

Little Minds Big Thinkers
Tammy McMorrow
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 1, 2025 • 40min
67. Everyone Can Do Maths with Catherine Smith
Today I chat with Catherine Smith who teaches a 3/4 combo class in New Zealand. I think many will relate to Catherine's journey and feel both inspired and seen. Enjoy!nrichMathematical MindsetsNumber TalksMake Math MomentsMathematical Tasks for the Thinking Classrooms, K-5Build Math MindsPam Harris BooksCathy Fosnot Number StringsChoral Counting & Counting CollectionsMath Fact Fluency

Jul 5, 2025 • 12min
66. Most Generous Interpretation
Explore the transformative power of curiosity in elementary math education! Discover how a 'most generous interpretation' can reshape classroom dynamics and support equitable participation. Delve into the significance of reframing expectations and addressing biases. Learn how to cultivate a community where all students feel valued and engaged in their learning journey.

May 30, 2025 • 17min
65: Kids Speak #11
In today's episode, I talk with two young friends who can articulate well what it means to be good at math. I hope you enjoy this chat as much as I did.

May 9, 2025 • 39min
64. Awe with Brendan Scribner
In this episode, I talk with Brendan Scribner. Brendan is a math consultant in Vermont. He's also very inspiring, talks eloquently about math instruction, and elevates educators who cross his path. Enjoy!Find Brendan at LinkedIn Brendan's emailRough Draft MathBecoming the Math Teacher You Wish You'd HadKeep Indiana LearningIllustrative MathematicsChoosing to SeeThe Imperfect and Unfinished Math TeacherPam HarrisDeborah Peart Crayton

Apr 18, 2025 • 10min
63. The Learning Space
In today's episode, I share a bit of brilliance from Dr. Becky Kennedy and Jo Boaler. Enjoy.Instagram reel #1Instagram reel #2Instagram real #3

4 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 46min
62. Limited to Limitless with Emily Jenkins
Emily Jenkins, a passionate kindergarten teacher from Illinois, discusses the transformative power of thinking classrooms in early math education. She shares how her curriculum choices inspire young learners and foster community engagement through fun, relatable activities. With an emphasis on social-emotional learning, Emily highlights the importance of embracing mistakes while encouraging collaboration among students. Her innovative strategies, including the use of manipulatives, create an engaging environment that nurtures a love for mathematics in her classroom.

Mar 14, 2025 • 9min
61. Let's Be Friends
In this episode, I share some thoughts with the help of Vanessa Vakharia and her book, Math Therapy.Math TherapyThe Imperfect and Unfinished Math TeacherMath surveyMath MuseumWhat is math?Where's the math?

Feb 28, 2025 • 10min
60. Trust
Discover how to engage young minds in double-digit addition using base 10 blocks. The discussion highlights the power of collaboration among students, particularly in supporting those with disabilities. Plus, explore the vital role of trust in mathematical learning, illustrated through an inspiring story of two boys. Unconventional methods lead to transformative experiences, changing the way we view education.

Feb 21, 2025 • 10min
59. Being Good At Math
Dive into the transformative world of math education as new insights from teaching books are unpacked. Discover how redefining what it means to be good at math can foster a positive mindset among students. Emphasizing the importance of mistakes as learning opportunities, the discussion highlights the need for supportive environments where young minds can flourish. It's a refreshing take on cultivating mathematical confidence in future thinkers.

Feb 7, 2025 • 55min
58. Bringing Math to Life with Kristen Acosta
In this episode, I get to glean so many beautiful nuggets from Kristen Acosta. She's a sixth-grade teacher in California and is also a beautiful creator of many free resources for elementary teachers. You will definitely want to check her out!
Kristen's site
Which One Doesn't Belong
Number Talks
Graham Fletcher
Obvious to You, Amazing to Others video