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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!
The Science of Reading Formula
The Truth About the Top 5 Literacy Curriculums
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Not all literacy programs are created equal—and some of the most popular ones may actually be holding your students back.
In this episode, we’re uncovering the truth about the top 5 literacy curriculums used in schools today. You’ll learn which ones align with the science of reading, which ones don’t, and what to do if your school’s core program is missing critical pieces.
This isn’t about shaming teachers or schools—it’s about giving you clarity, confidence, and practical next steps to make sure your instruction works for kids.
In this episode, we’ll talk about:
- The truth behind the 5 most widely used literacy curriculums.
- Which programs align with the science of reading (and which miss the mark).
- Why strategies like three-cueing and picture clues don’t build real readers.
- How to use a 27-point checklist to evaluate your own curriculum.
- Practical supplements you can add right now to fill the gaps.
Show Links
Curriculum Evaluation Checklist
The Reading League Curriculum Evaluation Reports
NAEP Report Card
Phonics Lessons
Phonological Awareness Warm Ups
Read Aloud Book List
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