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Big Little Lessons
By Kristine Annunziata and Jenny GoodenoughSociety & CultureScienceSocial SciencesEducationSelf-ImprovementRelationships
Big Little Lessons episodes
- Be To Others Kind and Good ~ 011
In this full-circle episode, Jenny and Kristine welcome a very special guest — Ava, one of their former kindergarten students who recently graduated from college. Together, they explore what it truly means to be to others, kind and good — the timeless lesson that started in the classroom years ago and continues to shape lives well into adulthood.
Ava shares how those early lessons of kindness, empathy, and community stayed with her through school, friendships, and life transitions. Jenny and Kristine reflect on how witnessing their former students grow reminds them why these foundational lessons matter so deeply. The conversation highlights how acts of kindness — both big and small — ripple across years and generations, proving that the lessons learned in kindergarten never really leave us.
Big Little Lessons
- Kindness lasts. The words and gestures we teach children stay with them long after the classroom walls fade.
- Connection builds character. Real kindness grows through relationships — between teachers and students, parents and children, friends and communities.
- Goodness is active. It’s not just about being polite; it’s about showing up with empathy, courage, and care.
We teach what we live. Modeling kindness as adults gives permission for others — especially young people — to do the same.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.
28 min - Hurry Up and Slow Down ~ 010
What if slowing down was the secret to helping children build confidence, creativity, and connection? Through stories from the classroom and real-life reflections, Jenny and Kristine reveal how giving ourselves and our children the gift of time can nurture pride, balance, and deeper relationships.
In this episode, Jenny and Kristine discuss:
- How rushing through the day affects children’s confidence and creativity
- Why slowing down builds pride in effort and strengthens relationships
- The connection between expectations, balance, and a more sustainable pace of life
- How teachers and parents can model healthy rhythms for children
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.
42 min - Navigating Big Feelings ~ 009
Dani shares how we can create space for those emotions rather than rush to fix them — reminding us that being present is often more powerful than having the perfect response. Together, we discuss practical tools for parents, teachers, and anyone learning to pause, listen, and guide with empathy.
In This Episode, We Discuss:- Defining big feelings
- Understanding the different emotional needs between children and adults
- Creating emotionally safe spaces
- Ideas on how to support children with big feelings
- How to manage difficult transitions
- Practical calming strategies
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.
45 min - Planting the Seeds for Reading - 8
Reading doesn’t start with the ABCs—it begins long before that. In this episode of Big Little Lessons, Jenny and Kristine explore how early connections through songs, talking, and storytelling plant the very first seeds for a lifelong love of reading. From the joy of picture books and board books to building stamina and choosing just the right titles, we share practical ways families and educators can nurture reading habits from infancy through adulthood. Because the seeds you plant early on can grow into a rhythm of lifelong reading—bringing joy, curiosity, mental well-being, and connection at every stage of life.
In this episode, Jenny and Kristine discuss:
- Why singing, talking, and storytelling matter from the very beginning.
- How picture books, board books, and repetition build comfort and confidence.
- Tips for building reading stamina—starting small and growing into a regular habit.
- The importance of creating cozy spaces and shared experiences that turn reading into a lifelong rhythm.
- How reading continues to shape adults—deepening empathy, supporting mental health, and inviting growth.
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.
39 min - Practicing Mindfulness - 007
In this episode, we sit down with Catherine Siphron — certified mindfulness instructor, English teacher, and author of the Audible Original Press Pause: A Young Person’s Guide to Managing Life’s Challenges.
Together we explore:
- The difference between mindfulness and meditation
- Practical mindfulness ideas for all ages
- How to apply mindfulness throughout the day — in school, at work, or at home
Catherine shares her journey of bringing mindfulness into both the classroom and daily life, offering simple ways to “press pause” and create space for calm and clarity.Learn more about Catherine and her work:
- Instagram: @bewellstaymindful
Website: www.bewellstaymindful.comWe 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.
41 min - Big Lessons From Little Screens ~006
Join us as we share how we learned to pivot, embrace new rhythms, and find resilience in the face of unexpected change. From the struggles of lockdown to the surprising discoveries along the way, this conversation looks back at what those “little screens” taught us about teaching, learning, and life.
What we cover in this episode:
- The sudden shift into lockdown and leaving our classrooms behind
- Teaching from home and adjusting to new routines
- Learning (and sometimes struggling with) new technology
- Pivoting back to campus and providing flexible options for families—online and in person
- The importance of asking for help and leaning on community
- Finding joy in small moments and unexpected places
We also share a favorite passage from Brianna Wiest’s book, The Pivot Year, a collection of daily reflections on growth and transformationWe 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.
45 min - Find Joy in the Midst of Chaos ~ 005
In this episode, we explore:
- How to discover joy wherever you go
- One-of-a-kind stories from James’s early school years
- Perks of substitute teaching
Get ready for an episode full of humor, insight, and a fresh perspective on embracing the unexpected.Follow along: Instagram
Email us: [email protected]
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.
33 min - Magic in Mistakes ~ 004
Episode Notes – Magic in Mistakes
In this episode, we’re diving into the world of mistakes—why they’re hard, how we can learn from them, and the value of leaning in rather than shying away. Taking responsibility isn’t easy, but it’s one of the most powerful skills we can model. By sharing our own mistakes, we help students (and ourselves!) build resilience, openness, and a lifelong love of learning.
We explore the different types of mistakes—
- Learning
- Careless
- Misjudgment
- Emotional
Join us as we reframe mistakes as teachable moments that shape character and growth.Follow along: Instagram
Email us: [email protected]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.
28 min - School's Out for the Summer! ~ 003
In today’s episode, Kristine and Jenny dive into the joys (and challenges!) of summer — from making the most of vacations and school breaks to finding a healthy balance with screens, whether it’s phones, iPads, or video games.
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.
36 min - Let’s Start at the Very Beginning ~ 001
In our very first episode, we’re sharing our own educational journeys and the unforgettable, charismatic teachers who shaped us along the way. We’ll explore why these experiences matter and how they’ve influenced the way we teach today. We might not have all the answers, but with over 50 years of combined experience teaching elementary students, we’ve got plenty of stories, insights, and laughter to share.
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.
25 min
About Big Little Lessons
From the publisher's feed
Meet two passionate kindergarten teachers with over 50 years of combined experience in public and private education, spanning classrooms from New York to Los Angeles. Just as children develop in…
kindergarten, we all continue to experience new beginnings and changes throughout life—school, careers, relationships, hobbies, etc. The early lessons like kindness, sharing, and resilience are often the ones we return to when life gets complicated. This podcast is for individuals who like to reflect on their own educational journey and apply lessons to their own lives. People seeking to be better humans. Anyone who enjoys the process of reflecting on the important life lessons they have learned and using them to grow in their professional and personal lives.