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The Science of Reading Formula

The Science of Reading Formula

Von: Malia Hollowell
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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!

© 2026 Playdough to Plato, LLC
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  • Turn Your Living Room Into a Thriving Preschool with Joy Anderson
    Feb 23 2026

    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
    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!

    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    30 Min.
  • How to Know if Your Reading Instruction is Actually Working
    Feb 16 2026

    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
    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!

    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    13 Min.
  • What to Say to Parents After a Dyslexia Diagnosis with Rebecca Bush
    Feb 9 2026

    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

    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!

    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    23 Min.
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