The Science of Reading Formula

By Malia HollowellEducation How To Courses

The Science of Reading Formula episodes

August 24Why Kids Act Out and What Their Nervous System is Trying to Tell You with Kim Barthel
Why do some kids act out, melt down, or shut down—no matter how consistent or calm we are? In this powerful episode, I’m joined by internationally respected occupational therapist Kim Barthel, who helps us unpack the neuroscience of behavior. We talk about how trauma affects student behavior, what’s really happening when kids dysregulate, and why traditional behavior plans often miss the mark for the kids who need our help the most.
If you’ve ever felt helpless in the face of a child’s big emotions—or exhausted from trying to manage it all—this conversation will leave you feeling grounded, validated, and better equipped to support every learner in your room.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
How trauma affects student behavior—and what we often miss
Why some kids explode, while others shut down completely
What “co-regulation” looks like in real-life classrooms
How your own nervous system impacts your students
What you can do tomorrow to create more safety and connection
Show Links
Kim's Course: Trauma Sensitive Education (Use MALIA20 for 20%off!)
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!
43 min
August 17The Surprising Way Your Voice Can Calm a Dysregulated Classroom with Tracy Goodwin
What if your voice was the key to calming chaos in your classroom? In this episode, voice expert Tracy Goodwin shares how tone, pace, and presence can either soothe or activate a child’s nervous system—especially those who are dysregulated.
You’ll learn simple shifts you can make to use your voice as a powerful tool for connection, co-regulation, and classroom calm.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
How your voice impacts student behavior and emotional safety.
The science behind tone, cadence, and nervous system response.
Why some calm voices still feel “tense” to kids—and how to fix it.
Simple strategies to use your voice for co-regulation.
How to build student trust without raising your volume.
Show Links
Tracy Goodwin 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!
41 min
August 10"I Couldn't Keep Reteaching... so I Tried Something Different" with Rose Crystal
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!
17 min
August 03How School Leaders Quietly Shape (or Sabotage) Reading Success with Dr. Terrie Noland
What if leadership is the reason your reading scores aren’t moving? You’ve trained your teachers. You’ve rolled out new curriculum. But something still isn’t working. In this episode, Terrie Noland reveals how leadership—yes, even well-meaning leadership—can quietly block or boost reading success. It’s not about blame. It’s about getting real.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
Why literacy leadership is the missing link in most schools.
The difference between knowledge, wisdom, and curiosity.
How school leaders unintentionally block reading success.
Small “micro-moves” that drive big culture change.
How to inspire teachers and build buy-in without burning out.
Show Links
Connect with Dr. Noland on 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!
43 min
July 27Is Your Curriculum Aligned with the Science of Reading? with Kari Kurto
You’re told to teach with fidelity—but what if the curriculum itself isn’t aligned with the science of reading? In this episode, Kari Kurto from The Reading League breaks down how to evaluate your materials, spot red flags, and use the Curriculum Navigation Reports and Compass tools to make better instructional decisions—without starting from scratch.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
How to tell if a curriculum is really SoR aligned.
The top red flags to watch for in your materials.
Why “fidelity” isn’t always the best approach.
Free tools to help you evaluate and improve.
How to make change—even if your district isn’t there yet.
Show Links
The Reading League Website
Curriculum Decision Maker's Page
The Reading League's Evaluation Guidelines
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!
29 min
May 18Behavior Management Strategies That Save Your Sanity with Allie Szczecinski
Ever feel like one more behavior outburst might push you over the edge? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re breaking down practical, real-life strategies that help K–2 teachers handle challenging behaviors without shame, power struggles, or burnout. If behavior’s been the hardest part of your day—you’re going to feel seen and supported here.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
Why behavior feels harder than ever—and what’s really going on.
Simple tools that help kids express needs before they escalate.
How to build strong classroom systems that support every child.
The one strategy you need for that student who always pushes back.
Ways to stay calm (even when you feel like yelling).
Show Links
Allie's Miss Behavior Blog / Instagram
Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence RULER
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!
32 min
May 11You Can't Teach Every Vocabulary Word, So Teach This Instead with Dr. Trina Spencer
Teaching kids to decode words is essential, but what happens when they can read the words and still don’t understand what they’re reading? In this episode, we dive deep into the often overlooked role of academic language in reading comprehension. Language expert Trina Spencer joins us to explain why strong language skills are the true foundation of literacy and what teachers can start doing right away to help students build them. If you’ve ever had students who read fluently but struggle to make meaning from text, this conversation will shift the way you think about comprehension instruction.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
Why spoken language, not phonics, is the true foundation of reading comprehension.
What academic language really is and why it is much more than just vocabulary.
The different types of academic vocabulary, including general academic words, domain-specific words, polysemous words, and morphologically complex words.
A powerful 30-second strategy that helps students learn new words independently using inferential thinking.
Why read-alouds alone are not enough for building strong language comprehension and what teachers can do instead.
Simple shifts teachers can make to help students develop the language skills needed for reading success.
Show Links
Dr. Trina Spencer's website // on LinkedIn // free resources
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!
1 hr 10 min
May 04Literacy is a Human Right with Dr. Tanji Reed Marshall
What if reading isn’t just a skill we teach—but a right we protect?
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Tanji Reed Marshall, a powerful voice in education who invites us to rethink what it really means to teach every child how to read. We go beyond the buzzwords and into the heart of why literacy matters—not just for achievement, but for identity, dignity, and opportunity.
This conversation will challenge you (in the best way), ground you in purpose, and give you the language to advocate for real change—without needing to overhaul your classroom.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
What it really means to honor literacy as a human right.
How to spot the invisible barriers some students face.
Why representation in literacy materials matters more than we think.
What small shifts can make your instruction more inclusive.
How to keep growing—without guilt, overwhelm, or perfectionism.
Show Links
Dr. Tanji Reed Marshall 's website // on LinkedIn // on X (formerly Twitter)
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!
39 min
April 27What No One Tells PreK-2 Teachers About Teaching Writing... Until Now with Joan Sedita
You’ve heard all about the science of reading—but what about the science of writing? Most K–2 teachers are handed phonics programs with zero guidance on how to actually teach writing. That changes today.
In this episode, Joan Sedita pulls back the curtain on what your teacher prep program never taught you. She introduces her powerful Writing Rope framework, shares why oral language matters more than perfect spelling in the early years, and gives you permission to start where your students are—scribbles, drawings, and all.
Whether you're teaching kinders who can’t write a sentence or second graders stuck in short, choppy responses, this episode will transform how you think about writing instruction.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
The 5 strands of writing all K–2 teachers should be weaving into their day.
Why “just wait until they can write” is the wrong advice for early learners.
Easy ways to turn drawing and talking into real writing progress.
How to make writing a daily routine—even in 15 minutes or less.
Show Links
Keys to Literacy
Joan Sedita's Books 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!
45 min
April 207 Mighty Moves That Transform Reading Instruction with Lindsay Kemeny
What happens when a veteran teacher discovers that her reading instruction isn’t working—not even for her own son?
In this episode, Lindsay Kemeny, author of 7 Mighty Moves, shares the pivotal moment that changed everything and walks us through the practical shifts she made to align her classroom with the science of reading.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
The 7 Mighty Moves and how to apply them without a complete overhaul.
Why decodable texts are helpful—but not forever.
How to design a reading block that actually works for your students.
The difference between engagement and entertainment.
What to do if you’re overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.
Show Links
Lindsay Kemeny Instagram // LinkedIn // Podcast // Website
7 Mighty Moves
Rock Your Literacy Block
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!
30 min

About The Science of Reading Formula

From the publisher's feed

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…