The Science of Reading Formula

When we think about differentiation, we often focus on supporting struggling readers—but what about the students who need more challenge? If you’ve ever had a student who finishes their work in record time or seems disengaged despite their advanced abilities, this episode is for you!

I’m joined by gifted education expert Melita Haines to break down what giftedness really looks like (hint: it’s not always the straight-A student), how to differentiate effectively without adding hours to your workload, and why acceleration and enrichment matter for these learners.

In this episode, Melita and I discuss... 

• The common myths about gifted students—and what’s actually true.
• How to differentiate instruction in a way that challenges without overwhelming.
• Practical strategies for supporting gifted readers and writers.
• How to work with families to ensure gifted students get the support they need.

Show Links

Gifted Matters website
Follow Melita on Instagram
Gifted Matters on Facebook
Bloom’s Taxonomy
Hoagies' Gifted Education
The Dictionary of Difficult Words
Davidson Institute
Book Creator
Storyboard That
Common Lit
Khan Academy Kids
Evernote
Kidblog
Google Scholar
Spelling City
Penpal Schools
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Have you ever wondered why some students seem to pick up reading effortlessly while others struggle—even when you’re teaching the exact same lesson? It’s a lot like learning to ride a bike! Some kids take off immediately, while others need training wheels (and some need one-on-one coaching). That’s where Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 instruction come in.

In this episode, I break down what each tier of instruction actually means, how to identify which students need extra support, and what research-backed interventions are most effective at each level. Whether you're supporting struggling readers or fine-tuning your core instruction, this framework will help you meet every student’s needs with confidence.

In this episode, you'll learn... 

• The difference between Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 instruction (and why it matters).
• How to use small group and one-on-one interventions effectively.
• Practical strategies for progress monitoring and adapting instruction.

Show Links

"The Best Order to Teach Phonics" podcast episode
“The Easiest, Fastest Path to Reading Growth” podcast episode
Phonological Awareness Warm Ups
Phonics Interventions
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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!

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If teaching phonics sometimes feels overwhelming, you’re not alone! With so much conflicting advice out there, it’s easy to fall into common teaching traps that actually slow down student progress. But the good news? Once you know better, you can do better—and I’m here to help!

In this episode, I’m breaking down the four biggest phonics mistakes I see teachers make and, more importantly, how to fix them. Whether it’s moving too fast, skipping phonemic awareness, or relying on outdated strategies, you’ll walk away with clear, research-backed solutions that make phonics instruction easier and more effective.

In this episode, we'll explore... 

• Why pacing guides shouldn’t dictate when to move on (and what to use instead).
• The critical role phonemic awareness plays in phonics success.
• Why leveled readers don’t work—and what to use instead.
• A better way to teach high-frequency words without memorization.

Show Links

"The Best Order to Teach Phonics" podcast episode
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.

How can we create a truly inclusive, equitable classroom where every student feels seen, valued, and supported? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jarri Goodman, an educator, faculty coach, and advocate for equity in education, to explore the real barriers students of color face—and the powerful role teachers play in breaking them down.

We discuss how to move beyond surface-level representation, address implicit bias, and create culturally responsive learning environments where all students can thrive. Plus, Dr. Goodman shares his own personal experiences as a student and educator, highlighting the transformative impact that just one teacher can have.

In this episode, Dr. Goodman and I discuss...

• How to incorporate diverse voices and experiences into everyday lessons.
• The impact of implicit bias—and how to recognize and challenge it.
• Practical ways to strengthen relationships with students and their families.

Show Links

Connect with Dr. Jarri Goodman on LinkedIn
Email Dr. Jarri Goodman for Consulting - [email protected]
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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.

Have you ever felt like teaching reading is an uphill battle—no matter how hard you try, some students just don’t seem to get it? You’re not alone! In this episode, I break down the three essential elements that every successful reading teacher needs to master.

Using a surprising analogy from the reality show Alone, I’ll show you why the most effective teachers don’t just know what works—they take action and surround themselves with the right support. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or isolated in your reading instruction, these three simple shifts can change everything.

In this episode, I'll explain... 

• Why deep knowledge of the Science of Reading is the first key to success.
• How to take action with research-based strategies that actually move the needle.
• The power of community and why you can’t do this work alone.

Show Links

Grab the FREE Phonics Starter Kit here!
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.

If you’ve ever had a student struggle to sound out words or blend sounds together, chances are they need more support with phonemic awareness. Research shows that phonemic awareness is the strongest predictor of future reading success—yet many teachers receive little formal training on how to teach it effectively.

In this episode, I break down exactly what phonemic awareness is, how it differs from phonological awareness, and why it plays a critical role in developing strong readers. You'll also learn practical, no-prep strategies you can use immediately to help students strengthen their ability to hear, isolate, blend, and manipulate sounds in words.

In this episode, we'll explore... 

• The six essential phonemic awareness skills every student needs.
• Why phonemic awareness is different from phonics (and why both matter).
• No-prep, research-based activities to develop phonemic awareness in any grade level.

Show Links

All 40 Weeks of Phonological Awareness Warm Ups for Members
Free 2 Week Sample of Phonological Awareness Warm Ups
Join Malia on Instagram
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!

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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.

Have you ever told your students that the word have is a rule breaker because the silent E doesn’t make the A say its name? I used to think that too—until I learned the real reasons silent E exists. Spoiler alert: have isn’t a rule breaker at all!

In this episode, I’m breaking down the seven jobs of silent E—why it’s not just there to make vowels long, and how understanding its purpose can transform your students’ spelling and decoding skills. Once you know these patterns, you’ll never look at silent E the same way again!

In this episode, I'll dive into... 

• The 7 roles silent E plays in English spelling (hint: it’s not just about long vowels!)
• Why words like give and have actually follow the rules—not break them.
• A simple way to teach silent E that makes sense for students.

Show Links

Spelling Rule Posters
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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.

Have you ever had a student with autism in your classroom and felt unsure of how to best support them? You’re not alone! In this episode, I sit down with special education teacher Heather Cacioppo to break down simple, evidence-based strategies to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for students with autism.

We explore common misconceptions, how to recognize early signs, and what teachers can do to provide meaningful support—without overhauling their entire classroom routine. Whether it’s sensory-friendly accommodations or strategies to build social skills, you’ll walk away with practical tools to implement right away.

In this episode, we'll talk about... 

• The biggest myths about autism—and the truth behind them.
• How to create a sensory-friendly classroom without disrupting learning.
• Simple ways to support communication and social skills development.

Show Links

Full Sped Ahead blog
Follow Heather on Instagram
Full Sped Ahead Facebook group
Board Maker
Lesson Pix
Visual Timer
Squeeze Cheese
Join Malia on Instagram
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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!

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Have you ever given your students a list of spelling words, drilled them all week, and still watched them struggle on Friday’s test? If so, you’re not alone! In this episode, I’m breaking down the biggest myths about spelling instruction—and sharing research-backed strategies that actually help students retain spelling patterns for the long haul.

We’ll dive into how spelling and phonics go hand in hand, why memorization doesn’t work, and how to teach spelling in a way that sticks. Plus, I’ll share simple tweaks you can make today to align spelling instruction with the research.

In this episode, we'll explore... 

• Why traditional spelling drills don’t work—and what to do instead.
• How to integrate spelling into phonics instruction for stronger retention.
• Easy, evidence-based strategies like sound mapping to make spelling stick.

Show Links

Spelling Rule Posters
Spelling Rules Cheat Sheet
Join Malia on Instagram
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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!

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Ever feel like you're running on caffeine and fumes just to make it through the school day? You're not alone! In this episode, I sit down with nutrition educator and coach Kate Lyman to talk about how small, strategic nutrition shifts can boost energy, improve focus, and help prevent teacher burnout.

We break down the science behind brain fuel and simple, no-stress ways to eat better—even with a packed schedule. From high-protein breakfasts to easy grab-and-go snacks, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to stay energized without overhauling your entire routine.

In this episode, you'll learn...

• The link between nutrition and teacher burnout (and how to fix it). 
• Quick, high protein breakfasts that actually keep you full. 
• Easy, no-prep snacks to keep in your classroom for all-day energy.

Show Links

Check out Kate on Instagram
The Ultimate Batch Prep Guide
Oats Overnight
Join Malia on Instagram
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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.