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.
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What the Most Impactful Teachers Do Differently with Rebecca Knighton
What if the key to student success isn’t just in your curriculum—but in how you see your students? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rebecca Knighton, author of Flip the Script: Breaking Down Barriers, Building Relationships, and Engaging Secondary Students to explore how the most impactful teachers build deep connections with students who are often the hardest to reach. If you’ve ever felt stuck or discouraged by student behavior, this conversation will leave you inspired, reflective, and recharged.In this episode, we'll talk about:What “positive deviant” teachers do differently—and why it works.How to build trust with students who’ve learned not to trust adults.The role of self-reflection in teacher growth and student connection.Why seeing students as humans (not problems) transforms everything.A simple shift to help you reconnect with your teaching purpose—starting tomorrow.Show LinksRebecca's LinkedIn / WebsiteFlip the Script: Breaking Down Barriers, Building Relationships, and Engaging Secondary StudentsJoin 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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If You're Nervous About the Science of Reading... Start Here!
Feeling overwhelmed by all the science of reading lingo? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re breaking it down in a way that feels clear, relatable, and reassuring—especially if you're just getting started.In this episode, we'll talk about:Why it’s totally normal to feel nervous about shifting to science-based reading instruction.The biggest myth that holds teachers back from making the switch.How the science of reading differs from how we were taught.What you actually need to focus on first (hint: it’s not mastering all the jargon).Why small shifts—not perfection—can have a big impact in your classroom.Show LinksDive into the science of reading with The Reading Roadmap!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.
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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