The Science of Reading Formula – Details, episodes & analysis

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 dyslexia myths—debunked with research and real classroom experience. Melanie shares her journey as both a teacher and a mom, the guilt she felt realizing she had unknowingly reinforced ineffective practices, and the small shifts that changed everything for her students.

Whether you’ve been teaching for 5 years or 25, this conversation will help you separate fact from fiction so you can support struggling readers with confidence.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why “backwards letters” are not the hallmark of dyslexia.
• The biggest misconceptions still circulating in schools.
• Practical ways to spot early signs of dyslexia in your classroom.
• Simple shifts to move beyond myths and into effective support.

Show Links

Melanie's Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook
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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 analogy that makes phonics click for families.
• Why we’ve moved away from leveled books and sight word memorization.
• A simple way to talk about decodable texts (that parents actually understand).
• How to keep the conversation going all year without overwhelm.

Show Links

Science of Reading Parent Handouts
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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 more kids learn to read the first time.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• Why MTSS is a preventative framework, not just reactive intervention.
• What strong Tier 1 instruction really looks like in K–2.
• How to use universal screening data without getting overwhelmed.
• What Tier 2 and Tier 3 support should look like (even with paraprofessionals).

Show Links

MTSS for Reading Improvement by Dr. Stollar and Dr. Brown
Free Book Resources
MTSS Data Academy
Reading Science Academy
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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.

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.
• How to use affirming language to shape reading identity.
• A fun fluency game that builds confidence through repetition.
• Why your enthusiasm is a powerful teaching tool.

Show Links

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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.

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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.

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 orthographic mapping actually means (no jargon!).
• A 4-step method for helping students master new words.
• Why flashcards and memorization don’t work.
• How oral language boosts word retention.
• The #1 first step to transform your spelling instruction.

Show Links

Molly Ness- Website / Instagram / LinkedIn
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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 build thinking skills.
• What kinds of questions spark comprehension—even with simple texts.
• Using podcasts and morphology to boost meaning-making early on.

Show Links

Decodable Texts
Comprehension Questions
Trainings- Morphology / Read Aloud Magic
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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.

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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! 

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 make word study more meaningful, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• Why introducing morphology in primary grades is essential—not optional.
• The difference between teaching phonics and teaching word structure.
• What a “colorful classroom” really means (hint: it’s not about bulletin boards).
• Easy ways to start using base words, suffixes, and prefixes with young learners.
• How to integrate morphology, phonics, and vocabulary for deeper comprehension.

Show Links

Michelle's Website / Podcast / Instagram / TPT Shop
Mastering Morphology Course (Logos Literacy Academy on IG)
ABCs of Morphology Reference Sheet
Phonics & Morphology Terms Every Teacher Needs to Know
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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 (not grade) makes all the difference.
• What a “just right” reading goal looks like for each student.
• How to map out your phonics instruction for the entire year.

Show Links

Join Malia on Instagram.
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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.

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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! 

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 episode, we’ll talk about:

• The moment Meghan realized balanced literacy wasn’t working for all students.
• How she started changing her instruction—without throwing everything away.
• The data shift that helped her identify who needed more phonics support.
• Why decodable books became her must-have for small group reading.
• What to do when you're overwhelmed by everything you didn't know.

Show Links

Find Meghan on Instagram.
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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! 

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 students build accuracy, automaticity, and application.
• Fun, low-prep ways to reinforce phonics skills through games.

Show Links

Phonics Questions and Chants
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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!