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 LinksSight Word Lists Sorted by Phonics SkillDecodable Sentence StripsDecodable PassagesDecodable Literacy CentersJoin Malia on Instagram.Become a Science of Reading Formula member!Rate, Review, and FollowIf 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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10:01
How 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 LinksSarah Paul- Website / InstagramShine Learning ServicesSarah's Morphology TrainingJoin Malia on Instagram.Become a Science of Reading Formula member!Rate, Review, and FollowIf 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.
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31:18
How 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 LinksNational Board CertificationJoin Malia on Instagram.Become a Science of Reading Formula member!Rate, Review, and FollowIf 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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12:32
Early 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 LinksLori Josephson: Website / LinkedIn / X / Facebook / Instagram / MediumCalling All Neurons BookScience of Reading-What I Should Have Learned in College Facebook GroupInternational Dyslexia AssociationGAAB Early ScreenerWell ScreeningLadder of Reading by Dr. Nancy YoungJoin Malia on Instagram.Become a Science of Reading Formula member!Rate, Review, and FollowIf 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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44:59
What'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 LinksNonfiction decodable books: PenguinsDecodable booksJoin Malia on InstagramBecome a Science of Reading Formula member!Rate, Review, and FollowIf 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.
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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