113 episodes
The Surprising Way Your Voice Can Calm a Dysregulated Classroom with Tracy Goodwin
2026/08/17 | 43 mins.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
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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!"I Couldn't Keep Reteaching... so I Tried Something Different" with Rose Crystal
2026/08/10 | 17 mins.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!How School Leaders Quietly Shape (or Sabotage) Reading Success with Dr. Terrie Noland
2026/08/03 | 45 mins.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!- You’re told to teach with fidelity—but what if the curriculum itself isn’t aligned with the science of reading? In this episode, Kari Kurto from The Reading League breaks down how to evaluate your materials, spot red flags, and use the Curriculum Navigation Reports and Compass tools to make better instructional decisions—without starting from scratch.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
How to tell if a curriculum is really SoR aligned.
The top red flags to watch for in your materials.
Why “fidelity” isn’t always the best approach.
Free tools to help you evaluate and improve.
How to make change—even if your district isn’t there yet.
Show Links
The Reading League Website
Curriculum Decision Maker's Page
The Reading League's Evaluation Guidelines
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! - Ever feel like one more behavior outburst might push you over the edge? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re breaking down practical, real-life strategies that help K–2 teachers handle challenging behaviors without shame, power struggles, or burnout. If behavior’s been the hardest part of your day—you’re going to feel seen and supported here.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
Why behavior feels harder than ever—and what’s really going on.
Simple tools that help kids express needs before they escalate.
How to build strong classroom systems that support every child.
The one strategy you need for that student who always pushes back.
Ways to stay calm (even when you feel like yelling).
Show Links
Allie's Miss Behavior Blog / Instagram
Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence RULER
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!
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About The Science of Reading Formula
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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