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!

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Teaching reading with music doesn’t mean you have to sing! Our special guest, Jocelyn Manzanerez, explains how rhythm, beats, and chants can enhance literacy skills—no microphone required. 

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• Why music is a powerful tool for teaching reading skills
• How rhythm and movement improve phonemic awareness
• The science behind music and language processing
• Easy, no-singing-required activities to use in your classroom
• How to boost engagement and memory retention using music-based strategies

Join us as we uncover practical ways to make reading instruction more engaging and effective with music, even if you’re not a singer! Jocelyn shares her expertise on making literacy instruction fun and accessible for all educators.

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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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.

Teaching multilingual learners can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, you can help them thrive. In this episode, we break down simple, research-backed techniques that support emergent bilinguals in the elementary classroom.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• Why multilingual learners should be seen as assets, not challenges.
• The key stages of language acquisition and how to support each phase.
• Practical classroom strategies that make learning more accessible.
• How to use visuals, gestures, and predictable speech to aid comprehension.
• The importance of celebrating students’ cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

By making small, intentional shifts in your teaching approach, you can create an inclusive environment where all learners feel valued and supported.

Tune in now to learn actionable tips you can implement right away!

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.

Managing a classroom effectively can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with defiant behavior, constant blurting, and disruptive transitions. But with the right strategies, you can create a structured and engaging learning environment that fosters student success. In this episode, we’re diving into proven classroom management techniques with Alex from The Kindergarten Connection—a true expert in helping teachers turn classroom chaos into calm.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• The most common classroom management mistakes and how to avoid them.
• Practical strategies for establishing effective routines from day one.
• How to reset classroom expectations mid-year for a smoother learning experience.
• Simple, teacher-approved techniques for handling challenging student behaviors.
• Why patience, consistency, and follow-through are key to classroom success.

Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned educator looking for a classroom management reset, this episode will equip you with actionable strategies to make teaching more effective and enjoyable.

Listen now and transform your classroom management approach!

Show Links
Alex’s Free Blurt Sign // The Kindergarten Connection on Instagram
Classroom routine list
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.

Struggling to help your students blend letter sounds into words? You’re not alone! Many early readers know their letter sounds but face challenges when it comes to smoothly blending them into recognizable words. The good news? Blending is a skill that can be developed with the right strategies and activities.

In this episode, we break down simple, research-backed phonemic awareness techniques that will help your students become more confident and fluent readers.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• Why blending is one of the most essential phonemic awareness skills for early readers.
• The biggest mistake teachers make when teaching blending (and what to do instead!).
• Fun, engaging activities that make blending practice more effective.
• A simple tweak that makes blending easier for struggling students.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical, easy-to-implement strategies that will make a real difference in your students' reading success.

Listen now and transform your students' blending skills!

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.

Teaching as a new educator can feel overwhelming, but what if you had simple strategies to take back control of your time? In this episode, we’re talking with Ashley Smith from Rainbow Sky Creations about practical time management tips for new teachers. Whether you're struggling with endless to-do lists, classroom organization, or work-life balance, these strategies will help you create a more manageable teaching routine.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• How to shift your mindset from a to-do list to a wish list
• Time-saving classroom organization strategies
• Why setting boundaries with a "no work" day is essential
• The five-minute rule for tackling tasks efficiently
• How AI tools can support teachers and save time

Tune in now and start simplifying your teaching life!

Show Links

• Rainbow Sky Creations // on Instagram // on Facebook // on TikTok
• 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.

Teaching is rewarding, but it can also be exhausting. In this episode, we explore practical strategies to help teachers avoid burnout and manage stress effectively.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• The top signs of teacher burnout and how to recognize them early.
• Simple self-care strategies to maintain mental and emotional well-being.
• How setting boundaries can transform your work-life balance.
• The power of intentional scheduling to reduce overwhelm.

Tune in for actionable insights to help you thrive in your teaching career while maintaining a healthy, balanced life.

Show Links

• Order Kelsey's "Educate and Rejuvenate" Book
• Educate and Rejuvenate Podcast
• Educate and Rejuvenate on Instagram
• "Man's Search for Meaning" Book
• "Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle"
• 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.

If you've ever dreaded your literacy center time, worried about noise and distractions, or felt anxious when an admin walked in, this episode is for you because I'm sharing actionable tips that will make centers a consistent highlight of your school day.

In this episode, I'm diving into surprisingly simple strategies that will transform your literacy centers from "chaotic and stressful" to "calm and productive". Your students will be on task and working independently in no time!

 

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

• Why it's so important to meet each student's specific learning needs and strengths 
• The literacy center system that will save you HOURS of lesson planning and prep time
• Plus must-know classroom management secrets that will help centers run smoothly every. single. day.

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.

Teaching reading in small groups can be overwhelming—but what if you had a simple, structured plan to make it easier and more effective? In this episode of The Science of Reading Formula, we’re diving into a powerful four-step system (ACED) that will help you assess, group, and teach your students efficiently while saving valuable lesson planning time.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• The biggest mistake teachers make when organizing small reading groups.
• How to quickly assess students and form skill-based reading groups.
• Setting just-right reading goals to ensure steady progress.
• A simple way to plan an entire year of small group reading instruction.

If you’ve been struggling to meet every child’s reading needs without spending countless hours prepping, this episode is for you! Tune in now and discover how to make small group reading instruction more effective and manageable.

🔗 Join The Science of Reading Formula today! Click here to enroll.

Show Links 

• 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.

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 sight word flashcards really the best way to teach reading? If you’ve spent hours drilling flashcards only to see students still struggle, you’re not alone! Research shows that memorizing words visually isn’t how the brain learns to read.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• Why traditional sight word flashcards don’t work for most students.
• The science behind how kids truly memorize words for fluent reading.
• Three simple, brain-friendly tweaks to transform sight word practice.

If you're ready to ditch ineffective drills and use strategies that actually stick, this episode is for you!

Show Links

• Free sound map
• 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.