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.
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!

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
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!

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 looks like in PreK–2 students (it’s not just hyperactivity).
• The overlooked link between reading struggles and inattentive ADHD.
• Movement and “sensory snacks” that support regulation without disrupting class.
• How to team up with families and paraprofessionals without feeling overwhelmed.
• Why small shifts in seating, check-ins, and routines can transform your day.

Show Links

Pulsehive
Cheryl on LinkedIn / Instagram
ADHD 2.0 Book on Amazon
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!