The Science of Reading Formula

What if the student who "won’t sit still" or "never starts their work" isn’t trying to misbehave—but is quietly asking for support? In this episode, veteran educator Cheryl Agrawal helps us rethink ADHD in the primary classroom. You’ll walk away with fresh insights and game-changing strategies that make your school days smoother—for you and your students.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• What ADHD really loo...

Moving too fast in phonics instruction can lead to shaky reading foundations—but how do you know when students are truly ready to progress? In this episode, we’ll show you exactly what to look for so you can successfully move forward with confidence.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• Why checking a box on a scope and sequence isn’t enough.
• The “Three A’s” every student must show before moving on.
• What fluent reading and spelling o...

What if the key to better decoding, spelling, and vocabulary was hidden in the very structure of words? In this episode, we're diving deep into how morphology can transform literacy instruction—starting as early as PreK. Our guest, Sarah from Snippets by Sarah, shares how she helps students understand meaningful word parts and why it's never too early to start.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• How to teach morpho...

Earning National Board Certification can feel overwhelming—but what if you could pass on your first try? In this episode, Malia shares the exact strategies she used to do just that, along with the hard lessons she learned along the way.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• The #1 mistake teachers make when submitting student work samples.
• Why choosing “outlier” students is key to showcasing your impact.
• How to stay organized (and san...

In this powerful conversation, veteran educator Lori Josephson breaks down what dyslexia really is—and how you can spot the early signs in your preschool and kindergarten students. If you’ve ever had a gut feeling that something was “off” with a student’s reading but didn’t know what to look for or how to help, this episode is your guide.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• The most common myths about dyslexia (and what to st...

For decades, schools have relied on leveled readers to teach kids how to read—but what if they’ve been setting students up to guess instead of actually read? In this episode, I’m breaking down the difference between leveled readers and decodable books, and why one approach is backed by science while the other reinforces bad reading habits.

We’ll explore what makes decodable books so powerful, how they align with phonics instruction,...

Season 1 of The Science of Reading Formula podcast was all about giving K-2 teachers practical, no-fluff strategies grounded in research. Whether it was demystifying phonics instruction, navigating structured literacy, or choosing the right decodable texts, each episode tackled real classroom struggles with clarity and compassion. From veteran teachers rethinking old routines to new educators building strong reading foundations fro...

If you’ve ever felt pressured to introduce sight words early but weren’t sure how to do it in a way that actually supports reading development, you’re not alone! In this episode, I’m breaking down when and how to introduce high-frequency words the right way—using research-backed strategies that align with the science of reading.

We’ll explore why traditional sight word memorization sets students up for guessing, how to introduce hig...

Have you ever had a student who avoids writing, struggles to stay on the lines, or complains about hand pain when trying to get their thoughts on paper? They may be dealing with dysgraphia—a commonly misunderstood learning disability that affects written expression.

In this episode, I sit down with educational diagnostician Natasha Gray to break down what dysgraphia really is, how it differs from dyslexia, and most importantly, how ...

Let’s be real—teaching is incredibly rewarding, but it doesn’t always cover the bills. If you’ve ever thought about launching a tutoring side hustle but didn’t know where to start, this episode is for you! I’m walking you through how to set up a tutoring business that fits your life, fuels your passion, and brings in extra income—without burning you out.

Whether you're looking to make $500 a month or turn tutoring into a full-t...

When we think about differentiation, we often focus on supporting struggling readers—but what about the students who need more challenge? If you’ve ever had a student who finishes their work in record time or seems disengaged despite their advanced abilities, this episode is for you!

I’m joined by gifted education expert Melita Haines to break down what giftedness really looks like (hint: it’s not always the straight-A student), how...

Have you ever wondered why some students seem to pick up reading effortlessly while others struggle—even when you’re teaching the exact same lesson? It’s a lot like learning to ride a bike! Some kids take off immediately, while others need training wheels (and some need one-on-one coaching). That’s where Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 instruction come in.

In this episode, I break down what each tier of instruction actually means, how to...

If teaching phonics sometimes feels overwhelming, you’re not alone! With so much conflicting advice out there, it’s easy to fall into common teaching traps that actually slow down student progress. But the good news? Once you know better, you can do better—and I’m here to help!

In this episode, I’m breaking down the four biggest phonics mistakes I see teachers make and, more importantly, how to fix them. Whether it’s moving too fast...

How can we create a truly inclusive, equitable classroom where every student feels seen, valued, and supported? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jarri Goodman, an educator, faculty coach, and advocate for equity in education, to explore the real barriers students of color face—and the powerful role teachers play in breaking them down.

We discuss how to move beyond surface-level representation, address implicit bias, and create c...

Have you ever felt like teaching reading is an uphill battle—no matter how hard you try, some students just don’t seem to get it? You’re not alone! In this episode, I break down the three essential elements that every successful reading teacher needs to master.

Using a surprising analogy from the reality show Alone, I’ll show you why the most effective teachers don’t just know what works—they take action and surround themselves with...

If you’ve ever had a student struggle to sound out words or blend sounds together, chances are they need more support with phonemic awareness. Research shows that phonemic awareness is the strongest predictor of future reading success—yet many teachers receive little formal training on how to teach it effectively.

In this episode, I break down exactly what phonemic awareness is, how it differs from phonological awareness, and why it...

Have you ever told your students that the word have is a rule breaker because the silent E doesn’t make the A say its name? I used to think that too—until I learned the real reasons silent E exists. Spoiler alert: have isn’t a rule breaker at all!

In this episode, I’m breaking down the seven jobs of silent E—why it’s not just there to make vowels long, and how understanding its purpose can transform your students’ spelling and decod...

Have you ever had a student with autism in your classroom and felt unsure of how to best support them? You’re not alone! In this episode, I sit down with special education teacher Heather Cacioppo to break down simple, evidence-based strategies to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for students with autism.

We explore common misconceptions, how to recognize early signs, and what teachers can do to provide meanin...

Have you ever given your students a list of spelling words, drilled them all week, and still watched them struggle on Friday’s test? If so, you’re not alone! In this episode, I’m breaking down the biggest myths about spelling instruction—and sharing research-backed strategies that actually help students retain spelling patterns for the long haul.

We’ll dive into how spelling and phonics go hand in hand, why memorization doesn’t work...