Teaching reading can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, we’re diving into the things I wish I knew before teaching reading—time-saving, research-backed strategies that make a real difference.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• The biggest mistakes new reading teachers make
• Why phonemic awareness and systematic phonics are essential
• How to use decodable texts instead of leveled readers
• Simple ways to differentiate instruction and use small groups effectively

Tune in now and learn how to make reading instruction easier and more effective!

Show links:

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

Rate, Review, and Follow

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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.

Meet Heidi, a kindergarten teacher from Missouri. She used to spend Sundays planning and prepping for the week ahead and many sleepless nights worrying that students were slipping through the cracks. But then she made a decision that changed her work-life balance forever. 

Show links:

• Take 15% off your Science of Reading Formula enrollment with code POD15
• But hurry! Doors close this Sunday, August 11th.

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.

Karen had been teaching for 30+ years but she knew some of her students were slipping through the cracks. They struggled with reading but she didn't know how to help them. And then almost overnight everything changed! Her students' growth soared and her admin team started to notice. Here is her inspiring story of transformation, confidence, and results.

Show links:

• Take 15% off your Science of Reading Formula enrollment with code POD15
• But hurry! Doors close this Sunday, August 11th.

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.

I'm excited to introduce you to Lindsay, a first grade teacher in New York who wasn't getting the results she knew she could be. But then she made a choice that turned it all around. Get ready to be inspired by her goosebump worthy transformation!

Show links:

• Take 15% off your Science of Reading Formula enrollment with code POD15
• But hurry! Doors close this Sunday, August 11th.

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.

Are your reading lessons falling short? Many common teaching strategies don’t align with how students actually learn to read. In this episode, we’ll break down why reading lessons fail and how to fix them using science-backed methods that improve student outcomes.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• The biggest reading instruction mistakes teachers make
• Why phonemic awareness and structured phonics are crucial
• How to create engaging, differentiated reading groups
• The key to avoiding outdated, ineffective strategies

Tune in now and start transforming your reading lessons today!

Show links:

• Grab two free weeks of phonological awareness lessons.
• 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.

Want to see massive reading progress in your students—without years of trial and error? In this episode, we break down the easiest way to boost reading growth using science-backed, brain-friendly strategies that accelerate literacy skills.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• Why so many students struggle with reading
• The two key pillars of reading success
• How structured phonics and decodable texts make a huge impact
• Why phonemic awareness and vocabulary are crucial for comprehension

Tune in now and learn how to help your students read with confidence—faster and easier than ever!

Show links:

• Become a Science of Reading Formula member!
• Episode #1: The Ultimate Reading Recipe
• Episode #2: How to Build Students' Rock Solid Foundation
• Episode #3: The Best Order to Teach Phonics
• Episode #4: Help Students Memorize Words on Auto Pilot
• Episode #5: Comprehension Made Simple

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.

New to the Science of Reading? Making the shift can feel overwhelming, but starting with a few key steps will set you and your students up for success. In this episode, we’ll break down the five essential steps to help you begin using structured literacy practices with confidence.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• Why phonological awareness is the foundation of reading success
• How to implement systematic phonics instruction every day
• The benefits of decodable texts over leveled readers
• A simple method to replace sight word memorization with sound mapping
• How sorting sight words by phonics rules improves retention

Tune in now to start your Science of Reading journey with confidence!

Show links:

• 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.

Struggling to meet the diverse reading needs in your classroom? The ACED system for differentiated reading instruction simplifies lesson planning and ensures every student makes progress. Learn how to assess, group, set goals, and plan effectively without the overwhelm!

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• The four simple steps of the ACED system
• How to group students for targeted instruction
• Setting meaningful reading goals for different skill levels
• Using backward planning to streamline lesson prep

Tune in now and make differentiation easier than ever!

Show links:

• Grab the free scope and sequence.
• 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.

Click here, 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.

Is the Science of Reading just another passing trend? Do teachers need to start from scratch? In this episode, we’re busting the biggest myths and revealing the facts vs. fiction behind research-backed literacy instruction.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• Why the Science of Reading is not just another fad
• The truth about phonics, comprehension, and balanced instruction
• What research says about how the brain learns to read
• How teachers can implement these strategies without starting over

Tune in now to separate fact from fiction and make informed literacy decisions!

Show links:

• 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.

Can your students read fluently but struggle to understand what they read? In this episode, we’re diving into science-backed ways to boost reading comprehension so young learners can build meaning, not just decode words.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• The five key skills that drive reading comprehension
• How vocabulary and background knowledge shape understanding
• Simple, engaging strategies to help students think beyond the text
• The power of interactive read-alouds to deepen comprehension

Tune in now to transform how your students understand and engage with reading!

Show links:

• Grab the free question sheet here.
• 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.