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, and when to transition students to authentic texts. If your school still pushes leveled readers, I’ll also share practical ways to advocate for change (with data to back you up!).

In this episode, I'll dive into...

• Why leveled readers encourage guessing instead of decoding.
• How decodable books strengthen phonics and spelling skills.
• When (and how) to transition students from decodable books to authentic texts.
• Actionable steps to advocate for research-based reading instruction in your school.

Show Links

Nonfiction decodable books: Penguins
Decodable books
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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 from the start, our goal was to support you every step of the way. As we wrap up this first season, we’re celebrating your dedication—and getting ready to bring even more actionable insights in Season 2!

Show Links

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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!

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 high-frequency words based on phonics skills, and a simple, brain-friendly method to help kids truly map words into memory.

In this episode, I'll dive into...

• Why traditional sight word drills don’t work—and what to do instead.
• The best order to introduce high-frequency words (hint: it’s NOT random!)
• A simple, research-based strategy to help students actually remember sight words.

Show Links

Pack of Sound Maps
Sight Word Lists Sorted by Phonics Skill
Phonics Lessons Vol. 1 (Alphabet)
Phonics Lessons Vol. 2 (Short Vowel Centers)
Phonics Lessons Vol. 3 (Digraphs, Floss Rule & Magic E)
Phonics Lessons Vol. 4 (Beginning and Ending Blends)
Phonics Lessons Vol. 5 (Syllable types & Vowel Teams)
Phonics Lessons Vol. 6 (Diphthongs, R-Influenced Vowels, Prefixes & Suffixes)
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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.

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 teachers can provide the right support in the classroom. From assistive technology to small but powerful classroom accommodations, we’re diving deep into strategies that help students succeed.

In this episode, I'll discuss...

• Key signs of dysgraphia and how to identify students who may need support.
• Simple classroom accommodations to reduce frustration and build confidence.
• How assistive technology can help students with writing while still developing handwriting skills.

Show Links

Follow Natasha on Instagram
Spark Learning website
Dragon Naturally Speaking
Letter School
Writing Wizard
Pencil grips
Slant board
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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.

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-time gig, you already have what it takes. Let me show you how to turn your teaching expertise into a thriving side business.

In this episode, I'll discuss...

• How to set financial goals, plan your schedule, and price your services with confidence.
• Done-for-you templates to simplify contracts, progress tracking, and lesson planning.
• Where to find students—including how to tap into our free tutor matchmaking network.
• Easy ways to streamline sessions and set boundaries so tutoring stays fun and sustainable.

Show Links

Join the Side Hustle Challenge.
Lemon Tree Literacy on Instagram
Your Reading Tutor on Instagram
LeLab Tutoring on Instagram
Brightest Little Readers on Instagram
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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.

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 to differentiate effectively without adding hours to your workload, and why acceleration and enrichment matter for these learners.

In this episode, Melita and I discuss...

• The common myths about gifted students—and what’s actually true.
• How to differentiate instruction in a way that challenges without overwhelming.
• Practical strategies for supporting gifted readers and writers.
• How to work with families to ensure gifted students get the support they need.

Show Links

Gifted Matters website
Follow Melita on Instagram
Gifted Matters on Facebook
Bloom’s Taxonomy
Hoagies' Gifted Education
The Dictionary of Difficult Words
Davidson Institute
Book Creator
Storyboard That
Common Lit
Khan Academy Kids
Evernote
Kidblog
Google Scholar
Spelling City
Penpal Schools
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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 identify which students need extra support, and what research-backed interventions are most effective at each level. Whether you're supporting struggling readers or fine-tuning your core instruction, this framework will help you meet every student’s needs with confidence.

In this episode, you'll learn...

• The difference between Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 instruction (and why it matters).
• How to use small group and one-on-one interventions effectively.
• Practical strategies for progress monitoring and adapting instruction.

Show Links

"The Best Order to Teach Phonics" podcast episode
“The Easiest, Fastest Path to Reading Growth” podcast episode
Phonological Awareness Warm Ups
Phonics Interventions
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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! Follow right here.

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, skipping phonemic awareness, or relying on outdated strategies, you’ll walk away with clear, research-backed solutions that make phonics instruction easier and more effective.

In this episode, we'll explore...

• Why pacing guides shouldn’t dictate when to move on (and what to use instead).
• The critical role phonemic awareness plays in phonics success.
• Why leveled readers don’t work—and what to use instead.
• A better way to teach high-frequency words without memorization.

Show Links

"The Best Order to Teach Phonics" podcast episode
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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.