The Science of Reading Formula

For decades, schools have relied on leveled readers to teach kids how to read—but what if they’ve been setting students up to guess instead of actually read ? In this episode, I’m breaking down the difference between leveled readers and decodable books, and why one approach is backed by science while the other reinforces bad reading habits. We’ll explore what makes decodable books so powerful, how...

Season 1 of The Science of Reading Formula podcast was all about giving K-2 teachers practical, no-fluff strategies grounded in research. Whether it was demystifying phonics instruction, navigating structured literacy, or choosing the right decodable texts, each episode tackled real classroom struggles with clarity and compassion. From veteran teachers rethinking old routines to new educators buil...

If you’ve ever felt pressured to introduce sight words early but weren’t sure how to do it in a way that actually supports reading development, you’re not alone! In this episode, I’m breaking down when and how to introduce high-frequency words the right way —using research-backed strategies that align with the science of reading. We’ll explore why traditional sight word memorization sets students...

Have you ever had a student who avoids writing, struggles to stay on the lines, or complains about hand pain when trying to get their thoughts on paper? They may be dealing with dysgraphia—a commonly misunderstood learning disability that affects written expression. In this episode, I sit down with educational diagnostician Natasha Gray to break down what dysgraphia really is, how it differs from...

Let’s be real—teaching is incredibly rewarding, but it doesn’t always cover the bills. If you’ve ever thought about launching a tutoring side hustle but didn’t know where to start, this episode is for you! I’m walking you through how to set up a tutoring business that fits your life, fuels your passion, and brings in extra income—without burning you out. Whether you're looking to make $500 a...

When we think about differentiation, we often focus on supporting struggling readers—but what about the students who need more challenge? If you’ve ever had a student who finishes their work in record time or seems disengaged despite their advanced abilities, this episode is for you! I’m joined by gifted education expert Melita Haines to break down what giftedness really looks like (hint: it’s not...

Have you ever wondered why some students seem to pick up reading effortlessly while others struggle—even when you’re teaching the exact same lesson? It’s a lot like learning to ride a bike! Some kids take off immediately, while others need training wheels (and some need one-on-one coaching). That’s where Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 instruction come in. In this episode, I break down what each tier o...

If teaching phonics sometimes feels overwhelming, you’re not alone! With so much conflicting advice out there, it’s easy to fall into common teaching traps that actually slow down student progress. But the good news? Once you know better, you can do better—and I’m here to help! In this episode, I’m breaking down the four biggest phonics mistakes I see teachers make and, more importantly, how to fi...

How can we create a truly inclusive, equitable classroom where every student feels seen, valued, and supported? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jarri Goodman, an educator, faculty coach, and advocate for equity in education, to explore the real barriers students of color face—and the powerful role teachers play in breaking them down. We discuss how to move beyond surface-level representation,...

Have you ever felt like teaching reading is an uphill battle—no matter how hard you try, some students just don’t seem to get it? You’re not alone! In this episode, I break down the three essential elements that every successful reading teacher needs to master. Using a surprising analogy from the reality show Alone , I’ll show you why the most effective teachers don’t just know what works—they tak...

If you’ve ever had a student struggle to sound out words or blend sounds together, chances are they need more support with phonemic awareness. Research shows that phonemic awareness is the strongest predictor of future reading success—yet many teachers receive little formal training on how to teach it effectively. In this episode, I break down exactly what phonemic awareness is, how it differs fro...

Have you ever told your students that the word have is a rule breaker because the silent E doesn’t make the A say its name? I used to think that too—until I learned the real reasons silent E exists. Spoiler alert: have isn’t a rule breaker at all! In this episode, I’m breaking down the seven jobs of silent E—why it’s not just there to make vowels long, and how understanding its purpose can transfo...

Have you ever had a student with autism in your classroom and felt unsure of how to best support them? You’re not alone! In this episode, I sit down with special education teacher Heather Cacioppo to break down simple, evidence-based strategies to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for students with autism. We explore common misconceptions, how to recognize early signs, and wh...

Have you ever given your students a list of spelling words, drilled them all week, and still watched them struggle on Friday’s test? If so, you’re not alone! In this episode, I’m breaking down the biggest myths about spelling instruction—and sharing research-backed strategies that actually help students retain spelling patterns for the long haul. We’ll dive into how spelling and phonics go hand in...

Ever feel like you're running on caffeine and fumes just to make it through the school day? You're not alone! In this episode, I sit down with nutrition educator and coach Kate Lyman to talk about how small, strategic nutrition shifts can boost energy, improve focus, and help prevent teacher burnout. We break down the science behind brain fuel and simple, no-stress ways to eat better—eve...

Have you ever had a student who struggles to pronounce words clearly—or one who seems to have trouble following directions or understanding new vocabulary? You might be seeing early signs of speech and language difficulties, which can directly impact reading success. In this episode, I sit down with pediatric speech pathologist Rita Shamoun to explore the critical connection between oral language...

Teaching phonics doesn’t have to feel like reinventing the wheel! In this episode, I'm sharing my favorite multisensory strategies to engage every learner. Whether you’re a new teacher looking to make phonics fun or a veteran searching for fresh ideas, this episode will give you practical tips to elevate your instruction. Learn how multisensory techniques activate multiple parts of the brain,...

Have you ever had a student who was hard of hearing and felt unsure about how to meet their needs? You’re not alone! In this episode, I sit down with Deanna Barlow, an itinerant teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing, to explore practical, research-backed strategies for making literacy instruction more accessible. We dive into how hearing loss impacts phonemic awareness, language development, and...

Are you curious about how AI is reshaping the future of education? This episode of The Science of Reading Formula dives deep into the transformative power of AI in the classroom—specifically for elementary teachers. Join me and my guest Dan Fitzpatrick, author of The AI Classroom for Teachers and Infinite Education , as we discuss the role of AI in enhancing literacy instruction, fostering creativ...

In this episode, I sit down with one of the show’s favorite guests, Dr. Brian Plante, a licensed naturopathic physician from the Amen Clinics. Dr. Plante shares invaluable insights into preventing and managing burnout—something so many teachers grapple with in their quest to balance teaching responsibilities and personal lives. From understanding the difference between stress and burnout to discov...

One of my favorite ways to learn new teaching strategies is to watch OTHER teachers teaching. That’s why I’m so excited about today’s guest. MeQuel Bolden spends her days supporting teachers in classrooms throughout Washington DC and today she’s sharing her best lessons learned with US so that we can take literacy centers to the next level. In this episode, we'll talk about...  How much time...

Teaching advanced phonics can feel like a daunting leap—vowel teams, r-controlled vowels, diphthongs, multisyllabic words... where do you even begin? In this episode, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about teaching phonics to advanced readers. Whether you’re supporting students who are ready to level up or those who need extra scaffolding to decode tricky words, this episode is pack...

Alright, teachers, today we're diving into the wild world of morphology ! (Don’t worry, it’s not as fancy as it sounds.) Morphology is about breaking words into their parts like prefixes, suffixes, and roots. And trust me - it’s a teaching game-changer. In this episode, we'll talk about...  What morphology is. Why it's essential for your reading instruction. Practical strategies to...

Feeling overwhelmed by the shift to the Science of Reading? You’re not alone. Many educators worry that embracing this evidence-based approach means throwing out everything they’ve been doing—but that’s far from the truth.  The Science of Reading isn’t about reinventing the wheel—it’s about refining what you’re already doing to help your students thrive.  In this episode, we'll talk about... ...

As the new year approaches, it’s the perfect time to hit the reset button and step back into your classroom with a fresh perspective. In this episode, I'm sharing how to set meaningful goals for 2025 using a "word of the year" approach to guide your decisions and actions. Reflect on 2024, choose a focus word, and take small, actionable steps to create a purposeful and joyful year. T...