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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
How to Teach Phonological Awareness Through Play with Beck Goodman
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Can kids really build phonological awareness by pretending to sell you a $1 million cup of ice cream? According to literacy expert Beck Goodman… yes! In this episode, we’re unpacking how to teach phonological awareness through play—with fun, simple strategies that actually work.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
- The spectrum of play-based learning—and where structured lessons fit in.
- Easy phonological awareness games using sensory bins, storytelling, and locks!
- What to do when your kids get wiggly, distracted, or “misbehave.”
- How to partner with families to build early literacy skills at home.
- Why modeling sounds (even silly ones) is your most powerful teaching tool.
Show Links
Beck Goodman Website / Instagram / TikTok
Willoughby Wallaby Woo
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