The Science of Reading Formula

Teaching students how to read longer words shouldn’t feel like a lesson in rule-breaker management. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Devin Kearns, a leading researcher in early literacy, who shares a simpler, more flexible way to teach multisyllabic word reading—without relying on confusing syllable rules that don’t always work. If you’ve ever watched your students freeze at the sight of a longer word, this conversation is going to change the way you teach.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
Why traditional syllable division rules fall apart in real classrooms.
Two simple principles to make decoding multisyllabic words easier.
A step-by-step strategy that helps students self-correct when decoding.
How to help students feel confident—even when their first try isn’t perfect.
Why it’s okay to let go of perfection and focus on flexibility.
Show Links
Devin Kearns Website / Phinder
How Many Syllables?
Differentiation Podcast Episode
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Can kids really build phonological awareness by pretending to sell you a $1 million cup of ice cream? According to literacy expert Beck Goodman… yes! In this episode, we’re unpacking how to teach phonological awareness through play—with fun, simple strategies that actually work.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
The spectrum of play-based learning—and where structured lessons fit in.
Easy phonological awareness games using sensory bins, storytelling, and locks!
What to do when your kids get wiggly, distracted, or “misbehave.”
How to partner with families to build early literacy skills at home.
Why modeling sounds (even silly ones) is your most powerful teaching tool.
Show Links
Beck Goodman Website / Instagram / TikTok
Willoughby Wallaby Woo
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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!

Burned out by the system but still love teaching? You don’t have to choose between your passion and your peace. In this episode, you’ll hear how Joy Anderson went from stay-at-home mom with no income to thriving preschool founder—and how you can turn your own living room into a flexible, fulfilling preschool too.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
The moment Joy realized she had to create a new future for her kids—and herself.
How she launched her first preschool using just her living room and kitchen table.
Why so many teachers are trading the classroom for something better.
The exact first steps to take if you want to start your own preschool.
How to overcome fear and finally take action on the dream tugging at your heart.
Show Links
"Start Your Preschool" by Joy Anderson
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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!
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How do you really know if what you’re teaching in reading is actually helping kids grow?
If you’ve ever finished a lesson wondering, “Is this even working?” — this episode is for you. We're diving into how to use student data to take the guesswork out of reading instruction and make sure every moment you teach counts.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
The 3 types of assessments that show you what’s working (and what’s not).
How to use student data to plan smarter, faster reading lessons.
Why guessing is the #1 time-waster in reading instruction.
How to group students without 25 different lesson plans.
What to do when your curriculum isn’t delivering results.
Show Links
Assessment Pack
Progress Monitoring Tool
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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!

When a family receives a new dyslexia diagnosis, emotions run high—and teachers are often the first person they turn to for answers. But what should you say? In this episode, dyslexia therapist Rebecca Bush gives teachers practical guidance on how to talk to families with clarity, empathy, and confidence.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
What to say (and what not to say) after a dyslexia diagnosis.
How to support families emotionally and practically.
The role of the teacher in early intervention and next steps.
How to build trust even without formal dyslexia training.
Free resources and organizations every teacher should know.
Show Links
Rebecca Bush Website / Instagram / LinkedIn
"Dyslexia and Your Newly Diagnosed Child" by Rebecca Bush
International Dyslexia Association
Decoding Dyslexia
Neuhaus Training
Wilson Training
ALTA Academic Language Therapy Association
Take Flight Dyslexia Training
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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!