

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

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

Aug 23, 2024 • 39min
36. I Can Do This with Melissa Thibodeaux
In today's episode, I chat with Melissa Thibodeaux about her first-grade thinking classroom experience. It's simply impossible to walk away from this conversation feeling anything but inspired!
Mathematics Task for the Thinking Classroom (green book)
Wipebooks

Aug 16, 2024 • 57min
35. They Can Do It with Randy Swift
In this episode, I chat with Randy Swift. He's a math interventionist in New York. In addition to using the BTC framework in his small groups, he supports a colleague in her thinking classroom. It's inspiring to hear how BTC is working in these two spaces.
Tim Brzezinski's and Melisa McCain's work on assessment
Rethinking Disability and Mathematics by Rachel Lambert
Rules That Expire article
Sara VanDerWerf's 100 task
Modifying Your Thinking Classroom for Different Settings (Peter's blue book)
The Imperfect and Unfinished Math Teacher by Chase Orton
Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom (green book)

8 snips
Aug 9, 2024 • 37min
34: Growing the Seeds with Amy Chang
Amy Chang, an educator and member of Peter Liljedahl's team, discusses the transformative role of non-curricular tasks in education. She emphasizes how these activities cultivate a thinking classroom, nurturing skills like perseverance and collaboration. The conversation highlights innovative strategies for math engagement and showcases resources that enrich learning experiences. Amy also shares insights on the power of storytelling in making math relatable and the importance of fostering creativity and trust in the classroom.

Jun 21, 2024 • 41min
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 enjoy!
Mathematics Task for the Thinking Classroom, K-5
Christina Tondevold's site
Tammy's New Zealand teacher trip
Abbott Elementary
NCTM's Fostering Mathematical Thinking and Problem Solving
Cookie Fiasco task
Peter's thoughts on supporting multilingual learners


