.png)
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
"I Couldn't Keep Reteaching... so I Tried Something Different" with Rose Crystal
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
What if your students could finally retain what you teach—and you could stop second-guessing every phonics lesson?
In this episode, veteran first grade teacher Rose shares how she went from overwhelmed and unsure… to confident and clear—thanks to her first step inside The Science of Reading Formula: our four-week bootcamp called The Reading Roadmap.
If you’re tired of piecing together your reading instruction, this conversation is the encouragement and direction you’ve been looking for.
In this episode, we’ll talk about:
- Why so many teachers feel stuck teaching reading—and how to break free.
- The very first step Rose took to start seeing real student growth.
- How the Reading Roadmap gives you just what you need (without the overwhelm).
- What changed in her confidence, planning time, and student results.
- How to know if you’re ready to join The Science of Reading Formula.
Show Links
Preview the Vault of Tools & Trainings
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!