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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 Hidden Skill Struggling Readers Need but Aren't Getting with Dr. David Kilpatrick
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Why do some students decode perfectly but never seem to retain the words? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. David Kilpatrick to uncover the most misunderstood skill in reading instruction—and why phonics alone isn’t enough.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
- The hidden skill struggling readers must master to build fluency.
- Why phonemic awareness can’t be replaced by phonics.
- The difference between decoding and remembering words.
- What orthographic mapping really is—and how to strengthen it.
- How to avoid the biggest myths circulating on social media.
Show Links
Equipped for Reading Success by David Kilpatrick
Essentials for Assessing, Preventing, and Overcoming Reading Difficulties by David Kilpatrick
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