

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

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!

Nov 29, 2024 • 51min
49. How We Invite People In with Nova Katz
In this episode, I chat with Nova Katz. She's a math coach in London and shares a buffet of pedagogically beautiful thoughts about being in the thinking classroom and welcoming others in too. Please listen. This is good stuff.
BTC Seattle Conference

Nov 22, 2024 • 1h 6min
48. Shadowing Peter with Melisa McCain & Mandy Ramey
Melisa McCain and Mandy Ramey, instructional coaches from Indiana, share their transformative experiences shadowing math education expert Peter Liljedahl. They discuss innovative strategies for teaching math effectively, including the use of Numicon shapes to enhance early numeracy skills. The duo emphasizes redefining educational equity by focusing on student engagement and collaborative learning. They also highlight practical classroom management techniques and the excitement of inviting Peter into their classrooms, enhancing both teacher and student experiences.

Nov 15, 2024 • 36min
47. Helping You Know What You Know with Stacey Hoch
In this episode, I chat with Stacey Hoch. She teaches a math specials class at her elementary classroom in Pennsylvania. It's interesting to hear how she integrates the thinking classroom into this work. Enjoy!
Kristen Acosta 3 Act Tasks
Graham Fletcher 3 Act Tasks
Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom, Grades K-5

10 snips
Nov 8, 2024 • 53min
46. Preloading Themselves with Shannon Burns
Join kindergarten teacher Shannon Burns, who crafts thinking classrooms that celebrate diverse learners. She shares insights on simplifying classroom tools to enhance learning. Listen to her success stories about early intervention transforming student outcomes. Discover the joys of collaborative math activities that spark creativity among kindergartners. Shannon also discusses practical strategies for effective classroom management, ensuring an engaging environment that fosters independent thinking and vibrant learning communities.

Nov 1, 2024 • 59min
45. New Best Friend with Darren Scott
In this episode, I talk to Darren Scott. He teaches grade one at an international school in Beijing, China. This is my very first international conversation, and it was a pleasure to have it with Darren.
The Unfinished and Imperfect Math Teacher
Tammy's rubric folder

Oct 25, 2024 • 50min
44. Supporting Kids Who Support Each Other with Amber Gilbert
In today's episode, I talk with Amber Gilbert, who teaches third grade in the Boise Valley. She's doing such great work in her classroom and school and her passion for it all is inspiring. I feel blessed to know her and learn alongside her.
Tammy's planning template
The Five Practices
Principles to Actions
Math-ish
The Imperfect and Unfinished Math Teacher
Productive Math Struggle
Mastering Math Manipulatives
Where's the Math Photo Challenge

Oct 18, 2024 • 41min
43. Leading the World Some Day with Olivia Strazewski
In this episode, I chat with Olivia Strazewski, a first-grade teacher in the St. Louis area. She has a thinking classroom but also uses Reggio Emilia principles. It's enjoyable to hear how she uses both to build a community of mathematicians who will lead this world one day.
Numicon
Opening Minds
Reggio Emilia Resources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7n2hCebmT4c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvwpLarbUD8
https://spielgaben.com/why-reggio-emilia-education-works/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFtijxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHXhQPneiwCKtIldHcXnAPnFHWaG4ZOb1dSM5aSdivm5a3_gBhXGnqelYJw_aem_upStAkF6SgwQnfqT7p4PWg

10 snips
Oct 11, 2024 • 45min
42. Three Listens Launch with Chelsea McClellan
Chelsea McClellan, a Sacramento-based math specialist, dives into innovative teaching strategies that transform classrooms. She introduces the Three Listens Launch, a method that enhances students' comprehension and critical thinking through repeated listening to word problems. Chelsea shares her journey from kindergarten teacher to specialist, emphasizing collaboration and community in education. The conversation celebrates the evolution of teaching philosophies and the power of supportive relationships among educators, fostering a positive relationship with math for students.

Oct 5, 2024 • 37min
41. It's All Encompassing with Teri Gaston
In this episode, I chat with Teri Gaston. She teaches second grade in the Vermont/New Hampshire area. I know you'll enjoy listening in as Teri shares her story. She's a gem.
The Imperfect and Unfinished Math Teacher
Tammy's collection of rubrics