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

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Teaching sight words doesn’t have to be a struggle! In this episode, we’re diving into science-backed strategies that help students recognize and remember words effortlessly.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• Why traditional sight word drills don’t work.
• How sound mapping builds stronger word recognition.
• The importance of sorting words by phonics rules.
• Hands-on, multisensory ways to teach sight words.
• Fun games that make learning sight words engaging.

Tune in for simple, effective strategies to transform your sight word instruction!

Show links:

• Grab the free sound map here.
• Purchase our mega pack of hands-on sound maps on TPT.
• 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!

And 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!

Teaching phonics can feel overwhelming, but having a clear, step-by-step sequence makes all the difference! In this episode, we’ll break down the best order to teach phonics skills, so your students build strong reading foundations with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned educator or new to the Science of Reading, this progression will help you support every learner at their own pace.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:
✔️ The first phonics skills students need to master
✔️ How to move students up the “phonics ladder” step by step
✔️ The importance of word families, digraphs, blends, and more
✔️ Practical strategies for teaching each skill effectively

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear roadmap to guide your students toward phonics success!

Show links:

• Grab the free cheatsheet here.
• Get our complete set of step-by-step phonics 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!

And 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!

Struggling to help your kindergarteners blend sounds into words? In this episode, we’re diving into phonological and phonemic awareness—the essential skills young learners need for reading success. You’ll walk away with practical, fun strategies to build a rock-solid reading foundation from day one.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• The difference between phonological and phonemic awareness
• Why phonemic awareness is the #1 predictor of reading success
• Simple, engaging activities to help students blend, segment, and manipulate sounds
• How to make reading instruction more brain-friendly and effective

Tune in now and start strengthening your students' reading foundation!

Show links:

• Grab a YEAR of 5-minute phonological awareness warm ups!
• 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!

And 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!

Struggling readers aren’t a mystery—there’s a clear formula for reading success! In this episode, we’re breaking down the Simple View of Reading—a powerful, research-backed framework that explains how decoding and comprehension work together to build strong readers. You’ll learn why some students struggle, how to pinpoint the root cause, and actionable strategies to support them. Whether your students need help with phonics, language comprehension, or both, this episode will give you the tools to make a real impact.

• What is the Simple View of Reading?
• Why do some students struggle with comprehension while others get stuck decoding?
• How can you target instruction based on students' specific needs?

Tune in to discover how to simplify reading instruction and set your students up for success!

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 podcast 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!

And 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!