The Science of Reading Formula

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-term memory supports comprehension—and how to build it.
The three-step process for helping students retain and apply new words.
How to use writing and oral language to deepen vocabulary.
Ways to integrate vocabulary across subjects—even in math and science.
Show Links
Natalie Wexler's Website / Book / LinkedIn
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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 emotions—or exhausted from trying to manage it all—this conversation will leave you feeling grounded, validated, and better equipped to support every learner in your room.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
How trauma affects student behavior—and what we often miss
Why some kids explode, while others shut down completely
What “co-regulation” looks like in real-life classrooms
How your own nervous system impacts your students
What you can do tomorrow to create more safety and connection
Show Links
Kim's Course: Trauma Sensitive Education (Use MALIA20 for 20%off!)
Join Malia on Instagram.
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!
Rate, Review, and Follow
If 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!

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, and nervous system response.
Why some calm voices still feel “tense” to kids—and how to fix it.
Simple strategies to use your voice for co-regulation.
How to build student trust without raising your volume.
Show Links
Tracy Goodwin Website / Instagram / LinkedIn
Join Malia on Instagram.
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!
Rate, Review, and Follow
If 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!

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 this episode, we’ll talk about:
Why so many teachers feel stuck teaching reading—and how to break free.
The very first step Rose took to start seeing real student growth.
How the Reading Roadmap gives you just what you need (without the overwhelm).
What changed in her confidence, planning time, and student results.
How to know if you’re ready to join The Science of Reading Formula.
Show Links
Preview the Vault of Tools & Trainings
Join Malia on Instagram.
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!

Rate, Review, and Follow
If 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!

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.
How school leaders unintentionally block reading success.
Small “micro-moves” that drive big culture change.
How to inspire teachers and build buy-in without burning out.
Show Links
Connect with Dr. Noland on LinkedIn
Join Malia on Instagram.
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!

Rate, Review, and Follow
If 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!