Big Little Lessons

What changes when we listen to adoption stories from the adoptees themselves? In this week’s episode of Big Little Lessons, Jenny and Kristine welcome Louise Browne and Sarah Reinhardt, adult adoptees and co-hosts of the podcast Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories. Louise and Sarah share how their understanding of their own stories has changed through family discoveries, reunion, books, and years of conversations with other adoptees.

Together, they explore identity, loss, belonging, and the importance of knowing where you come from. They also offer practical insight for parents and educators: listen without rushing to explain a child’s feelings, make room for honest questions, and think carefully about classroom activities such as family trees. It’s a candid conversation that left Jenny and Kristine with a lesson of their own: keep learning, and let adoptees’ voices lead.

Connect with Louise Browne & Sarah Reinhardt

We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected]

Out of respect for our students, we want to note that while the stories we share are real, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.” We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.

https://www.instagram.com/teachbiglittlelessons/

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What happens when a serious little boy discovers he can write a new chapter—and make room for joy?

In this week’s episode, Jenny and Kristine welcome Edgardo Gazcon, a warm, funny neighbor Jenny first met while walking their dogs, Gussie and Henry. Edgardo shares the experiences behind the joy he brings to their neighborhood: growing up in Mexico, finding confidence through acting, and building a new life and career in the United States.

From telenovelas to hosting for Univision and Telemundo, Edgardo has reinvented himself more than once. He talks about his relationship with his father, the lasting effects of childhood bullying, and what he learned from listening to other people’s stories. He also shares the fulfillment he finds today in supporting community health organizations and leading painting workshops for people affected by cancer.

Edgardo’s story invites us to consider what we carry from childhood, what we’re ready to release, and how we can keep making room for connection and joy.

Resources: 

https://www.legalzone.com/

https://queenscare.org/

https://wespark.org/

We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected]

Out of respect for our students, we want to note that while the stories we share are real, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.” We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.

https://www.instagram.com/teachbiglittlelessons/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How do we help children talk about race, identity, and difference with honesty, curiosity, and respect? In this thoughtful and hope-filled conversation, Jenny and Kristine welcome educator, consultant, and longtime equity leader Monique Marshall to explore how parents and educators can move beyond “color blindness” and create communities in which every child feels seen, valued, and included.

Monique reflects on growing up as one of the only Black children in predominantly white school communities. Although she experienced warmth and care, important parts of her identity were rarely acknowledged or reflected in the books she read, the lessons she learned, or the conversations taking place around her. Her understanding began to deepen in college, where courses in racial identity and children’s literature introduced her to stories that reflected Black lives and experiences. Those discoveries helped shape her calling as an educator and her commitment to creating the kinds of learning spaces she had needed as a child.

Drawing on more than 30 years of experience with children, teachers, parents, and school communities, Monique explains that conversations about identity should not be reserved for Black History Month, moments of conflict, or the teenage years. Children deserve to develop racial literacy from an early age, just as they develop language for reading, writing, emotions, and relationships. This work is most meaningful when it is woven naturally and authentically throughout the curriculum and the life of a school.

Monique also offers practical wisdom for responding when a child says something uncomfortable or hurtful. Rather than immediately correcting, labeling, or shaming the child, adults can begin with the invitation, “Tell me more.” Curiosity gives us an opportunity to understand what the child is thinking, provide accurate information, and turn a difficult moment into meaningful learning. 

Throughout the conversation, Monique reminds us that adults do not need to be perfect or have every word figured out before beginning. We can model humility by acknowledging mistakes, learning new language, considering the impact of our words, and returning to conversations when we are ready to respond more thoughtfully. When parents, teachers, and school leaders approach this work with courage, openness, and a willingness to keep learning, they help children feel more secure in who they are while growing in empathy for others.

Ultimately, this episode is an invitation to remain curious, listen deeply, and address the whole child. Identity and belonging are not separate from education—they are essential parts of helping every young person grow into a confident, compassionate, and fully seen human being.

Connect with Monique Marshall

Fox the Tiger by Corey R. Tabor

Race Cars by Jenny Devenny

Bodies Are Cool by Tyler Feder

Don’t Touch My Hair by Sharee Miller

I’m From by Gary R. Gray, Jr., illustrated by Oge Mora

The History of We by Nikkols Smith

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor

All the Colors of the Race by Arnold Adoff

Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison

The Person you Mean to Be: How Good People Fight Bias by Dolly Chugh

Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race by Megan Madison, Jessica Ralli, & Isabel Roxas

We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected]

Out of respect for our students, we want to note that while the stories we share are real, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.” We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.

https://www.instagram.com/teachbiglittlelessons/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this heartfelt episode, Jenny and Kristine sit down with Shannon Macedo, a beloved third-grade teacher who has spent an extraordinary 40 years serving the same school community. Shannon reflects on the experiences that first led her into education, the people who encouraged her along the way, and the relationships with students, families, and colleagues that have made teaching so meaningful.

Throughout the conversation, Shannon shares how her classroom has evolved over four decades while the heart of her work has remained the same: helping children feel known, loved, capable, and excited to learn. She speaks about the importance of creating a joyful classroom, noticing what each child needs, and remembering that some of the smallest interactions can leave the most lasting impressions.

One of Shannon’s most endearing practices is her habit of looking for hearts in the world around her. Whether she spots a heart shape in nature, on a sidewalk, in food, or in an unexpected everyday place, Shannon pauses to notice it. Over time, these little discoveries have become reminders that love really is all around us—if we slow down long enough to see it. It is a simple practice, but one that beautifully reflects the way Shannon approaches both teaching and life: with attention, gratitude, optimism, and wonder.

Shannon also reflects on the traditions, symbols, and sources of joy that have become part of her story—including her love of hearts, sunflowers, and the color yellow. Her warmth, optimism, and commitment to showing up faithfully remind us that a meaningful life is often built through consistency, relationships, and a willingness to “bloom where you are planted.”

This conversation celebrates the lasting influence of a devoted teacher and offers a beautiful reminder that educators do far more than teach academic lessons. Through their encouragement, presence, and care, they help children believe in themselves and carry that sense of belonging far beyond the classroom.

Follow Shannon and her collection of everyday hearts on Instagram: @love_is_all_around_shan

We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected]

Out of respect for our students, we want to note that while the stories we share are real, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.” We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.

https://www.instagram.com/teachbiglittlelessons/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rev. Canon Norman Hull serves as the K–8 Chaplain and teaches middle school world religion at an independent school in Los Angeles, where he has spent many years accompanying children through questions of faith, identity, belonging, and purpose.

In this episode, Norman invites us to think about spiritual development not simply as something adults teach children, but as something already unfolding within them. Children arrive with curiosity, imagination, openness, and a desire to understand themselves and the world around them. Our role is often less about giving them the “right” response and more about listening carefully, honoring their questions, and creating room for discovery.

Norman shares how storytelling, chapel, music, ritual, reflection, and exposure to different faith traditions can help children develop a deeper understanding of themselves and others. Rather than diminishing a child’s own identity, learning about the beliefs and practices of others can cultivate empathy, respect, and an awareness of our shared humanity.

The conversation also explores the importance of vulnerability. Norman reminds us that we do not need to be perfect or have life completely figured out before we can care for someone else. Our own experiences of pain, uncertainty, and healing can deepen our compassion and help us accompany others with greater humility.

At the heart of the episode is a reassuring invitation for parents, teachers, and other caring adults: children do not need us to have every answer. They need adults who are willing to listen, remain curious, wonder alongside them, and help them discover who they are becoming.

Resources Mentioned

We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected]

Out of respect for our students, we want to note that while the stories we share are real, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.” We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.

https://www.instagram.com/teachbiglittlelessons/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chelsea Culbert once imagined that studying chemistry would lead her to medical school. Instead, a decision to join Teach For America brought her across the country to a high school in Los Angeles—and what she initially thought might be a temporary stop became a calling.

In this episode, Chelsea shares how she went from chemistry teacher to instructional leader, girls’ varsity soccer coach, doctoral student, and assistant principal. She reflects on what staying in the same school community for 12 years has taught her about building trust, forming meaningful relationships, and truly understanding the students and families she serves.

Chelsea also talks about the importance of making rigorous academic content relevant to students’ lives. Whether she is teaching chemistry, coaching on the soccer field, or leading a school community, her goal remains the same: helping young people recognize their own strengths, persevere through challenges, and believe they are capable of more than they may realize.

We explore how coaching girls’ soccer deepened Chelsea’s understanding of leadership and gave her another way to help young women develop confidence, advocate for themselves, collaborate with others, and find their voices.

Chelsea also shares what she has learned through the transition from classroom teacher to assistant principal—including the realization that leadership is not simply about making decisions. It is about listening, building relationships, supporting teachers, seeing the larger picture, and remaining connected to the students at the heart of every decision.

We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected]

Out of respect for our students, we want to note that while the stories we share are real, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.” We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.

https://www.instagram.com/teachbiglittlelessons/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if making a mistake isn’t a sign that we’re failing—but evidence that we’re learning?

In this revisit, Jenny and Kristine reflect on how this lesson continues to show up whenever we are learning, creating, or trying something unfamiliar. Mistakes can feel uncomfortable at any age, but they also give us an opportunity to pause, take responsibility, make adjustments, and try again.

Drawing from their years in the classroom, Jenny and Kristine explore how adults can create environments where children feel safe taking risks. When teachers and parents acknowledge their own mistakes with honesty and humor, children begin to understand that being wrong is not something to hide or fear.

Looking for a way to continue the conversation with children? These picture books offer wonderful opportunities to talk about mistakes, apologies, taking responsibility, and repairing relationships.

We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected]

Out of respect for our students, we want to note that while the stories we share are real, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.” We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.

https://www.instagram.com/teachbiglittlelessons/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we welcome therapist Dani Fee back to Big Little Lessons for a new conversation about burnout—both in adults and in children—before revisiting our earlier episode with her about navigating big feelings.

We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected]

Out of respect for our students, we want to note that while the stories we share are real, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.” We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.

https://www.instagram.com/teachbiglittlelessons/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this summer revisit, Jenny and Kristine welcome Lisa Konstandt back to continue their conversation about flexibility, resilience, and navigating change.

Lisa shares that flexibility is not simply about changing plans—it is about loosening expectations, accepting our emotions, and learning to adjust when life unfolds differently than we imagined.

The conversation explores why the transition from a busy school year into summer can feel surprisingly difficult. Our brains become accustomed to structure and routine, so slowing down may take time. For children, especially neurodivergent children, creating a predictable summer rhythm can help ease the transition.

Lisa also encourages listeners to let go of the pressure to “do it all” over the summer and instead ask, “What do I need right now?” She reminds us that rest, flexibility, and self-care are practices we can carry with us throughout the entire year.

Flexibility never ends. Life will always ask us to adjust, so learning to “make friends with flexibility” helps us move forward instead of getting stuck.

We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected]

Out of respect for our students, we want to note that while the stories we share are real, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.” We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.

https://www.instagram.com/teachbiglittlelessons/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this joyful revisit, Jenny and Kristine welcome back their friend and colleague, James Calvert, to share more of the funny, unpredictable, and unforgettable moments that happen in schools. Drawing from their years in the classroom—as well as James’s recent experiences as a substitute teacher and summer art teacher—they reflect on the students whose personalities, questions, and unexpected comments continue to make them laugh.

Together, they celebrate the beautiful chaos of working with children and the importance of slowing down long enough to notice the humor, connection, and wonder hidden inside an ordinary school day. Because the moments that do not go according to plan often become the stories we remember—and treasure—the most.

We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected]

Out of respect for our students, we want to note that while the stories we share are real, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.” We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.

https://www.instagram.com/teachbiglittlelessons/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.