
Little Minds Big Thinkers
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.
Latest episodes

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

Sep 27, 2024 • 31min
40. Five Impactful Reads for the Thinking Classroom
In this episode, I talk about some of my favorite mathematical reads that have made the most impact on my thinking classroom so far. I hope your Amazon wish list is ready to grow a bit.
Productive Math Struggle
The Five Practices in Practice
The Imperfect and Unfinished Math Teacher
Rethinking Disability and Mathematics
Mastering Math Manipulatives
Sum of It All Podcast
Lesson plan modified from The Five Practices
Math Survey

Sep 20, 2024 • 50min
39. Knowledge Mobility Makers with Gayane Hanyaloglu
In this episode, I talk with Gayane Hanyaloglu, who teaches first grade in Massachusetts. We started our BTC journeys around the same time, so it feels like we're old pals. I think you'll feel like she's your friend as well by the end of this conversation.
Regulation and Co-Regulation: Accessible Neuroscience and Connection Strategies That Bring Calm Into The Classroom
Positive Behavior Principles
Growing Up Mindful
Behavior Interventions: Strategies for Educators, Counselors, and Parents
Kids First From Day One

Sep 13, 2024 • 52min
38. An Exhausting Beautiful Gift with Carrie Caudle
In today's episode, I had the sweet pleasure of learning from Carrie Caudle. She teaches second grade in California and does improve on the side. (I'm so intrigued.) I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation. I know you will too.
A Mindset for Learning: Teaching the Traits of Joyful, Independent Growth
Struggly
John Muir Laws Nature Journaling

Sep 6, 2024 • 55min
37. Labels Are For Soup Cans with Laura Tomas
In today's episode, I talk to Laura Tomas who has been doing this work for 33 years. She also has a math podcast with Karina Cousins called Learning Through Math. (Subscribe now!) We talk about a topic that is near and dear to our hearts, and Peter's work helps us navigate this topic better. Enjoy!
Learning Through Math Podcast
Make Math Moments Podcast with Raj Shah
Sum of It All Podcast
The Imperfect and Unfinished Math Teacher
Rethinking Disability and Mathematics
Strengths-Based Teaching and Learning in Mathematics
Answers to Your Biggest Questions About Teaching Elementary Math
Good Questions for Math Teaching
Figuring Out Fluency in Mathematics Teaching and Learning
First Followers Video
Open Middle
Semble
Five Keys for Growing Confident Math Learners
13 Rules That Expire
Never Say Anything A Kid Can Say