The Science of Reading Formula

Have you ever had a student who struggles to pronounce words clearly—or one who seems to have trouble following directions or understanding new vocabulary? You might be seeing early signs of speech and language difficulties, which can directly impact reading success.

In this episode, I sit down with pediatric speech pathologist Rita Shamoun to explore the critical connection between oral language development and literacy. We break down how speech and language delays affect phonemic awareness, reading comprehension, and spelling—and, most importantly, what teachers can do to provide effective support.

You'll learn:

1. The difference between speech and language difficulties—and why both matter for reading.
2. How to spot early signs that a student may need extra support.
3. Why a multidisciplinary approach is key to ensuring students don’t fall through the cracks.

Show Links

Wine With Wita Podcast
Rita Shamoun Speech Pathology Website
Follow Rita on Instagram 
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Teaching phonics doesn’t have to feel like reinventing the wheel! In this episode, I'm sharing my favorite multisensory strategies to engage every learner. Whether you’re a new teacher looking to make phonics fun or a veteran searching for fresh ideas, this episode will give you practical tips to elevate your instruction. Learn how multisensory techniques activate multiple parts of the brain, making learning faster, easier, and more enjoyable for kids—without adding extra work to your plate.

In this episode, we'll talk about... 

• Why multisensory phonics instruction works. 
• Simple multisensory phonics activities to try with your students (that don't require any prep!)
• How to integrate multisensory learning into your day. 

Show Links

Join Malia on Instagram.
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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 had a student who was hard of hearing and felt unsure about how to meet their needs? You’re not alone! In this episode, I sit down with Deanna Barlow, an itinerant teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing, to explore practical, research-backed strategies for making literacy instruction more accessible.

We dive into how hearing loss impacts phonemic awareness, language development, and reading skills—and what you can do to ensure every student thrives. Whether it’s using assistive technology, making simple classroom adjustments, or incorporating visual supports, these strategies will benefit all learners, not just those with hearing challenges.

In this episode, we'll talk about... 

• The connection between hearing loss and phonemic awareness.
• Easy classroom modifications to support students with hearing loss.
• How to use assistive technology like FM systems to improve access.

Show Links

Join Deanna on Instagram
Listening Fun Blog
Tod Pod
Accommodations Form
Deanna's TPT Shop
Learn Sign Language on Lingvano
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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.

Are you curious about how AI is reshaping the future of education? This episode of The Science of Reading Formula dives deep into the transformative power of AI in the classroom—specifically for elementary teachers. Join me and my guest Dan Fitzpatrick, author of The AI Classroom for Teachers and Infinite Education, as we discuss the role of AI in enhancing literacy instruction, fostering creativity, and saving teachers countless hours.

In this episode, we'll talk about... 

• How AI tools like ChatGPT can support lesson planning, differentiation, and student feedback.
• Why strong communication skills are essential for students in an AI-driven world.
• Practical, time-saving tips to integrate AI into your teaching—without sacrificing quality.

If you're ready to embrace the possibilities of AI while staying grounded in evidence-based reading strategies, this episode is for you.

Show Links

The AI Educator website
Dan's books:  Infinite Education, The AI Educator, and Back to School Guide 24-25
ChatGPT
Brisk AI Teaching Assistant
Google Notebook LM
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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.

In this episode, I sit down with one of the show’s favorite guests, Dr. Brian Plante, a licensed naturopathic physician from the Amen Clinics. Dr. Plante shares invaluable insights into preventing and managing burnout—something so many teachers grapple with in their quest to balance teaching responsibilities and personal lives.

From understanding the difference between stress and burnout to discovering practical strategies for replenishing energy, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you move from surviving to thriving in your classroom and beyond.

In this episode, we'll talk about... 

• The key differences between stress and burnout—and how to recognize the early warning signs.
• Why boundaries matter and how to set them with courage and compassion.
• Practical mindfulness and relaxation techniques for reducing daily stress.

Show Links

Join Dr. Plante on Instagram
Psychology Today
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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.

One of my favorite ways to learn new teaching strategies is to watch OTHER teachers teaching. That’s why I’m so excited about today’s guest. MeQuel Bolden spends her days supporting teachers in classrooms throughout Washington DC and today she’s sharing her best lessons learned with US so that we can take literacy centers to the next level.

In this episode, we'll talk about... 

• How much time is TOO much time for literacy centers. 
• The most common challenges teachers face with literacy centers and how to overcome them.
• Tips for setting up literacy centers on a budget. 

Show Links

Early Literacy Center Observation Sheet
Follow MeQuel on Instagram//LinkedIn
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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 advanced phonics can feel like a daunting leap—vowel teams, r-controlled vowels, diphthongs, multisyllabic words... where do you even begin? In this episode, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about teaching phonics to advanced readers.

Whether you’re supporting students who are ready to level up or those who need extra scaffolding to decode tricky words, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help every reader succeed.

Discover how to take your phonics instruction to the next level—because your students are ready, and you’ve got the tools to guide them!

In this episode, we'll talk about... 

• What advanced phonics really is and why it’s critical for fluency and comprehension.
• Common challenges students (and teachers!) face when tackling complex phonics patterns.
• Proven strategies, like syllable division rules and morphology that make advanced phonics instruction effective and manageable.

Show Links

Scope and sequence
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Alright, teachers, today we're diving into the wild world of morphology! (Don’t worry, it’s not as fancy as it sounds.) Morphology is about breaking words into their parts like prefixes, suffixes, and roots. And trust me - it’s a teaching game-changer.

In this episode, we'll talk about... 

• What morphology is.
• Why it's essential for your reading instruction.
• Practical strategies to bring it to life in your classroom.

Show Links

Morphology Cheat Sheet
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Feeling overwhelmed by the shift to the Science of Reading? You’re not alone. Many educators worry that embracing this evidence-based approach means throwing out everything they’ve been doing—but that’s far from the truth. 

The Science of Reading isn’t about reinventing the wheel—it’s about refining what you’re already doing to help your students thrive. 

In this episode, we'll talk about... 

• What the Science of Reading really is—and what it isn’t.
• How to identify and keep the practices that align with research.
• Simple tweaks to strengthen your instruction without an overwhelming overhaul.

Show Links

Grab Your Spot in The Secret to Spotting Reading Gaps (and Filling Them!)
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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.

As the new year approaches, it’s the perfect time to hit the reset button and step back into your classroom with a fresh perspective. In this episode, I'm sharing how to set meaningful goals for 2025 using a "word of the year" approach to guide your decisions and actions. Reflect on 2024, choose a focus word, and take small, actionable steps to create a purposeful and joyful year. Tune in for practical tips, real-life success stories, and inspiration to transform your approach to goal-setting.

In this episode, we'll talk about... 

• Tips and strategies to help you feel rejuvenated and energized all year long. 
• How to choose a 'word of the year' and prioritize what you really want and need.
• Mindset shifts and practical tips that you can implement right away. 

Show Links

Grab Your Spot in The Secret to Spotting Reading Gaps (and Filling Them!)
Jumpstart Your 2025 Workbook
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.