Little Minds Big Thinkers

By Tammy McMorrow

What's Little Minds Big Thinkers about?

Little Minds Big Thinkers is a podcast where educators talk about the magic and messiness of the elementary thinking classroom based on the work of Peter Liljedahl.

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Little Minds Big Thinkers episodes:

06.21.2024
33. Who's Doing the Work with Noelle Hensler
In this episode, I talk with Noelle Hensler, who teaches second grade in New York. As she shares about her thinking classrooms, we discuss all sorts of things from perseverance to motivation to differentiation (and much more). Listen in and...
06.14.2024
32. Manipulatives in the Thinking Classroom with Kim Rimbey
In today's episode, I learn from Kim Rimbey, a member of Peter Liljedahl's team, an author, an inventor, a teacher, a coach, and an all around amazing person. We talk about using manipulatives in the thinking classroom, which is a...
05.31.2024
31. Kids Speak #8
In this episode, I talk to two sweet mathematicians. It's such a joy to chat with them, and I hope you find it to be a joy to listen in.
05.24.2024
30. Collective Efficacy with Dan LeVasseur
In this episode, I talk to Dan LeVasseur who teaches second grade in Connecticut. He's allowing his second graders to show him what they're capable of, and it's obvious they're capable of great things. Enjoy! Think Thank Thunk Podcast Peter's and Maegan's...
05.17.2024
29. Kids Speak #7
In this episode, I talk with two young friends. They're sweet and lovely and mathematical. Listen in. Chocolate tasks Crumbl cookie task
05.11.2024
28. Kids Speak #6
In today's episode, I talk to two young boys who are so endearing, kind, and funny. Our conversation had me smiling and giggling. You've got to listen in. Calendar Task Crumbl Cookie Task
05.10.2024
27. Look For the Wins with Robyn Ross
In this episode, I talk with Robyn Ross who teaches first grade in Washington. She and I have a lovely conversation about her thinking classroom, and it's full of tidbits that are definitely worth hearing. Supercommunicators Mastering Math Manipulatives
05.03.2024
26. That Was Fun Hard with Bonnie Brockhoff
In this episode, I talk to Bonnie Brockhoff. She teaches first grade in Florida. Her story is incredibly inspiring, and our conversation is full of ideas and reflective thoughts about the thinking classroom. This is a must listen. ⁠Learning Through Math⁠ ⁠Steve...
04.26.2024
25. Kids Speak #5
In today's episode, I talk to two second graders who really know what they're talking about, and they do it so sweetly. Thanks for listening to our little conversation.
04.19.2024
24. All In with Ashley Smith
In today's episode, I talk with Ashley Smith. She teaches first grade in South Carolina. She's in her first year of building a thinking classroom and has so much insight into what it's like to start this important work. Graham Fletcher's...
04.12.2024
23. The Math Lab with Robyn Tedesco
In today's episode, I talk with Robyn Tedesco, a math coach from Connecticut. She's got a math lab in her school that you're going to want to hear about. Her work is so inspiring!
04.05.2024
22. Learning With and From with Elizabeth Wallace
In this episode, I chat with Elizabeth Wallace. She's a math coach at Santa Clara University in California. She also uses the Building Thinking Classrooms framework in her son's third-grade class once a week. What a cool opportunity to hear...
03.29.2024
21. It's Not Going to be Perfect with Stephanie Goodman
In today's episode, I talk with Stephanie Goodman who teaches first grade in California. I'm so glad I get to share our conversation with all of you. Prepare to feel inspired and encouraged. UFLI
03.22.2024
20. Facilitating the Mathematical Journey with Ann Elise Record
In today's episode, I'm so fortunate to chat and learn from Ann Elise Record, a math consultant from New Hampshire. She's been doing an amazing work in math education for several years now, and she's a generous and kind wealth...
03.15.2024
19. Proud of My Kids With Jen Brown
In today's episode, I'm delighted to talk with Jen Brown. She teaches first grade in Georgia, and it's obvious that her students are very blessed to have a teacher like her, who leaves room for their thinking. Listen, learn, and...
03.08.2024
18. Kids Speak #4
In today's episode, I talk with two first graders about our thinking classroom. I think this conversation is rather sweet but also enlightening. Enjoy.
03.01.2024
17. Lightbulbs & Sponges with Meredith McCarthy
In today's episode, I get to talk with Meredith McCarthy, a second-grade teacher in Virginia. This chat is packed to the brim with nuggets that I think all elementary thinking classroom teachers should hear. It's an honor to learn from...
02.23.2024
16. Everything Makes Sense Now with Tara Hess
In today's episode, I talk with Tara Hess, who teaches second grade in Colorado. Her passion for teaching, learning, and the thinking classroom is obvious. It's a pleasure to hear her talk about how BTC has allowed all of her...
02.16.2024
15. Comfortable Being Uncomfortable with Mel Hisko
In this episode, I talk with Mel Hisko. She teaches second grade in Ontario, Canada. She has some wise advice for all of us who are building our own thinking classrooms and what she says about unlearning old practices truly...
02.09.2024
14: Beautiful Mathematicians with Maegan Giroux
In today's episode, I talk with the amazing Maegan Giroux about her kindergarten thinking classroom. Her stories and wisdom will invite you into her space and give you hope that a kindergarten thinking classroom is doable and worth building. Think...
02.02.2024
13: What's Working with Nicole Medina and Diann Christensen
In this episode, I talk with Nicole Medina and Diann Christensen about what worked in their thinking classroom spaces in 2023. I think we came up with a total of 19 things that worked. That's a lot to celebrate! Emily P....
01.26.2024
12. Kids Speak #3
In today's episode, I chat with a few young mathematical friends of mine who have some insights to share about the thinking classroom Enjoy!
01.19.2024
11. Living the Mathematical Life with Alison Fox Mazzola
In today's episode, I talk with Alison Fox Mazzola who is a K-8 math coach in California. She so beautifully shares how the mathematical practices are naturally embedded within the thinking classroom. Be prepared to love every word. Alison's website
01.12.2024
10. Magical & Messy with Sasha Wise
In this episode, I talk with Sasha Wise who teaches grades 5/6 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Sasha speaks to the magic of her thinking classroom, and she has some insightful thoughts about messiness. Listen in and see what I mean.
01.05.2024
9. Curriculum Tweaks with Tracey Bleakley
In this episode, I talk with Tracey Bleakley who teaches first grade in Texas. Our conversation touches on several topics, from consolidation to student teachers to how she modifies tasks from the curriculum to fit her thinking classroom. It's a...
12.29.2023
8. Big, Beautiful Problems with Alicia Burdess
In this episode, I talk with the one and only Alicia Burdess, a math coach from Grand Prairie in Alberta, Canada. I sent Alicia four of my favorite picture books. She designed a task for each one and shared them...
12.22.2023
7. Write Yourself a Permission Slip
In this episode, I talk about honoring where you're at in your thinking classroom journey. There's no wrong place to be. https://www.learningthroughmath.com/
12.15.2023
6. Kids Speak #2
In today's episode, I talk with two sweet mathematicians who have thoughts regarding math in the thinking classroom. They really know their stuff.
12.08.2023
5. Letting Kids Lead with Diann Christensen
In today's episode, I talk with Diann Christensen, a district math specialist from Arizona, who is doing amazing thinking work with the coaches, teachers, and mathematicians in her district. They are fortunate to have her, and I feel fortunate to...
12.01.2023
4. Building Her Own Thinking with Nicole Medina
In this episode, I talk with Nicole Medina. Nicole teaches first grade in Kentucky. She's also an admin for the K-2 BTC Facebook group where she shares her passion for the thinking classroom. She's on a journey to building her...
11.24.2023
3. Let's Do Math with Laura Weiss
In today's episode, I talk with Laura Weiss, a second-grade teacher from Massachusetts. Laura talks beautifully about how she uses math as a bridge to build a community in her room, in addition to many other practices that make her...
11.17.2023
2. Kids Speak #1
In this episode, I had the absolute privilege of chatting with two mathematical experts who have some very sweet and insightful feedback regarding their own thinking classroom. https://stevewyborney.com/2023/09/what-is-the-mystery-number-in-the-box/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igfrVVctrzA
11.13.2023
1. Once Upon a Time I Read a Book
In this inaugural episode of Little Minds, Big Thinkers, you'll hear from me, Tammy McMorrow, the creator of this podcast. I'll share some random facts about myself, the once-upon-a-time beginnings of my thinking classroom journey, why this podcast chose me...

What's Little Minds Big Thinkers about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Little Minds Big Thinkers episodes:

33. Who's Doing the Work with Noelle Hensler

32. Manipulatives in the Thinking Classroom with Kim Rimbey

31. Kids Speak #8

30. Collective Efficacy with Dan LeVasseur

29. Kids Speak #7

28. Kids Speak #6

27. Look For the Wins with Robyn Ross

26. That Was Fun Hard with Bonnie Brockhoff

25. Kids Speak #5

24. All In with Ashley Smith

23. The Math Lab with Robyn Tedesco

22. Learning With and From with Elizabeth Wallace

21. It's Not Going to be Perfect with Stephanie Goodman

20. Facilitating the Mathematical Journey with Ann Elise Record

19. Proud of My Kids With Jen Brown

18. Kids Speak #4

17. Lightbulbs & Sponges with Meredith McCarthy

16. Everything Makes Sense Now with Tara Hess

15. Comfortable Being Uncomfortable with Mel Hisko

14: Beautiful Mathematicians with Maegan Giroux

13: What's Working with Nicole Medina and Diann Christensen

12. Kids Speak #3

11. Living the Mathematical Life with Alison Fox Mazzola

10. Magical & Messy with Sasha Wise

9. Curriculum Tweaks with Tracey Bleakley

8. Big, Beautiful Problems with Alicia Burdess

7. Write Yourself a Permission Slip

6. Kids Speak #2

5. Letting Kids Lead with Diann Christensen

4. Building Her Own Thinking with Nicole Medina

3. Let's Do Math with Laura Weiss

2. Kids Speak #1

1. Once Upon a Time I Read a Book