The Science of Reading Formula

By: Malia Hollowell
  • Summary

  • Welcome to The Science of Reading Formula, the podcast that helps you simplify reading instruction, save time, and support every student’s success—without feeling like you’re running on empty.

    I’m Malia Hollowell—a National Board Certified Teacher, author, and founder of Playdough to Plato. Over the past 20 years, I’ve honed my craft, combining science-backed practices with practical solutions to meet the real challenges educators face every day.

    Each episode dives into essential pillars of teaching success:

    • Smart strategies to meet the needs of every student without adding extra stress to your plate.
    • Honest conversations and tips to tackle teacher burnout and find a balance between school and home life.
    • Science-backed practices that actually work—saving you time and boosting student results.
    • Practical tips to streamline your planning and free up time for what matters most.


    This is your space to find encouragement, expert insights, and actionable ideas to create a classroom (and life) that works for you. Let’s get started!

    © 2025 Playdough to Plato, LLC
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Episodes
  • AI Tools Every Teacher Needs to Know with Dan Fitzpatrick
    Feb 3 2025

    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 creativity, and saving teachers countless hours.

    In this episode, we'll talk about...

    • How AI tools like ChatGPT can support lesson planning, differentiation, and student feedback.
    • Why strong communication skills are essential for students in an AI-driven world.
    • Practical, time-saving tips to integrate AI into your teaching—without sacrificing quality.

    If you're ready to embrace the possibilities of AI while staying grounded in evidence-based reading strategies, this episode is for you.

    Show Links

    The AI Educator website
    Dan's books: Infinite Education, The AI Educator, and Back to School Guide 24-25
    ChatGPT
    Brisk AI Teaching Assistant
    Google Notebook LM
    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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    38 mins
  • Burned Out? Early Signs and How to Reverse Them With Dr. Plante
    Jan 27 2025

    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 discovering practical strategies for replenishing energy, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you move from surviving to thriving in your classroom and beyond.

    In this episode, we'll talk about...

    • The key differences between stress and burnout—and how to recognize the early warning signs.
    • Why boundaries matter and how to set them with courage and compassion.
    • Practical mindfulness and relaxation techniques for reducing daily stress.

    Show Links

    Join Dr. Plante on Instagram
    Psychology Today
    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.

    Show more Show less
    45 mins
  • Literacy Center Secrets With MeQuel Bolden
    Jan 20 2025

    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 is TOO much time for literacy centers.
    • The most common challenges teachers face with literacy centers and how to overcome them.
    • Tips for setting up literacy centers on a budget.

    Show Links

    Early Literacy Center Observation Sheet
    Follow MeQuel on Instagram//LinkedIn
    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.



    Show more Show less
    17 mins

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