The Science of Reading Formula – Details, episodes & analysis

Teaching is one of the most rewarding professions—but it also comes with high levels of stress, exhaustion, and burnout. Research shows that K-12 teachers experience more anxiety and burnout than even healthcare workers. So, how can educators protect their mental health and continue doing what they love?

In this episode, Dr. Brian Plante, a naturopathic physician, joins us to share science-backed strategies to help teachers manage anxiety, reduce stress, and restore balance—naturally.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• The warning signs of teacher burnout and how to recognize them.
• How nutrient deficiencies impact anxiety (and what to check!).
• Simple mindfulness and breathing techniques to calm stress in minutes.
• The role of hormones in teacher stress—especially perimenopause and menopause.
• Small but powerful lifestyle shifts that restore energy and mental clarity.

Your well-being matters. Tune in for practical, holistic approaches to managing stress so you can show up for your students and yourself with renewed energy.

Show links:

• Follow Malia on Instagram
• Become a Science of Reading Formula member!
• Dr. Brian Plante on Instagram
• Dr. Plante at the Amen Clinic
• Dr. Amen on Instagram
• Seed Cycling How-To
• Vitanica 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 Powder
• LMNT Electrolyte Powder

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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.

Reading aloud isn’t just about fun—it’s one of the most effective ways to develop language comprehension in young learners. In this episode, we dive into simple, brain-friendly strategies to make read-alouds more impactful for K-2 students.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• How to structure read-aloud sessions for maximum engagement.
• The best types of books to choose for language comprehension.
• Easy ways to incorporate vocabulary-building strategies into your read-alouds.
• Practical questions to ask before, during, and after reading.

If you’re looking for an easy way to enhance your students’ comprehension skills, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in now and start making your read-alouds even more powerful.

Show links:

• 1-hour read aloud training on The Science of Reading Formula
• Read Aloud Book List
• Free Read Aloud Questions
• Follow 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.

New to the Science of Reading? Making the shift can feel overwhelming, but starting with a few key steps will set you and your students up for success. In this episode, we’ll break down the five essential steps to help you begin using structured literacy practices with confidence.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• Why phonological awareness is the foundation of reading success
• How to implement systematic phonics instruction every day
• The benefits of decodable texts over leveled readers
• A simple method to replace sight word memorization with sound mapping
• How sorting sight words by phonics rules improves retention

Tune in now to start your Science of Reading journey with confidence!

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.

Struggling to meet the diverse reading needs in your classroom? The ACED system for differentiated reading instruction simplifies lesson planning and ensures every student makes progress. Learn how to assess, group, set goals, and plan effectively without the overwhelm!

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• The four simple steps of the ACED system
• How to group students for targeted instruction
• Setting meaningful reading goals for different skill levels
• Using backward planning to streamline lesson prep

Tune in now and make differentiation easier than ever!

Show links:

• Grab the free 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.

Click here, 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.

Is the Science of Reading just another passing trend? Do teachers need to start from scratch? In this episode, we’re busting the biggest myths and revealing the facts vs. fiction behind research-backed literacy instruction.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• Why the Science of Reading is not just another fad
• The truth about phonics, comprehension, and balanced instruction
• What research says about how the brain learns to read
• How teachers can implement these strategies without starting over

Tune in now to separate fact from fiction and make informed literacy decisions!

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.

Can your students read fluently but struggle to understand what they read? In this episode, we’re diving into science-backed ways to boost reading comprehension so young learners can build meaning, not just decode words.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• The five key skills that drive reading comprehension
• How vocabulary and background knowledge shape understanding
• Simple, engaging strategies to help students think beyond the text
• The power of interactive read-alouds to deepen comprehension

Tune in now to transform how your students understand and engage with reading!

Show links:

• Grab the free question sheet here.
• 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.

Teaching sight words doesn’t have to be a struggle! In this episode, we’re diving into science-backed strategies that help students recognize and remember words effortlessly.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• Why traditional sight word drills don’t work.
• How sound mapping builds stronger word recognition.
• The importance of sorting words by phonics rules.
• Hands-on, multisensory ways to teach sight words.
• Fun games that make learning sight words engaging.

Tune in for simple, effective strategies to transform your sight word instruction!

Show links:

• Grab the free sound map here.
• Purchase our mega pack of hands-on sound maps on TPT.
• 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!

And 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!

Teaching phonics can feel overwhelming, but having a clear, step-by-step sequence makes all the difference! In this episode, we’ll break down the best order to teach phonics skills, so your students build strong reading foundations with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned educator or new to the Science of Reading, this progression will help you support every learner at their own pace.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:
✔️ The first phonics skills students need to master
✔️ How to move students up the “phonics ladder” step by step
✔️ The importance of word families, digraphs, blends, and more
✔️ Practical strategies for teaching each skill effectively

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear roadmap to guide your students toward phonics success!

Show links:

• Grab the free cheatsheet here.
• Get our complete set of step-by-step phonics lessons.
• 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!

And 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!

Struggling to help your kindergarteners blend sounds into words? In this episode, we’re diving into phonological and phonemic awareness—the essential skills young learners need for reading success. You’ll walk away with practical, fun strategies to build a rock-solid reading foundation from day one.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• The difference between phonological and phonemic awareness
• Why phonemic awareness is the #1 predictor of reading success
• Simple, engaging activities to help students blend, segment, and manipulate sounds
• How to make reading instruction more brain-friendly and effective

Tune in now and start strengthening your students' reading foundation!

Show links:

• Grab a YEAR of 5-minute phonological awareness warm ups!
• 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!

And 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!

Struggling readers aren’t a mystery—there’s a clear formula for reading success! In this episode, we’re breaking down the Simple View of Reading—a powerful, research-backed framework that explains how decoding and comprehension work together to build strong readers. You’ll learn why some students struggle, how to pinpoint the root cause, and actionable strategies to support them. Whether your students need help with phonics, language comprehension, or both, this episode will give you the tools to make a real impact.

• What is the Simple View of Reading?
• Why do some students struggle with comprehension while others get stuck decoding?
• How can you target instruction based on students' specific needs?

Tune in to discover how to simplify reading instruction and set your students up for success!

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 podcast 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!

And 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!