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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
What to Do When Kids Can Read but Don't Understand with Dr. Tim Shanahan
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You know the type—students who can read every word but still have no idea what they just read. In this episode, literacy expert Dr. Tim Shanahan breaks down why this happens and what you can do about it. Get ready for myth-busting moments and practical tools you can use in your classroom tomorrow.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
- Why kids who read fluently may still struggle to comprehend.
- The myth of “just right” texts—and what to do instead.
- How vocabulary, background knowledge, and morphology support comprehension.
- Sentence-by-sentence questioning that rewires student focus.
- Writing and read-aloud strategies that strengthen understanding.
Show Links
Shanahan on Literacy Blog
"Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives" by Dr. Tim Shanahan
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