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
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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
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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
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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!)
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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
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Teachers, we see you! Balancing lesson plans, grading, and life outside the classroom can feel overwhelming. 

Laurel Denise, creator of Laurel Denise Planners, is here to help with actionable tips on prioritizing tasks, avoiding procrastination, and staying flexible when the unexpected arises. 

In this episode, we'll talk about... 

• Actionable tips for prioritizing tasks
• Strategies for avoiding procrastination
• Ways to stay flexible when the unexpected arises

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
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Struggling readers can feel like a tough puzzle to crack—especially when the pressure is on to help them catch up. Sound familiar? In this episode, I'm tackling that challenge head-on with three proven steps to help your students make meaningful progress. You’ll learn how to pinpoint exactly where they’re stuck, actionable strategies to move them forward, and creative tips to keep them motivated along the way. So grab your favorite cozy drink and let’s dive into some powerful strategies for reading success!

In this episode, we'll talk about... 

• The importance of effective assessments
• Actionable strategies to help get them over the hump
• Tools and resources to keep learning fun (spoiler: enrollment opens January 5th!)

Show Links 

Join Malia on Instagram.
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!

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Do you think your literacy curriculum is hitting all the marks? Maybe it doesn't, but maybe it needs a little help. In this episode, I'm addressing one of the most asked questions I get: "is my curriculum science of reading aligned?". I'm sharing what to look for in science of reading aligned programs and some telltale red flags that your program isn't hitting the mark. 

In this episode, we'll talk about... 

• The 27 signs that your reading program isn't aligned to the science of reading. 
• The importance of phonics in a literacy curriculum.
• What really counts in a solid reading curriculum. 

Show Links 

27 curriculum red flags
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Whether you’re an undiscovered American Idol who can carry every tune on the planet or you’re more like me and the word “singing” makes your palms sweat and your heart race, this episode is for you. Because today’s guest is Jocelyn Manzanerez, the founder of Musically Minded, and she's sharing all of her favorite tips for teaching literacy through music.

And the best part is you don't have to have an American Idol voice to pull it off... In fact, you don't have to sing at all!

I've seen so many teachers try out Jocelyn's simple literacy chants and get crazy results. And I know YOU can too.

In this episode, you'll learn: 

• Quick phonics chants you can use in your classroom TOMORROW (spoiler alert: you DON'T have to carry a tune!)
• The simple tweak that makes the age-old alphabet song 10X more effective for kids
• Why music is not just for kindergarteners plus easy ways to hook older students with it too
• The surprising downside to Youtube music videos

Show Links
Musically Minded 360 on Instagram
Musically Minded on YouTube
Musically Minded's Free Lyric Sheet and Video
Musically Minded's Alphabet Song
Alphabet Chant
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With rapidly diversifying classes, teachers need effective strategies to help ALL students thrive - including the ones whose first language is something other than English. So today, I'm excited to share practical, research-based strategies that set up multilingual learners for success.

In this episode, you'll learn: 

• Why writing in English is the last skill students will learn and what skills come before it
• Simple ways to help students understand what you're saying before they learn English
• The #1 tip for helping bilingual learners feel successful and excited to come to school each day

Show Links

• "Throw Your Tooth on the Roof" Book
• Watch the Complete Multilingual Training with Dr. Lillian Ardell on the Science of Reading Formula
• 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.