students can feel overwhelming, but with the right interventions, real progress is possible! In this episode, we break down a step-by-step approach to accelerating reading success in young learners.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Why some students struggle with reading and how to identify gaps.
The best assessment tools to pinpoint missing skills.
Phonological awareness strategies to build a strong reading foundation.
Step-by-step phonics interventions that accelerate learning.
How to reinforce new skills with engaging, repeated practice.

Whether you’re working with students who have fallen behind or looking for proven methods to boost literacy skills, this episode provides actionable insights you can apply immediately.

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.

Literacy Curriculum Warning Signs Dec 02, 2024

Show notes

Are you using a literacy curriculum that truly supports your students' reading success? Research shows that many of the most widely used reading programs do not align with the Science of Reading. But how can you tell if your curriculum is one of them?

In this episode, we break down the top warning signs that indicate a curriculum is not evidence-based—and what to do if your school is using one that isn't supporting effective reading instruction.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

Why the top 5 most popular reading curriculums aren’t research-based.
The biggest red flags to look for in your literacy program.
Why guessing words from pictures is NOT a reading strategy.
How to evaluate your curriculum and advocate for evidence-based instruction.

If you're unsure whether your reading program is truly Science of Reading-aligned, this episode will give you the clarity you need!

Show Links

27 curriculum red flags
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.

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