The Science of Reading Formula

Still wondering if your small groups are working? You’re not alone. In this episode, Dr. Julia B. Lindsey breaks down three common mistakes teachers make during small group reading and shares how to fix them using simple, research-backed routines.
Whether you’re shifting away from guided reading or just want your small groups to feel more purposeful, this conversation will give you clarity, confidence, and a clear next step.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
Why grouping by reading level leads to missed learning opportunities
How to focus your small group time around one skill (and why that works)
The power of using connected text—even in short bursts
What research really says about effective small group instruction
How to streamline your planning without sacrificing impact
Show Links
Julia B. Lindsey's Website / Instagram / LinkedIn / Books (Amazon affiliate link)
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What if your comprehension lessons are missing the one thing that actually makes them work? In this episode, Doug Lemov joins us to reveal the science-backed—but often overlooked—key to reading comprehension: background knowledge.
You’ll learn how attention, fluency, vocabulary, and shared reading experiences shape your students’ ability to understand what they read—and what you can do to improve it starting tomorrow.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
Why comprehension isn’t a skill you can teach in isolation
The powerful role background knowledge plays in student success
How to build fluency in a way that boosts understanding
Simple ways to improve vocabulary instruction without wasting time
Why reading aloud is more than just fun—it’s essential
Show Links
Teach Like a Champion Website / Book (Amazon affiliate link)
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!

Do assessments feel like one more thing on your plate—with no clear payoff? In this episode, Dr. Jan Hasbrouck shares how to make assessments actually work for you by connecting them directly to instruction.
You’ll learn how to simplify your assessment process, use quick data checks to guide small group decisions, and stop wasting time on scores that don’t drive results.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
Why more assessments aren’t the answer—and what actually is
How to match assessments to the skills you’re teaching
Quick, informal checks that help guide daily instruction
How to group students based on skill needs—not reading levels
The mindset shift that makes assessment feel empowering, not exhausting
Show Links
Jan's Website
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 the real key to comprehension isn’t in your curriculum — but in your students’ lived experiences?
Zaretta Hammond flips the script on traditional reading instruction in this episode of The Science of Reading Formula Podcast. 
You’ll learn how activating what kids already know can dramatically improve comprehension, engagement, and equity — no fancy program required.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
Why schema matters more than you think.
How to help students “mix the new with the known”.
Quick ways to build background knowledge during your regular block.
How to make your reading lessons more meaningful — starting tomorrow.
Show Links
Connect with Zaretta on LinkedIn
Zaretta's Book: Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain
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!

Helping struggling readers can feel frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be a mystery. In this episode of The Science of Reading Formula Podcast, author and expert Louise Spear-Swerling breaks down the structured literacy strategies that actually move the needle for PreK–2 students. From spotting instructional mismatches to giving more effective feedback, this episode is packed with teacher-tested, science-backed insights.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
What structured literacy really means (and why it works).
How to use informal assessments to drive instruction.
A smarter way to monitor student progress weekly.
The most common myths about dyslexia in schools.
How to build consistency across MTSS tiers.
Show Links
Dr. Louise Spear-Swerling on LinkedIn
Dr. Spear-Swerling's book: Structured Literacy Interventions
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!