The Science of Reading Formula

• Fan Favorite- Stop Drilling Sight Word Flashcards! (Do This Instead)

  Are your students still struggling with sight words even after hours of drilling flashcards? You're not alone—and there’s a better way. In this episode, we're diving into research-backed strategies that actually help K-2 students retain high-frequency words without relying on visual memory.In this episode, we’ll talk about:Why traditional sight word flashcard drills don’t work.The 3-step shift to help students memorize words on autopilot.How to align sight words with phonics instruction for better results.A simple tool (sound maps!) that builds fluency and retention.Why sorting by phonics rules is a game changer.Show LinksSight Word Lists by Phonics Skill on TPT / Free inside the FormulaPhonics Curriculum- Printable LessonsFree Sound MapJoin 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! 

  --------  

  9:39

  --------

  9:39
• Fan Favorite: Help! My Students Can't Blend Letter Sounds to Read Words

  Struggling to help your students blend letter sounds into words? You’re not alone! Many early readers know their letter sounds but face challenges when it comes to smoothly blending them into recognizable words. The good news? Blending is a skill that can be developed with the right strategies and activities.In this episode, we break down simple, research-backed phonemic awareness techniques that will help your students become more confident and fluent readers.In this episode, we’ll talk about:Why blending is one of the most essential phonemic awareness skills for early readers.The biggest mistake teachers make when teaching blending (and what to do instead!)Fun, engaging activities that make blending practice more effective.A simple tweak that makes blending easier for struggling students.Show LinksPhonological Awareness Warm UpsJoin 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! 

  --------  

  15:45

  --------

  15:45
• Is AI Developmentally Appropriate for Pre K to 2nd Grade with Vicki Davis

  Is AI really safe—or even useful—for our youngest learners? In this episode, veteran educator Vicki Davis unpacks what developmentally appropriate AI use looks like in PreK–2 classrooms. You’ll hear practical ways to integrate technology without sacrificing connection, creativity, or literacy.In this episode, we'll talk about:Whether AI supports or harms early childhood development.Creative ways to use AI that don’t rely on screens.How to use AI to differentiate reading instruction.A powerful mindset shift called “turtling” that makes tech feel less overwhelming.Simple ways to teach AI concepts like input, output, and prompts—even in kindergarten.Show LinksVicki's Website / LinkedIn / PodcastSnorklBook CreatorClaudeJoin 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! 

  --------  

  42:45

  --------

  42:45
• The Truth About the Top 5 Literacy Curriculums

  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! 

  --------  

  8:01

  --------

  8:01
• 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! 

  --------  

  33:02

  --------

  33:02

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

About The Science of Reading Formula