The Hidden Struggles of Neurodivergent Students— And What Teachers Can Do About It with Dr. Emily King
Get ready for an eye-opening conversation that might just change the way you see your classroom. In this episode, Dr. Emily King—student psychologist and neurodivergent expert—shares practical, shame-free strategies to help PreK–2 teachers support students struggling with executive functioning, emotional regulation, and mental health needs.In this episode, we'll talk about:How to tell the difference between “can’t” and “won’t” in student behavior.Why emotional regulation must come before academic progress.Easy, effective ways to support executive functioning in young learners.What teachers can do to build stronger partnerships with parents.The one change that could revolutionize general education classrooms.Show LinksDr. Emily's Website / Substack / LinkedIn / Instagram / PodcastJoin 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 Top Five Things Phonics Programs Get Wrong
If you’ve ever followed your phonics program to the letter and still thought, “What am I missing?” — this episode is for you. The truth? Even the best programs make mistakes that leave students stuck.We’re pulling back the curtain on the top 5 things phonics programs get wrong—and how to fix them with practical, science-backed strategies you can use right away.In this episode, we'll talk about:The red flag hiding in your phonics scope and sequence.Why students aren’t gaining fluency (even if they know their letter sounds).How to use decodable texts the right way.The foundational skill most programs rush past.A simple way to differentiate phonics groups—without creating 25 lesson plans.Show LinksDecodable TextsPhonics LessonsPhonological Awareness Warm UpsJoin 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!
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Using MTSS to Prevent Reading Failure with Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Dr. Sarah Brown
MTSS often gets written off as just another intervention checklist—but what if it’s actually your strongest tool for preventing reading failure?In this episode, I’m joined by MTSS experts Dr. Sarah Brown and Dr. Stephanie Stollar to break down what MTSS really is, clear up the biggest myths, and show you how this framework can support your Tier 1 instruction, simplify your decisions, and help more kids learn to read the first time.In this episode, we'll talk about:Why MTSS is a preventative framework, not just reactive intervention.What strong Tier 1 instruction really looks like in K–2.How to use universal screening data without getting overwhelmed.What Tier 2 and Tier 3 support should look like (even with paraprofessionals).Show LinksMTSS for Reading Improvement by Dr. Stollar and Dr. BrownFree Book ResourcesMTSS Data AcademyReading Science AcademyJoin 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.
If you’ve ever had a student say “I can’t read” with tears in their eyes, this episode is for you. Today we’re exploring why reading shutdown happens—and what you can do to rebuild confidence and spark success in your most discouraged learners.In this episode, we'll talk about:The emotional root behind student shutdown (it’s not laziness).Why celebrating effort beats chasing perfection.How to use affirming language to shape reading identity.A fun fluency game that builds confidence through repetition.Why your enthusiasm is a powerful teaching tool.Show LinksJoin 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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Orthographic Mapping Made Simple with Molly Ness
Teaching spelling shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. In this episode, Dr. Molly Ness breaks down orthographic mapping—the science-backed process that helps students permanently store words in memory.Whether you’re new to the term or ready to ditch ineffective sight word drills, you’ll walk away with real strategies you can start using tomorrow.In this episode, we'll talk about:What orthographic mapping actually means (no jargon!).A 4-step method for helping students master new words.Why flashcards and memorization don’t work.How oral language boosts word retention.The #1 first step to transform your spelling instruction.Show LinksMolly Ness- Website / Instagram / LinkedInJoin 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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