The Science of Reading Formula

Episod

• Behavior Management Strategies That Save Your Sanity with Allie Szczecinski 18.05.2026 31min

  Ever feel like one more behavior outburst might push you over the edge? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re breaking down practical, real-life strategies that help K–2 teachers handle challenging behaviors without shame, power struggles, or burnout. If behavior’s been the hardest part of your day—you’re going to feel seen and supported here. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why behavior feels harder than ever—and what’s really going on.Simple tools that help kids express needs before t...
• You Can't Teach Every Vocabulary Word, So Teach This Instead with Dr. Trina Spencer 11.05.2026 1j 9min

  Teaching kids to decode words is essential, but what happens when they can read the words and still don’t understand what they’re reading? In this episode, we dive deep into the often overlooked role of academic language in reading comprehension. Language expert Trina Spencer joins us to explain why strong language skills are the true foundation of literacy and what teachers can start doing right away to help students build them. If you’ve ever had students who read fluently but struggle to m...
• Literacy is a Human Right with Dr. Tanji Reed Marshall 04.05.2026 38min

  What if reading isn’t just a skill we teach—but a right we protect? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Tanji Reed Marshall, a powerful voice in education who invites us to rethink what it really means to teach every child how to read. We go beyond the buzzwords and into the heart of why literacy matters—not just for achievement, but for identity, dignity, and opportunity. This conversation will challenge you (in the best way), ground you in purpose, and give you the language to advocate for r...
• What No One Tells PreK-2 Teachers About Teaching Writing... Until Now with Joan Sedita 27.04.2026 44min

  You’ve heard all about the science of reading—but what about the science of writing? Most K–2 teachers are handed phonics programs with zero guidance on how to actually teach writing. That changes today. In this episode, Joan Sedita pulls back the curtain on what your teacher prep program never taught you. She introduces her powerful Writing Rope framework, shares why oral language matters more than perfect spelling in the early years, and gives you permission to start where your students are...
• 7 Mighty Moves That Transform Reading Instruction with Lindsay Kemeny 20.04.2026 30min

  What happens when a veteran teacher discovers that her reading instruction isn’t working—not even for her own son? In this episode, Lindsay Kemeny, author of 7 Mighty Moves, shares the pivotal moment that changed everything and walks us through the practical shifts she made to align her classroom with the science of reading. In this episode, we'll talk about: The 7 Mighty Moves and how to apply them without a complete overhaul.Why decodable texts are helpful—but not forever.How to design a re...
• She Built an MTSS System That Actually Works—Here's How with Joan Schumann 13.04.2026 39min

  What if your MTSS system actually worked—and didn’t leave teachers or students overwhelmed? In this episode, Dr. Joan Schumann shares the exact strategies she used to build a Multi-Tiered System of Support that’s practical, sustainable, and truly effective. Whether you're a classroom teacher, coach, or school leader, this conversation will help you rethink how you use data, strengthen Tier 1, and support interventionists—without burning everyone out. In this episode, we'll talk about: The #1 ...
• Why Students Can Sound Out Words but Not Read Them with Beth Gaskill 06.04.2026 28min

  Some students can sound out every letter in a word… but still not read it. In this episode, literacy interventionist Beth Gaskill helps us unpack why that happens and what to do about it. We’re talking about the “fuzzy middle” between phonemic awareness and fluent reading, and why simple, consistent, multisensory routines can make all the difference. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why some kids can sound out words but still can’t blend.The role of working memory in decoding struggles.Simp...
• The Tier 2 Formula You've Been Missing with Linsey Jones 30.03.2026 29min

  What if Tier 2 didn’t feel like a last-ditch effort—but your most powerful tool for early reading success? In this episode, I sit down with Linsey, a school-based SLP who built a Tier 2 intervention program that’s catching struggling readers before they fall behind. Short, targeted, and backed by real results—you’re going to want to hear how she’s doing it. In this episode, we'll talk about: What makes most Tier 2 interventions ineffective—and how to fix it.A simple framework for high-impact ...
• What to Do When Kids Can Read but Don't Understand with Dr. Tim Shanahan 23.03.2026 36min

  You know the type—students who can read every word but still have no idea what they just read. In this episode, literacy expert Dr. Tim Shanahan breaks down why this happens and what you can do about it. Get ready for myth-busting moments and practical tools you can use in your classroom tomorrow. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why kids who read fluently may still struggle to comprehend.The myth of “just right” texts—and what to do instead.How vocabulary, background knowledge, and morphol...
• Why Does "Two" Have a Silent W? (And Other Phonestheme Tricks You'll Love Teaching) 16.03.2026 7min

  Have you ever wondered why there is a silent W in the word two? In this episode, we explore a surprisingly powerful concept that helps students unlock word meaning just by noticing how a word is spelled. It is called a phonestheme, and once you understand it, you will start seeing these hidden clues everywhere. We look at how sound clusters like TW, GL, and SN give hints about a word’s meaning and how this awareness helps students become more confident readers. You will also learn how to intr...
• A Simpler Way to Teach Multisyllabic Words with Devin Kerns 09.03.2026 49min

  Teaching students how to read longer words shouldn’t feel like a lesson in rule-breaker management. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Devin Kearns, a leading researcher in early literacy, who shares a simpler, more flexible way to teach multisyllabic word reading—without relying on confusing syllable rules that don’t always work. If you’ve ever watched your students freeze at the sight of a longer word, this conversation is going to change the way you teach. In this episode, we'll talk about...
• How to Teach Phonological Awareness Through Play with Beck Goodman 02.03.2026 31min

  Can kids really build phonological awareness by pretending to sell you a $1 million cup of ice cream? According to literacy expert Beck Goodman… yes! In this episode, we’re unpacking how to teach phonological awareness through play—with fun, simple strategies that actually work. In this episode, we'll talk about: The spectrum of play-based learning—and where structured lessons fit in.Easy phonological awareness games using sensory bins, storytelling, and locks!What to do when your kids get wi...
• Turn Your Living Room Into a Thriving Preschool with Joy Anderson 23.02.2026 29min

  Burned out by the system but still love teaching? You don’t have to choose between your passion and your peace. In this episode, you’ll hear how Joy Anderson went from stay-at-home mom with no income to thriving preschool founder—and how you can turn your own living room into a flexible, fulfilling preschool too. In this episode, we'll talk about: The moment Joy realized she had to create a new future for her kids—and herself.How she launched her first preschool using just her living room and...
• How to Know if Your Reading Instruction is Actually Working 16.02.2026 13min

  How do you really know if what you’re teaching in reading is actually helping kids grow? If you’ve ever finished a lesson wondering, “Is this even working?” — this episode is for you. We're diving into how to use student data to take the guesswork out of reading instruction and make sure every moment you teach counts. In this episode, we'll talk about: The 3 types of assessments that show you what’s working (and what’s not).How to use student data to plan smarter, faster reading lessons.Why g...
• What to Say to Parents After a Dyslexia Diagnosis with Rebecca Bush 09.02.2026 22min

  When a family receives a new dyslexia diagnosis, emotions run high—and teachers are often the first person they turn to for answers. But what should you say? In this episode, dyslexia therapist Rebecca Bush gives teachers practical guidance on how to talk to families with clarity, empathy, and confidence. In this episode, we'll talk about: What to say (and what not to say) after a dyslexia diagnosis.How to support families emotionally and practically.The role of the teacher in early intervent...
• What if Irregular Words Aren't Irregular? Introducing Structured Word Inquiry for Elementary Teachers with Peter Bowers 02.02.2026 48min

  What if the word “does” isn’t irregular at all? Most teachers were taught to memorize tricky words like does, there, or really—but today’s guest says that’s exactly the problem. In this episode, Dr. Peter Bowers introduces us to Structured Word Inquiry (SWI)—a powerful, meaning-based approach to spelling that helps students (and teachers!) understand how English truly works. If you've ever wondered why certain words are spelled the way they are—or struggled to explain them to students—this ep...
• The Hidden Skill Struggling Readers Need but Aren't Getting with Dr. David Kilpatrick 26.01.2026 50min

  Why do some students decode perfectly but never seem to retain the words? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. David Kilpatrick to uncover the most misunderstood skill in reading instruction—and why phonics alone isn’t enough. In this episode, we'll talk about: The hidden skill struggling readers must master to build fluency.Why phonemic awareness can’t be replaced by phonics.The difference between decoding and remembering words.What orthographic mapping really is—and how to strengthen it.Ho...
• How One Man Discovered He Was Dyslexic in Prison and Transformed His Life Through Reading with Ameer Baraka 19.01.2026 27min

  He was called stupid. Beaten for not being able to read. And it wasn’t until prison that Ameer Baraka learned the truth—he was dyslexic. In this gripping episode, Ameer shares how a compassionate teacher, a late diagnosis, and sheer determination transformed his life—from a struggling student to a scriptwriter for Tyler Perry. If you teach reading, this is the kind of story that will stay with you. In this episode, we'll talk about: How undiagnosed dyslexia shaped Ameer’s childhood and led to...
• "I Couldn't Keep Reteaching... so I Tried Something Different" with Rose Crystal 12.01.2026 17min

  What if your students could finally retain what you teach—and you could stop second-guessing every phonics lesson? In this episode, veteran first grade teacher Rose shares how she went from overwhelmed and unsure… to confident and clear—thanks to her first step inside The Science of Reading Formula: our four-week bootcamp called The Reading Roadmap. If you’re tired of piecing together your reading instruction, this conversation is the encouragement and direction you’ve been looking for. In th...
• How to Convince Your Admin to Support the Science of Reading 05.01.2026 8min

  You know the science of reading works—you’ve seen the difference in your classroom. But what happens when your administrator isn’t on board, or doesn’t fully understand why this shift matters? In this episode, we’ll walk through how to have these conversations with confidence and care. You’ll learn how to share your classroom data, connect it to the bigger picture, and offer solutions that make it easier for your admin to say yes. Most importantly, you’ll be reminded that administrators...