The Science of Reading Formula

By Malia HollowellEducation How To Courses

The Science of Reading Formula episodes

September 15, 2025The Hidden Struggles of Neurodivergent Students— And What Teachers Can Do About It with Dr. Emily King
Get ready for an eye-opening conversation that might just change the way you see your classroom. In this episode, Dr. Emily King—student psychologist and neurodivergent expert—shares practical, shame-free strategies to help PreK–2 teachers support students struggling with executive functioning, emotional regulation, and mental health needs.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
How to tell the difference between “can’t” and “won’t” in student behavior.
Why emotional regulation must come before academic progress.
Easy, effective ways to support executive functioning in young learners.
What teachers can do to build stronger partnerships with parents.
The one change that could revolutionize general education classrooms.
Show Links
Dr. Emily's Website / Substack / LinkedIn / Instagram / Podcast
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37 min
September 08, 2025The Top Five Things Phonics Programs Get Wrong
If you’ve ever followed your phonics program to the letter and still thought, “What am I missing?” — this episode is for you. The truth? Even the best programs make mistakes that leave students stuck.
We’re pulling back the curtain on the top 5 things phonics programs get wrong—and how to fix them with practical, science-backed strategies you can use right away.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
The red flag hiding in your phonics scope and sequence.
Why students aren’t gaining fluency (even if they know their letter sounds).
How to use decodable texts the right way.
The foundational skill most programs rush past.
A simple way to differentiate phonics groups—without creating 25 lesson plans.
Show Links
Decodable Texts
Phonics Lessons
Phonological Awareness Warm Ups
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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!
15 min
September 01, 2025Using MTSS to Prevent Reading Failure with Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Dr. Sarah Brown
MTSS often gets written off as just another intervention checklist—but what if it’s actually your strongest tool for preventing reading failure?
In this episode, I’m joined by MTSS experts Dr. Sarah Brown and Dr. Stephanie Stollar to break down what MTSS really is, clear up the biggest myths, and show you how this framework can support your Tier 1 instruction, simplify your decisions, and help more kids learn to read the first time.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
Why MTSS is a preventative framework, not just reactive intervention.
What strong Tier 1 instruction really looks like in K–2.
How to use universal screening data without getting overwhelmed.
What Tier 2 and Tier 3 support should look like (even with paraprofessionals).
Show Links
MTSS for Reading Improvement by Dr. Stollar and Dr. Brown
Free Book Resources
MTSS Data Academy
Reading Science Academy
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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.
49 min
August 25, 2025Helping Struggling Readers Build Confidence (And Avoid Shutdown)
If you’ve ever had a student say “I can’t read” with tears in their eyes, this episode is for you. Today we’re exploring why reading shutdown happens—and what you can do to rebuild confidence and spark success in your most discouraged learners.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
The emotional root behind student shutdown (it’s not laziness).
Why celebrating effort beats chasing perfection.
How to use affirming language to shape reading identity.
A fun fluency game that builds confidence through repetition.
Why your enthusiasm is a powerful teaching tool.
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.
9 min
August 18, 2025Orthographic Mapping Made Simple with Molly Ness
Teaching spelling shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. In this episode, Dr. Molly Ness breaks down orthographic mapping—the science-backed process that helps students permanently store words in memory.
Whether you’re new to the term or ready to ditch ineffective sight word drills, you’ll walk away with real strategies you can start using tomorrow.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
What orthographic mapping actually means (no jargon!).
A 4-step method for helping students master new words.
Why flashcards and memorization don’t work.
How oral language boosts word retention.
The #1 first step to transform your spelling instruction.
Show Links
Molly Ness- Website / Instagram / LinkedIn
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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.
27 min
August 11, 2025How to Build Comprehension Before Students Can Decode
Some students can’t read “cat” yet—but can explain the moral of a story better than anyone. So how do we support comprehension before decoding clicks? In this episode, we’re exploring how to nurture deep thinking while building foundational reading skills.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
Why decoding and comprehension must grow side-by-side.
How to use read alouds and class discussions to build thinking skills.
What kinds of questions spark comprehension—even with simple texts.
Using podcasts and morphology to boost meaning-making early on.
Show Links
Decodable Texts
Comprehension Questions
Trainings- Morphology / Read Aloud Magic
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!
15 min
August 04, 2025When Phonics Isn't Enough with Michelle Sullivan
Ever feel like phonics just isn’t enough to help your students tackle bigger words? You’re not imagining it. In this episode, we’re joined by literacy coach Michelle Sullivan to explore why morphology—yes, even in K–2—is the missing link in your literacy block. She shares easy-to-implement strategies that help kids understand how words work—without overwhelming them (or you). If you’re ready to make word study more meaningful, this episode is a must-listen.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
Why introducing morphology in primary grades is essential—not optional.
The difference between teaching phonics and teaching word structure.
What a “colorful classroom” really means (hint: it’s not about bulletin boards).
Easy ways to start using base words, suffixes, and prefixes with young learners.
How to integrate morphology, phonics, and vocabulary for deeper comprehension.
Show Links
Michelle's Website / Podcast / Instagram / TPT Shop
Mastering Morphology Course (Logos Literacy Academy on IG)
ABCs of Morphology Reference Sheet
Phonics & Morphology Terms Every Teacher Needs to Know
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!
31 min
July 28, 2025Teaching a Class with 4+ Reading Levels? Here's How to Make It Work
If your classroom feels like a jigsaw puzzle of reading needs, this episode is for you. We’re diving into the ACEd method—a simple, step-by-step way to manage mixed reading levels without prepping 25 separate lessons.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
The #1 reason teachers feel overwhelmed by reading instruction.
How to assess students efficiently and meaningfully.
Why grouping by skill (not grade) makes all the difference.
What a “just right” reading goal looks like for each student.
How to map out your phonics instruction for the entire year.
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!
9 min
July 21, 2025Making the Shift from Balanced Literacy to the Science of Reading with Meghan Hein
What does it really look like to move from balanced literacy to the science of reading? In this episode, veteran teacher Meghan Hein shares her honest, four-year journey—complete with mindset shifts, classroom trials, and practical wins.
Whether you're just starting or deep in the transition, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and ready to take your next small step.
In this episode, we’ll talk about:
The moment Meghan realized balanced literacy wasn’t working for all students.
How she started changing her instruction—without throwing everything away.
The data shift that helped her identify who needed more phonics support.
Why decodable books became her must-have for small group reading.
What to do when you're overwhelmed by everything you didn't know.
Show Links
Find Meghan on Instagram.
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
July 14, 2025Phonics Without Tears: Science of Reading Phonics Routine
Planning phonics lessons shouldn't leave you stressed and scrambling. In this episode, we're sharing a simple, science-backed routine that takes the guesswork out of teaching phonics—so your lessons practically plan themselves.
In this episode, we’ll talk about...
My Thanksgiving-themed phonics mistake you don’t want to repeat.
The 4-step routine that works with any skill.
How to help students build accuracy, automaticity, and application.
Fun, low-prep ways to reinforce phonics skills through games.
Show Links
Phonics Questions and Chants
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

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…