Big Little Lessons

Today we’re tackling an important question: Is your child ready for kindergarten? We’ll unpack what “readiness” really means, share what today’s kindergarten expectations look like, and offer insights to help you feel confident about this exciting next step.

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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Meet Kristine and Jenny — the dynamic duo of kindergarten education.
With over 50 years of combined teaching experience, we’ve shaped the lives of more than 1,200 students from New York to Los Angeles.

Our journey together began 17 years ago, and we’ve been side-by-side ever since — best friends, teaching partners, and yes, kind of like the Grace and Frankie of kindergarten. Different in many ways, but perfectly in sync, bringing laughter, wisdom, and big little lessons from the classroom to life.

This is where stories meet heart, and where the lessons of kindergarten keep showing up, no matter how old you are.

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 today’s episode, Kristine and Jenny show how learning becomes more meaningful when we let go of perfection and see mistakes as stepping stones. Plus, discover simple ways parents and caregivers can celebrate kids for who they are — highs, lows, and all.

Today, we’re joined by James Calvert — seasoned actor, substitute teacher for over 17 years, and world traveler — to explore how to find joy in the middle of life’s chaos. James shares stories from the classroom and beyond, offering practical insights and a healthy dose of humor to help turn even the most challenging days into something worth smiling about.

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.

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.

In this episode, we’re talking all about mistakes — why they’re hard, how we learn from them, and how to lean in instead of shy away. Taking responsibility isn’t easy, but it’s a powerful skill. We share how we model our own mistakes to help students build resilience, openness, and a lifelong love of learning.