The Science of Reading Formula

By Malia HollowellEducation How To Courses

The Science of Reading Formula episodes

July 07, 2025Game-Changing ADHD Strategies For Primary Teachers with Cheryl Agrawal
What if the student who "won’t sit still" or "never starts their work" isn’t trying to misbehave—but is quietly asking for support? In this episode, veteran educator Cheryl Agrawal helps us rethink ADHD in the primary classroom. You’ll walk away with fresh insights and game-changing strategies that make your school days smoother—for you and your students.
In this episode, we’ll talk about:
What ADHD really looks like in PreK–2 students (it’s not just hyperactivity).
The overlooked link between reading struggles and inattentive ADHD.
Movement and “sensory snacks” that support regulation without disrupting class.
How to team up with families and paraprofessionals without feeling overwhelmed.
Why small shifts in seating, check-ins, and routines can transform your day.
Show Links
Pulsehive
Cheryl on LinkedIn / Instagram
ADHD 2.0 Book on Amazon
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43 min
June 30, 2025When to Move on to the Next Phonics Skill
Moving too fast in phonics instruction can lead to shaky reading foundations—but how do you know when students are truly ready to progress? In this episode, we’ll show you exactly what to look for so you can successfully move forward with confidence.
In this episode, we’ll talk about:
Why checking a box on a scope and sequence isn’t enough.
The “Three A’s” every student must show before moving on.
What fluent reading and spelling of target skills actually looks like.
How to use sentence dictation to test real-world application.
What to do when some students aren’t ready yet.
Show Links
Sight Word Lists Sorted by Phonics Skill
Decodable Sentence Strips
Decodable Passages
Decodable Literacy Centers
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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!
11 min
June 23, 2025How to Teach Morphology in Early Elementary Without Overwhelming Your Students with Sarah Paul
What if the key to better decoding, spelling, and vocabulary was hidden in the very structure of words? In this episode, we're diving deep into how morphology can transform literacy instruction—starting as early as PreK. Our guest, Sarah from Snippets by Sarah, shares how she helps students understand meaningful word parts and why it's never too early to start.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
How to teach morphology in PreK–3rd grade classrooms.
Why even young students are ready for prefixes, suffixes, and bases.
Easy ways to introduce morphemes through word sums and read-alouds.
The difference between roots, bases, and affixes (and how to explain them to kids).
How morphology builds a foundation for stronger decoding and spelling skills.
Show Links
Sarah Paul- Website / Instagram
Shine Learning Services
Sarah's Morphology Training
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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.
32 min
June 16, 2025How to Pass National Board Certification the First Time
Earning National Board Certification can feel overwhelming—but what if you could pass on your first try? In this episode, Malia shares the exact strategies she used to do just that, along with the hard lessons she learned along the way.
In this episode, we’ll talk about:
The #1 mistake teachers make when submitting student work samples.
Why choosing “outlier” students is key to showcasing your impact.
How to stay organized (and sane) with early evidence collection.
Why standards alignment should start on day one.
How a support system can make or break your success.
Show Links
National Board Certification
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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!
13 min
June 09, 2025Early Signs of Dyslexia in Preschool and Kindergarten with Lori Josephson
In this powerful conversation, veteran educator Lori Josephson breaks down what dyslexia really is—and how you can spot the early signs in your preschool and kindergarten students. If you’ve ever had a gut feeling that something was “off” with a student’s reading but didn’t know what to look for or how to help, this episode is your guide.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
The most common myths about dyslexia (and what to stop believing today).
Early red flags to watch for in pre-K and K students.
Why phonemic awareness—not rhyming—is the real key.
What orthographic mapping means and how it affects struggling readers.
Simple strategies you can use right now to support at-risk students.
Show Links
Lori Josephson: Website / LinkedIn / X / Facebook / Instagram / Medium
Calling All Neurons Book
Science of Reading-What I Should Have Learned in College Facebook Group
International Dyslexia Association
GAAB Early Screener
Well Screening
Ladder of Reading by Dr. Nancy Young
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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!
45 min
June 02, 2025What's Better: Decodable Books or Leveled Readers?
For decades, schools have relied on leveled readers to teach kids how to read—but what if they’ve been setting students up to guess instead of actually read? In this episode, I’m breaking down the difference between leveled readers and decodable books, and why one approach is backed by science while the other reinforces bad reading habits.
We’ll explore what makes decodable books so powerful, how they align with phonics instruction, and when to transition students to authentic texts. If your school still pushes leveled readers, I’ll also share practical ways to advocate for change (with data to back you up!).
In this episode, I'll dive into...
Why leveled readers encourage guessing instead of decoding.
How decodable books strengthen phonics and spelling skills.
When (and how) to transition students from decodable books to authentic texts.
Actionable steps to advocate for research-based reading instruction in your school.
Show Links
Nonfiction decodable books: Penguins
Decodable books
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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.
17 min
May 30, 2025 Season One Wrap Up
Season 1 of The Science of Reading Formula podcast was all about giving K-2 teachers practical, no-fluff strategies grounded in research. Whether it was demystifying phonics instruction, navigating structured literacy, or choosing the right decodable texts, each episode tackled real classroom struggles with clarity and compassion. From veteran teachers rethinking old routines to new educators building strong reading foundations from the start, our goal was to support you every step of the way. As we wrap up this first season, we’re celebrating your dedication—and getting ready to bring even more actionable insights in Season 2!
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!
2 min
May 26, 2025Science of Reading Strategies for Teaching Sight Words in Kindergarten
If you’ve ever felt pressured to introduce sight words early but weren’t sure how to do it in a way that actually supports reading development, you’re not alone! In this episode, I’m breaking down when and how to introduce high-frequency words the right way—using research-backed strategies that align with the science of reading.
We’ll explore why traditional sight word memorization sets students up for guessing, how to introduce high-frequency words based on phonics skills, and a simple, brain-friendly method to help kids truly map words into memory.
In this episode, I'll dive into...
Why traditional sight word drills don’t work—and what to do instead.
The best order to introduce high-frequency words (hint: it’s NOT random!)
A simple, research-based strategy to help students actually remember sight words.
Show Links
Pack of Sound Maps
Sight Word Lists Sorted by Phonics Skill
Phonics Lessons Vol. 1 (Alphabet)
Phonics Lessons Vol. 2 (Short Vowel Centers)
Phonics Lessons Vol. 3 (Digraphs, Floss Rule & Magic E)
Phonics Lessons Vol. 4 (Beginning and Ending Blends)
Phonics Lessons Vol. 5 (Syllable types & Vowel Teams)
Phonics Lessons Vol. 6 (Diphthongs, R-Influenced Vowels, Prefixes & Suffixes)
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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.
11 min
May 19, 2025Effective Classroom Strategies for Supporting Students with Dysgraphia with Natasha Gray
Have you ever had a student who avoids writing, struggles to stay on the lines, or complains about hand pain when trying to get their thoughts on paper? They may be dealing with dysgraphia—a commonly misunderstood learning disability that affects written expression.
In this episode, I sit down with educational diagnostician Natasha Gray to break down what dysgraphia really is, how it differs from dyslexia, and most importantly, how teachers can provide the right support in the classroom. From assistive technology to small but powerful classroom accommodations, we’re diving deep into strategies that help students succeed.
In this episode, I'll discuss...
Key signs of dysgraphia and how to identify students who may need support.
Simple classroom accommodations to reduce frustration and build confidence.
How assistive technology can help students with writing while still developing handwriting skills.
Show Links
Follow Natasha on Instagram
Spark Learning website
Dragon Naturally Speaking
Letter School
Writing Wizard
Pencil grips
Slant board
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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.
23 min
May 12, 2025Teachers, Turn Your Skills Into Cash!
Let’s be real—teaching is incredibly rewarding, but it doesn’t always cover the bills. If you’ve ever thought about launching a tutoring side hustle but didn’t know where to start, this episode is for you! I’m walking you through how to set up a tutoring business that fits your life, fuels your passion, and brings in extra income—without burning you out.
Whether you're looking to make $500 a month or turn tutoring into a full-time gig, you already have what it takes. Let me show you how to turn your teaching expertise into a thriving side business.
In this episode, I'll discuss...
How to set financial goals, plan your schedule, and price your services with confidence.
Done-for-you templates to simplify contracts, progress tracking, and lesson planning.
Where to find students—including how to tap into our free tutor matchmaking network.
Easy ways to streamline sessions and set boundaries so tutoring stays fun and sustainable.
Show Links
Join the Side Hustle Challenge.
Lemon Tree Literacy on Instagram
Your Reading Tutor on Instagram
LeLab Tutoring on Instagram
Brightest Little Readers 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! Follow right here.
24 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…