The Science of Reading Formula

Is AI really safe—or even useful—for our youngest learners? In this episode, veteran educator Vicki Davis unpacks what developmentally appropriate AI use looks like in PreK–2 classrooms. You’ll hear practical ways to integrate technology without sacrificing connection, creativity, or literacy. In this episode, we'll talk about: Whether AI supports or harms early childhood development. Creativ...

Not all literacy programs are created equal—and some of the most popular ones may actually be holding your students back. In this episode, we’re uncovering the truth about the top 5 literacy curriculums used in schools today. You’ll learn which ones align with the science of reading, which ones don’t, and what to do if your school’s core program is missing critical pieces. This isn’t about shaming...

So many of us grew up believing myths about dyslexia—like thinking it meant kids saw letters backwards, or that they would eventually “catch up” if we just gave them time. But those myths don’t just confuse teachers… they keep students from getting the support they desperately need. In this episode, I sit down with resource teacher and dyslexia advocate Melanie Brethour to unpack the most common d...

What do you say when a parent questions your reading instruction with, “This isn’t how I learned to read”? In this episode, we’re giving you clear, confident responses that help build trust and explain the science of reading—without getting lost in the research. In this episode, we'll talk about: What parents really mean when they say, “I didn’t learn to read like this”. How to use a math ana...

Teaching handwriting in early grades can feel frustrating—especially when kids struggle to form letters, and the pressure to move fast is real. In this episode, Malia chats with pediatric occupational therapist Kelli Fetter to uncover what actually works. From Play-Doh to pencil grips, you’ll walk away with brain-based strategies that make handwriting instruction developmentally appropriate and fu...

Struggling to figure out what phonics skill to teach next? What if there was a simple, visual roadmap that showed you exactly where your students are—and where they need to go? In this episode, we're breaking down The Phonics Staircase , a powerful, step-by-step framework that will change how you think about phonics instruction forever. In this episode, we'll talk about: The exact order...

What if the key to student success isn’t just in your curriculum—but in how you see your students? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rebecca Knighton, author of Flip the Script: Breaking Down Barriers, Building Relationships, and Engaging Secondary Students to explore how the most impactful teachers build deep connections with students who are often the hardest to reach. If you’ve ever felt st...

Feeling overwhelmed by all the science of reading lingo? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re breaking it down in a way that feels clear, relatable, and reassuring—especially if you're just getting started. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why it’s totally normal to feel nervous about shifting to science-based reading instruction. The biggest myth that holds teachers back from maki...

What if the behavior issues in your classroom weren’t about defiance—but about reading? In this powerful episode, we talk with Hildebrand Pelzer III, a former prison principal turned education advocate, about how early literacy is the key to preventing the school to prison pipeline. This is a conversation every teacher and school leader needs to hear. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why re...

Feeling whiplash from decades of shifting reading strategies? You’re not alone. In this episode, we unpack the real story behind the science of reading—and why it’s not just another trend. If you’ve been burned by balanced literacy, whole language, or three-cueing, this conversation is your turning point. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why the science of reading isn’t a passing fad—but a...

Get ready for an eye-opening conversation that might just change the way you see your classroom. In this episode, Dr. Emily King—student psychologist and neurodivergent expert—shares practical, shame-free strategies to help PreK–2 teachers support students struggling with executive functioning, emotional regulation, and mental health needs. In this episode, we'll talk about: How to tell the d...

If you’ve ever followed your phonics program to the letter and still thought, “What am I missing?” — this episode is for you. The truth? Even the best programs make mistakes that leave students stuck. We’re pulling back the curtain on the top 5 things phonics programs get wrong—and how to fix them with practical, science-backed strategies you can use right away. In this episode, we'll talk ab...

MTSS often gets written off as just another intervention checklist—but what if it’s actually your strongest tool for preventing reading failure? In this episode, I’m joined by MTSS experts Dr. Sarah Brown and Dr. Stephanie Stollar to break down what MTSS really is, clear up the biggest myths, and show you how this framework can support your Tier 1 instruction, simplify your decisions, and help mor...

If you’ve ever had a student say “I can’t read” with tears in their eyes, this episode is for you. Today we’re exploring why reading shutdown happens—and what you can do to rebuild confidence and spark success in your most discouraged learners. In this episode, we'll talk about: The emotional root behind student shutdown (it’s not laziness). Why celebrating effort beats chasing perfection. Ho...

Teaching spelling shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. In this episode, Dr. Molly Ness breaks down orthographic mapping —the science-backed process that helps students permanently store words in memory. Whether you’re new to the term or ready to ditch ineffective sight word drills, you’ll walk away with real strategies you can start using tomorrow. In this episode, we'll talk about: What orth...

Some students can’t read “cat” yet—but can explain the moral of a story better than anyone. So how do we support comprehension before decoding clicks? In this episode, we’re exploring how to nurture deep thinking while building foundational reading skills. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why decoding and comprehension must grow side-by-side. How to use read alouds and class discussions to...

Ever feel like phonics just isn’t enough to help your students tackle bigger words? You’re not imagining it. In this episode, we’re joined by literacy coach Michelle Sullivan to explore why morphology—yes, even in K–2—is the missing link in your literacy block. She shares easy-to-implement strategies that help kids understand how words work —without overwhelming them (or you). If you’re ready to m...

If your classroom feels like a jigsaw puzzle of reading needs, this episode is for you. We’re diving into the ACEd method—a simple, step-by-step way to manage mixed reading levels without prepping 25 separate lessons. In this episode, we'll talk about: The #1 reason teachers feel overwhelmed by reading instruction. How to assess students efficiently and meaningfully. Why grouping by skill (no...

What does it really look like to move from balanced literacy to the science of reading? In this episode, veteran teacher Meghan Hein shares her honest, four-year journey—complete with mindset shifts, classroom trials, and practical wins. Whether you're just starting or deep in the transition, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and ready to take your next small step. In this...

Planning phonics lessons shouldn't leave you stressed and scrambling. In this episode, we're sharing a simple, science-backed routine that takes the guesswork out of teaching phonics—so your lessons practically plan themselves. In this episode, we’ll talk about... My Thanksgiving-themed phonics mistake you don’t want to repeat. The 4-step routine that works with any skill. How to help st...

What if the student who "won’t sit still" or "never starts their work" isn’t trying to misbehave—but is quietly asking for support? In this episode, veteran educator Cheryl Agrawal helps us rethink ADHD in the primary classroom. You’ll walk away with fresh insights and game-changing strategies that make your school days smoother—for you and your students. In this episode, we’ll...

Moving too fast in phonics instruction can lead to shaky reading foundations—but how do you know when students are truly ready to progress? In this episode, we’ll show you exactly what to look for so you can successfully move forward with confidence. In this episode, we’ll talk about: Why checking a box on a scope and sequence isn’t enough. The “Three A’s” every student must show before moving on....

What if the key to better decoding, spelling, and vocabulary was hidden in the very structure of words? In this episode, we're diving deep into how morphology can transform literacy instruction—starting as early as PreK. Our guest, Sarah from Snippets by Sarah , shares how she helps students understand meaningful word parts and why it's never too early to start. In this episode, we'...

Earning National Board Certification can feel overwhelming—but what if you could pass on your first try? In this episode, Malia shares the exact strategies she used to do just that, along with the hard lessons she learned along the way. In this episode, we’ll talk about: The #1 mistake teachers make when submitting student work samples. Why choosing “outlier” students is key to showcasing your imp...

In this powerful conversation, veteran educator Lori Josephson breaks down what dyslexia really is—and how you can spot the early signs in your preschool and kindergarten students. If you’ve ever had a gut feeling that something was “off” with a student’s reading but didn’t know what to look for or how to help, this episode is your guide. In this episode, we'll talk about: The most common myt...