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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
Literacy is a Human Right with Dr. Tanji Reed Marshall
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What if reading isn’t just a skill we teach—but a right we protect?
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Tanji Reed Marshall, a powerful voice in education who invites us to rethink what it really means to teach every child how to read. We go beyond the buzzwords and into the heart of why literacy matters—not just for achievement, but for identity, dignity, and opportunity.
This conversation will challenge you (in the best way), ground you in purpose, and give you the language to advocate for real change—without needing to overhaul your classroom.
In this episode, we'll talk about:
- What it really means to honor literacy as a human right.
- How to spot the invisible barriers some students face.
- Why representation in literacy materials matters more than we think.
- What small shifts can make your instruction more inclusive.
- How to keep growing—without guilt, overwhelm, or perfectionism.
Show Links
Dr. Tanji Reed Marshall 's website // on LinkedIn // on X (formerly Twitter)
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