

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

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

Jan 24, 2025 • 36min
57. It's Life Skills with Megan Madlem
In this episode, I talk with Megan Madlem. She is a kindergarten teacher in Indiana. I find it especially intriguing to peek into the world of teachers who are building thinking classrooms with our youngest learners. They are impressive pioneers and deserve a huge applause. No doubt you'll see what I mean when you listen in.
Graham Fletcher 3 Act Tasks
Steve Wyborney's Site
Kristen Acosta's Site
Tammy's task document
The Anxious Generation

Jan 17, 2025 • 50min
56. Sembl with James Myklebust-Hampshire
James Myklebust-Hampshire, a fifth-grade teacher in Norway and creator of the Sembl tool, shares insights from his journey in education. He discusses the transformative power of thinking classrooms that boost student engagement and confidence. The conversation also delves into building strong relationships with students and the significance of a supportive educational community. With a light-hearted take on celebrating life, James emphasizes the integration of innovative methods and the resources available for math teachers to enhance their practice.

Jan 10, 2025 • 41min
55. My Dream Job with Kristin Parmenter
In today's episode, I talk to Kristin Parmenter. She teaches fourth grade in Florida. It's a joy to chat with someone who has found such joy in her new thinking classroom. She's one to watch!

Jan 3, 2025 • 1h 7min
54. What Worked in 2024 with Ashley Smith
In this episode, Ashley Smith, a first-grade teacher in South Carolina, and I talk about what worked in our thinking classrooms in 2024. I hope you enjoy our time traveling conversation. Enjoy!
Emily P. Freeman
Ashley's first episode
Ann Elise's episode
Kim Rimbey's episode
What Worked in 2023 episode
Amy Chang's episode
Christina Tondevold: Strategies vs. Models
Pam Harris: Strategies vs. Models
Numicon Shapes
Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, K-5

Dec 27, 2024 • 45min
53. It's the Small Moments with Lindsay Watts
In this episode, I had a lovely chat with Lindsay Watts, who teaches second grade in California. She's in the early stages of her thinking classroom and is open, honest, and reflective about her journey in a way that is sure to inspire others who are in a similar position. I'm looking forward to you all listening in.
The Mathematics Playbook

Dec 20, 2024 • 16min
52. Kids Speak #10
In this episode, I get to talk to two lovely little people who are so thoughtful about their answers to my questions. I loved this conversation. I hope you do too.

Dec 14, 2024 • 56min
51. Discourse & Representations with Alison Fox Mazzola
In this episode, I talk to Alison Fox Mazzola. She's a math coach in California. We talk about NCTM's Effective Teaching Practices, zooming in on two of them and how they play out in the thinking classroom. This is an important conversation. I'm so glad you're listening.
Alison's site
Alison's Instagram
Effective Teaching Practice #3 Model
Principles to Actions
NCTM's Effective Teaching Practices
Episode 11 with Alison
Tammy's planning tool
The Five Practices in Practice
Mastering Math Manipulatives

Dec 6, 2024 • 12min
50. Kids Speak #9
In today's episode, I talk to two young mathematicians who know what they're talking about, and they're pretty sweet too. Enjoy!