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The Science of Reading Formula: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Malia Hollowell
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!
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 6 days ago50 min
My Child Couldn't Read and No One Noticed with Missy Purcell
Missy Purcell was a teacher. Her son went to a “good” school. But in third grade, she realized something no one else had: he couldn’t read. In this powerful conversation, Missy shares the story that shocked her district—and later, the country—when she told it on Emily Hanford’s Sold a Story. What happens when a bright, well-behaved child falls through the cracks of a balanced literacy system? And what does it take to finally get him the instruction he deserved? This episode is part personal w...
- 1 weeks ago35 min
The Surprising Science Behind Play-Based Learning with Kristen Day
Is play just for fun—or is it doing something deeper? In this episode, I sit down with Kristen Day, founder of Butterfly Hill Nature Preschool and a fierce advocate for honoring how young children actually learn. We dig into the real science behind play-based learning—what it does for the brain, how it shapes behavior, and why removing it from early childhood classrooms may be doing more harm than we realize. Whether you're feeling pressure to “get more academic” or just need language to advo...
- 2 weeks ago33 min
Stop Teaching Vocabulary the Wrong Way - Try This Instead with Natalie Wexler
Still asking your students to guess word meanings from context? It’s time for a change. In this episode, Natalie Wexler breaks down the science of how vocabulary really works—and why it’s the key to unlocking reading comprehension. You’ll learn how to move beyond surface-level word lists and start building deep, long-term word knowledge using techniques grounded in cognitive science. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why context clues often lead students away from true understanding.How long...
- 3 weeks ago45 min
Why Kids Act Out and What Their Nervous System is Trying to Tell You with Kim Barthel
Why do some kids act out, melt down, or shut down—no matter how consistent or calm we are? In this powerful episode, I’m joined by internationally respected occupational therapist Kim Barthel, who helps us unpack the neuroscience of behavior. We talk about how trauma affects student behavior, what’s really happening when kids dysregulate, and why traditional behavior plans often miss the mark for the kids who need our help the most. If you’ve ever felt helpless in the face of a child’s big em...
- Aug 17, 202643 min
The Surprising Way Your Voice Can Calm a Dysregulated Classroom with Tracy Goodwin
What if your voice was the key to calming chaos in your classroom? In this episode, voice expert Tracy Goodwin shares how tone, pace, and presence can either soothe or activate a child’s nervous system—especially those who are dysregulated. You’ll learn simple shifts you can make to use your voice as a powerful tool for connection, co-regulation, and classroom calm. In this episode, we'll talk about: How your voice impacts student behavior and emotional safety.The science behind tone, cadence...
- Aug 10, 202617 min
"I Couldn't Keep Reteaching... so I Tried Something Different" with Rose Crystal
What if your students could finally retain what you teach—and you could stop second-guessing every phonics lesson? In this episode, veteran first grade teacher Rose shares how she went from overwhelmed and unsure… to confident and clear—thanks to her first step inside The Science of Reading Formula: our four-week bootcamp called The Reading Roadmap. If you’re tired of piecing together your reading instruction, this conversation is the encouragement and direction you’ve been looking for. In th...
- Aug 3, 202642 min
How School Leaders Quietly Shape (or Sabotage) Reading Success with Dr. Terrie Noland
What if leadership is the reason your reading scores aren’t moving? You’ve trained your teachers. You’ve rolled out new curriculum. But something still isn’t working. In this episode, Terrie Noland reveals how leadership—yes, even well-meaning leadership—can quietly block or boost reading success. It’s not about blame. It’s about getting real. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why literacy leadership is the missing link in most schools.The difference between knowledge, wisdom, and curiosity....
- Jul 27, 202628 min
Is Your Curriculum Aligned with the Science of Reading? with Kari Kurto
You’re told to teach with fidelity—but what if the curriculum itself isn’t aligned with the science of reading? In this episode, Kari Kurto from The Reading League breaks down how to evaluate your materials, spot red flags, and use the Curriculum Navigation Reports and Compass tools to make better instructional decisions—without starting from scratch. In this episode, we'll talk about: How to tell if a curriculum is really SoR aligned.The top red flags to watch for in your materials.Why “fide...
About The Science of Reading Formula
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!
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