Episodios
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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. Tune in for practical tips, real-life success stories, and inspiration to transform your approach to goal-setting.
In this episode, we'll talk about...
Tips and strategies to help you feel rejuvenated and energized all year long. How to choose a 'word of the year' and prioritize what you really want and need.Mindset shifts and practical tips that you can implement right away.Show Links
Grab Your Spot in The Secret to Spotting Reading Gaps (and Filling Them!)
Join Malia on Instagram.
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!Rate, Review, and Follow
If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!
While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.
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Teachers, we see you! Balancing lesson plans, grading, and life outside the classroom can feel overwhelming.
Laurel Denise, creator of Laurel Denise Planners, is here to help with actionable tips on prioritizing tasks, avoiding procrastination, and staying flexible when the unexpected arises.
In this episode, we'll talk about...
Actionable tips for prioritizing tasksStrategies for avoiding procrastinationWays to stay flexible when the unexpected arisesShow Links
Grab Your Spot in The Secret to Spotting Reading Gaps (and Filling Them!)
Follow Laurel on Instagram//YouTube
Enjoy 10% off your order with code FORMULA10
Join Malia on Instagram.
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!Rate, Review, and Follow
If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!
While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.
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Struggling readers can feel like a tough puzzle to crack—especially when the pressure is on to help them catch up. Sound familiar? In this episode, I'm tackling that challenge head-on with three proven steps to help your students make meaningful progress. You’ll learn how to pinpoint exactly where they’re stuck, actionable strategies to move them forward, and creative tips to keep them motivated along the way. So grab your favorite cozy drink and let’s dive into some powerful strategies for reading success!
The importance of effective assessmentsActionable strategies to help get them over the humpTools and resources to keep learning fun (spoiler: enrollment opens January 5th!)
In this episode, we'll talk about...Show Links
Join Malia on Instagram.
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!Rate, Review, and Follow
If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!
While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.
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Do you think your literacy curriculum is hitting all the marks? Maybe it doesn't, but maybe it needs a little help. In this episode, I'm addressing one of the most asked questions I get: "is my curriculum science of reading aligned?". I'm sharing what to look for in science of reading aligned programs and some telltale red flags that your program isn't hitting the mark.
In this episode, we'll talk about...
The 27 signs that your reading program isn't aligned to the science of reading. The importance of phonics in a literacy curriculum.What really counts in a solid reading curriculum.Show Links
Join Malia on Instagram.
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!Rate, Review, and Follow
If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!
While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.
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Whether you’re an undiscovered American Idol who can carry every tune on the planet or you’re more like me and the word “singing” makes your palms sweat and your heart race, this episode is for you. Because today’s guest is Jocelyn Manzanerez, the founder of Musically Minded, and she's sharing all of her favorite tips for teaching literacy through music.
Quick phonics chants you can use in your classroom TOMORROW (spoiler alert: you DON'T have to carry a tune!)The simple tweak that makes the age-old alphabet song 10X more effective for kidsWhy music is not just for kindergarteners plus easy ways to hook older students with it tooThe surprising downside to Youtube music videos
And the best part is you don't have to have an American Idol voice to pull it off... In fact, you don't have to sing at all!
I've seen so many teachers try out Jocelyn's simple literacy chants and get crazy results. And I know YOU can too.
In this episode, you'll learn:Show Links
Musically Minded 360 on InstagramMusically Minded on YouTubeFollow Malia on Instagram.Become a Science of Reading Formula member!Rate, Review, and Follow
If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!
While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.
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With rapidly diversifying classes, teachers need effective strategies to help ALL students thrive - including the ones whose first language is something other than English. So today, I'm excited to share practical, research-based strategies that set up multilingual learners for success.
Why writing in English is the last skill students will learn and what skills come before itSimple ways to help students understand what you're saying before they learn EnglishThe #1 tip for helping bilingual learners feel successful and excited to come to school each day
In this episode, you'll learn:Show Links
"Throw Your Tooth on the Roof" BookWatch the Complete Multilingual Training with Dr. Lillian Ardell on the Science of Reading FormulaFollow Malia on Instagram.Become a Science of Reading Formula member!Rate, Review, and Follow
If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!
While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.
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Defiant behavior, blurting out, and disruption can feel VERY frustrating. So I'm excited to welcome the queen of classroom management herself: Alex John from the Kindergarten Connection. She's here to spill the tea on all of the essential classroom management tips every teacher needs to know so you can finally turn that frustrating classroom chaos into consistent, predictable calm.
In this episode, we'll talk about...
The top 4 keys to classroom management successQuick and simple ways to stop behavior problems before they startThe proven way to end blurting out once and for all (HINT: You'll just hit "print!")Show Links
Alex’s Free Blurt Sign // The Kindergarten Connection on Instagram
Join Malia on Instagram.
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!Rate, Review, and Follow
If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!
While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.
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Do you have students who know their letter sounds but, when it comes time to blend those sounds together to read words, it seems like everything falls apart? For instance, they might read, "/p/ /o/ /t/. HOP."
It's tempting to think they just need more practice reinforcing letter sounds, but what they're actually struggling with is a phonemic awareness skill called blending.
What phonemic awareness is and why it's so importantThe six phonemic awareness skills every student needs to practiceEight beginning letter sounds that make it a WHOLE lot easier for kids to blend sounds into wordsPlus a game changing bonus tip that you can use right away (No prep required!)
In this episode, we'll talk about:Show Links
Follow Malia on Instagram.Become a Science of Reading Formula member!Rate, Review, and Follow
If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!
While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.
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Did you know that 50% of teachers will leave the profession within the first five years? Today's podcast guest is committed to changing that statistic!
I'm sitting down with Ashleigh Smith, a 20 year veteran teacher and the co-founder of Rainbow Sky Creations, a community dedicated to helping new teachers THRIVE.
She's diving into all of the essential teacher things: classroom management, work-life balance, creating a support network….Ashleigh shares actionable tips and strategies for so many different topics! It’s a must-listen whether you’re a brand new teacher or are a bona fide veteran.
Simple time management strategies that will help you take back your work-life balance once and for allHow to build a supportive teacher village... even if you feel like you're on a private island all by yourself right nowHow to stop teacher burnout before it starts
In this episode, we'll talk about...Show Links
Rainbow Sky Creations // on Instagram // on Facebook // on TikTokFollow Malia on Instagram.Become a Science of Reading Formula member!Rate, Review, and Follow
If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!
While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.
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If you have ever felt burned out, overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious – and let’s be real, we probably have ALL felt that way at some point in life – today’s episode is for you!
I’m sitting down with Kelsey Sorenson, the teacher turned life coach who just published her first ever book called Educate and Rejuvenate. Her book is a step-by-step guide to worrying less and living more so you can show up as your very best self each and every day.
In this episode, Kelsey spills the tea on...
Simple ways to manage stress so you love your life againHow to take back control in your classroom... without losing your cool or crying in the bathroomWhy intentional scheduling gives you HOURS of your life back (plus how to do it)This episode isn't just about teaching strategies—it's about nurturing your mental and emotional health to become the best version of yourself, both in and out of your classroom.
Show Links
Order Kelsey's "Educate and Rejuvenate" BookEducate and Rejuvenate PodcastEducate and Rejuvenate on Instagram"Man's Search for Meaning" Book"Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle"Follow Malia on Instagram.Become a Science of Reading Formula member!Rate, Review, and Follow
If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!
While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.
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If you've ever dreaded your literacy center time, worried about noise and distractions, or felt anxious when an admin walked in, this episode is for you because I'm sharing actionable tips that will make centers a consistent highlight of your school day.
In this episode, I'm diving into surprisingly simple strategies that will transform your literacy centers from "chaotic and stressful" to "calm and productive". Your students will be on task and working independently in no time!
In this episode, we'll talk about...
Follow Malia on Instagram.Become a Science of Reading Formula member!
Show LinksRate, Review, and Follow
If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!
While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.
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Whether you're just starting reading groups or are ready for a reset because they're chaotic, overwhelming, or just plain flop, this episode is for you.
I'm breaking down my top two tips for supercharging your reading groups...
Even if everything you've tried in the past has failed.
Say "goodbye" to one-size-fits-all lessons and "hello" to MASSIVE reading growth!
How to meet ALL of your students' needs and strengths - even in a very diverse class. (SPOILER ALERT: It's easier than you might think!)The 4 simple steps that save you HOURS of lesson planning time so you can take back your nights and weekends once and for all.Game-changing classroom management hacks that make your reading groups & literacy centers run smoothly every. single. day.
In this episode, we'll talk about:Show Links
Scope and sequence Follow Malia on Instagram.Become a Science of Reading Formula member!Rate, Review, and Follow
If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!
While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.
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If you're like so many teachers I know, you've practiced sight word flashcards with your students a MILLION times, but when the test rolls around at the end of the week, your students STILL struggle. Why?! There's one critical missing piece.
The hidden problem with traditional sight word flashcardsWhy seeing a word 5,000 times doesn't help students memorize itThree quick and simple tweaks that will help students learn sight words 10X faster (SPOILER ALERT: They work for sight words too!)
In this episode, we'll talk about...Show Links
Free sound mapFollow Malia on Instagram.Become a Science of Reading Formula member!Rate, Review, and Follow
If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!
While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.
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Just when kids have finally mastered letter sounds, along come tricky digraphs like CH-, TH- and SH- to trip them up again. Thankfully, these addictively fun (and surprisingly simple!) chants make it fun to learn every last one of them.
Get ready to be inspired... No singing required!
What digraphs are and why they're so important for students' readingThe biggest phonics mistake I ever made and how to avoid itWhat to teach BEFORE you dive into chantsPlus the five fabulous digraph chants that will change your life forever (They're sooo much fun!)
In this episode, we'll talk about...Show links:
Grab the free digraph chant postersFollow Malia on InstagramBecome a Science of Reading Formula member!Rate, Review, and Follow
If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.
Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!
While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.
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If you’ve been around for a while, you know that we’ve talked a lot about reading instruction on this podcast – it’s called the Science of Reading Formula, after all. But before students can focus on learning to read, they have OTHER needs that need to be met first.
Lana Penley was an elementary school principal in Oregon. When her school burned to the ground in 2009, the tragedy shifted her focus from state test scores to social emotional learning as she discovered that community HAS to come BEFORE learning.
I invited Lana onto the podcast after getting an advanced copy of her new book, Unlocking SEL. In this episode, Lana shares her social emotional learning blueprint so you can create the calm, peaceful, high functioning classroom that empowers you AND your students to reach your fullest potential.
In this episode, we'll talk about...
How embracing social emotional learning instead of test scores can be a transformational experience for your school and community. A blueprint for creating a positive classroom environment. Lana shares "all the things" with practical strategies and tools to bring calm, peace, and functionality to classrooms. Using mindfulness to combat teacher burnout. Lana shares insights on practices that can create a more balanced and healthy work environment for educators, while improving your student's outcomes as well!Show links:
Grab the book "Unlocking SEL" by Lana PenleyVisit Lana's WebsiteFollow Malia on InstagramBecome a Science of Reading Formula member!Rate, Review, and Follow
If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.
Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!
While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.
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When learning feels more like play than work, even reluctant readers will ask to practice it. But making learning fun can feel DAUNTING – it’s hard to know where to start.
That's why this episode is such a game changer! These 5 simple tweaks will give you plenty of playful ways to work on vowel sounds, beginning sounds, letter blends and digraphs so learning to read can feel more exciting than ever.
Simple but powerful tips for making phonics finally stick for studentsFAST and FREE ways to move beyond boring flashcards and worksheetsThe quick tweak that will motivate even the most reluctant reader
In this episode, we'll talk about...Show links:
Free "Sight Word Trash" gameStep-by-step phonics lesson plans & gamesPrint-and-go decodable passagesFollow Malia on InstagramBecome a Science of Reading Formula member!Rate, Review, and Follow
If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.
Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!
While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.
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When it comes to teaching literacy, reading and writing go together like peas and carrots. But even if you feel confident with your READING instruction, it can be hard to know what high quality WRITING instruction looks like.
That’s why I’m so excited about today’s guest, April Smith. She is a classroom teacher turned author, trainer, and founder of Simplify Writing who is excited to share some of her favorite writing tips and tricks with us. So grab a notebook and pen and get ready to be inspired. This episode is jam packed with helpful takeaways!
What research shows us about how students actually learn to writeThe step-by-step of a perfect writing lesson in your elementary classroomSimple ways to overcome teachers' biggest struggles with teaching writingQuick tips for easy differentiationProven ways to motivate students who hate writing
In this episode, we'll talk about...Show Links
Simplify Writing CurriculumApril Smith's "Science of Writing Instruction" PodcastApril Smith's "Simplify Writing" Book (Amazon link)Join Malia on InstagramBecome a Science of Reading Formula member!
Rate, Review, and FollowIf you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.
Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!
While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.
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K-12 teachers are the #1 most burnt-out profession in the United States?
And if you’re burnt-out, there is *no way* for you to teach at your best.
So I invited naturopath and mental health expert, Dr. Brain Plante, onto the podcast to share proven strategies for feeling 100%….
Even if nothing you’ve tried in the past has worked.Dr. Plante covered ALL the things in this episode – he shared essential tips for managing anxiety, talked about treatment for peri-menopause and menopause, passed along a simple lifestyle shift that will supercharge your energy… Dr. Plante left nothing off the table.
In this episode, we'll talk about...
How to know when your healthy anxiety has become a problemEssential lab tests that will help you feel like a million bucks... even if it feels like you've tried "all the things" alreadyThe #1 lifestyle change you can make right now to boost your energy and zap your brain fogShow links:
Follow Malia on InstagramBecome a Science of Reading Formula member!Dr. Brian Plante on InstagramDr. Plante at the Amen ClinicDr. Amen on InstagramSeed Cycling How-ToVitanica Femrebelance (Always check with your medical doctor before taking any supplement to find out if there are potential medication complications.)Vitanica Women's Phase II (Always check with your medical doctor before taking any supplement to find out if there are potential medication complications.)Ultima Electrolyte PowderLMNT Electrolyte PowderRate, Review, and Follow
If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.
Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!
While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.
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Before I understood how powerful read alouds were for students' learning, I thought of them as an extra - one of those things that I'd add on to my lesson plans if there was time. But after discovering how powerful read alouds actually are, they became a must. And the great news is that you don't need fancy training or complicated supplies!
In this episode, we'll talk about...
A simple tweak that helps kids stay engaged and focused all read aloud longHow to set yourself up for success before you even startQuestions you can ask that get kids thinkingHow to pick a book students will LOVEShow links:
1-hour read aloud training on The Science of Reading FormulaRead Aloud Book ListFree Read Aloud QuestionsFollow Malia on Instagram.Become a Science of Reading Formula member!Geronimo Stilton Series (on Amazon)Magic Tree House Series (on Amazon)Whatever After Series (on Amazon)Mercy Watson (on Amazon)Poppleton (on Amazon)A Sick Day for Amos McGee (on Amazon)Gruffalo (on Amazon)Rate, Review, and Follow
If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.
Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!
While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.
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A couple weeks ago, a teacher reached out to me on Instagram asking for help. Her principal isn't on board with the science of reading so he's discouraging their staff from using the research-based tools and strategies she knows are best for kids.
Not surprisingly, she feels disheartened and frustrated! Now that she knows better, she's 100% committed to teaching better.
Just in case you're in the exact same boat now or know someone else who is, I recorded a quick episode sharing my top four tips and tricks for continuing to thrive when your admin doesn't support the science of reading.
In this episode, we'll talk about...The simple mindset shift that will instantly reduce your teaching stress and anxietyHow to catch your administrator's attention without yelling, crying, or reaching out to your superintendentWhat to do if your teammates are frustrated tooShow links:Follow Malia on Instagram.Become a Science of Reading Formula member!Rate, Review, and FollowIf you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.
Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!
While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! Follow right here.
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