Not all literacy programs are created equal—and some of the most popular ones may actually be holding your students back.In this episode, we’re uncovering the truth about the top 5 literacy curriculums used in schools today. You’ll learn which ones align with the science of reading, which ones don’t, and what to do if your school’s core program is missing critical pieces.This isn’t about shaming teachers or schools—it’s about giving you clarity, confidence, and practical next steps to make sure your instruction works for kids.In this episode, we’ll talk about:The truth behind the 5 most widely used literacy curriculums.Which programs align with the science of reading (and which miss the mark).Why strategies like three-cueing and picture clues don’t build real readers.How to use a 27-point checklist to evaluate your own curriculum.Practical supplements you can add right now to fill the gaps.Show LinksCurriculum Evaluation ChecklistThe Reading League Curriculum Evaluation ReportsNAEP Report CardPhonics LessonsPhonological Awareness Warm UpsRead Aloud Book ListJoin 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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Dyslexia Myths Debunked: What Every Teacher Needs to Know with Melanie Brethour
So many of us grew up believing myths about dyslexia—like thinking it meant kids saw letters backwards, or that they would eventually “catch up” if we just gave them time. But those myths don’t just confuse teachers… they keep students from getting the support they desperately need.In this episode, I sit down with resource teacher and dyslexia advocate Melanie Brethour to unpack the most common dyslexia myths—debunked with research and real classroom experience. Melanie shares her journey as both a teacher and a mom, the guilt she felt realizing she had unknowingly reinforced ineffective practices, and the small shifts that changed everything for her students.Whether you’ve been teaching for 5 years or 25, this conversation will help you separate fact from fiction so you can support struggling readers with confidence.In this episode, you'll learn:Why “backwards letters” are not the hallmark of dyslexia.The biggest misconceptions still circulating in schools.Practical ways to spot early signs of dyslexia in your classroom.Simple shifts to move beyond myths and into effective support.Show LinksMelanie's Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookJoin 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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What to Say When Parents Tell You "I Didn't Learn to Read Like This"
What do you say when a parent questions your reading instruction with, “This isn’t how I learned to read”? In this episode, we’re giving you clear, confident responses that help build trust and explain the science of reading—without getting lost in the research.In this episode, we'll talk about:What parents really mean when they say, “I didn’t learn to read like this”.How to use a math analogy that makes phonics click for families.Why we’ve moved away from leveled books and sight word memorization.A simple way to talk about decodable texts (that parents actually understand).How to keep the conversation going all year without overwhelm.Show LinksScience of Reading Parent HandoutsJoin 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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Skip the Worksheets! Here's How to Really Teach Handwriting with Kelli Fetter
Teaching handwriting in early grades can feel frustrating—especially when kids struggle to form letters, and the pressure to move fast is real. In this episode, Malia chats with pediatric occupational therapist Kelli Fetter to uncover what actually works. From Play-Doh to pencil grips, you’ll walk away with brain-based strategies that make handwriting instruction developmentally appropriate and fun.In this episode, we'll talk about:Why handwriting still matters—even in a digital age.The best age to introduce cursive (and why it’s making a comeback).Easy play-based activities to build fine motor skills.What dysgraphia really looks like—and how to support students with it.Tools and tips to make handwriting instruction effective and inclusive.Show LinksKelli's Website / Instagram / EmailMultisensory Activities Developmental Teaching Order Join 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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The Phonics Staircase: What It Is and How to Use It
Struggling to figure out what phonics skill to teach next? What if there was a simple, visual roadmap that showed you exactly where your students are—and where they need to go? In this episode, we're breaking down The Phonics Staircase, a powerful, step-by-step framework that will change how you think about phonics instruction forever.In this episode, we'll talk about:The exact order to teach phonics skills—without skipping critical steps.Why starting with just 8 letters can unlock hundreds of decodable words.What the “phonics staircase” is and how it helps struggling readers make progress fast.The truth about that “When two vowels go walking…” poem (and what to do instead).How to avoid common teaching missteps that hold your students back.Show LinksFREE Phonics Scope & SequenceJoin 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.
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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