The Science of Reading Formula copertina

The Science of Reading Formula

The Science of Reading Formula

Di: Malia Hollowell
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A proposito di questo titolo

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 running on empty.

I’m Malia Hollowell—a National Board Certified Teacher, author, and founder of Playdough to Plato. Over the past 20 years, I’ve honed my craft, combining science-backed practices with practical solutions to meet the real challenges educators face every day.

Each episode dives into essential pillars of teaching success:

  • Smart strategies to meet the needs of every student without adding extra stress to your plate.
  • Honest conversations and tips to tackle teacher burnout and find a balance between school and home life.
  • Science-backed practices that actually work—saving you time and boosting student results.
  • Practical tips to streamline your planning and free up time for what matters most.


This is your space to find encouragement, expert insights, and actionable ideas to create a classroom (and life) that works for you. Let’s get started!

© 2026 Playdough to Plato, LLC Istruzione
Episodi
  • 7 Mighty Moves That Transform Reading Instruction with Lindsay Kemeny

    7 Mighty Moves That Transform Reading Instruction with Lindsay Kemeny
    Apr 20 2026

    What happens when a veteran teacher discovers that her reading instruction isn’t working—not even for her own son?

    In this episode, Lindsay Kemeny, author of 7 Mighty Moves, shares the pivotal moment that changed everything and walks us through the practical shifts she made to align her classroom with the science of reading.

    In this episode, we'll talk about:

    • The 7 Mighty Moves and how to apply them without a complete overhaul.
    • Why decodable texts are helpful—but not forever.
    • How to design a reading block that actually works for your students.
    • The difference between engagement and entertainment.
    • What to do if you’re overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.

    Show Links

    Lindsay Kemeny Instagram // LinkedIn // Podcast // Website
    7 Mighty Moves
    Rock Your Literacy Block
    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!

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    30 min
  • She Built an MTSS System That Actually Works—Here's How with Joan Schumann

    She Built an MTSS System That Actually Works—Here's How with Joan Schumann
    Apr 13 2026

    What if your MTSS system actually worked—and didn’t leave teachers or students overwhelmed?

    In this episode, Dr. Joan Schumann shares the exact strategies she used to build a Multi-Tiered System of Support that’s practical, sustainable, and truly effective. Whether you're a classroom teacher, coach, or school leader, this conversation will help you rethink how you use data, strengthen Tier 1, and support interventionists—without burning everyone out.

    In this episode, we'll talk about:

    • The #1 mistake schools make with MTSS (and how to avoid it).
    • How to know if it’s a student issue… or a Tier 1 issue.
    • A simple 75/75 rule that streamlines your intervention process.
    • What to do when your Tier 2 students aren’t progressing.
    • How to train and support interventionists (even if they’re brand new).

    Show Links

    Joan's website / LinkedIn
    MTSS Association
    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!

    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    39 min
  • Why Students Can Sound Out Words but Not Read Them with Beth Gaskill

    Why Students Can Sound Out Words but Not Read Them with Beth Gaskill
    Apr 6 2026

    Some students can sound out every letter in a word… but still not read it. In this episode, literacy interventionist Beth Gaskill helps us unpack why that happens and what to do about it. We’re talking about the “fuzzy middle” between phonemic awareness and fluent reading, and why simple, consistent, multisensory routines can make all the difference.

    In this episode, we'll talk about:

    • Why some kids can sound out words but still can’t blend.
    • The role of working memory in decoding struggles.
    • Simple multisensory activities (like socks, beans, and chairs!)
    • What to try before reaching for letter tiles.
    • How to support students who freeze when it’s time to blend.

    Show Links

    Big City Readers Website // Instagram // Podcast
    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!

    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    28 min
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