PODCAST · education
Little Minds Big Thinkers
by 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
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92. Thinking Teachers with Liesl McConchie
In this episode, I am fortunate enough to chat with Liesl McConchie, the author of Building a Positive Math Identity. In this conversation, Liesl brings her expansive knowledge of the brain to the math classroom and specifically to the thinking classroom. She's brilliant. Building a Positive Math...
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91. Math Fairy with Erin Timms
In this episode, I talk with Erin Timms. She's a kindergarten teacher in New York. She's doing some magical things with those young students of hers. I know you'll enjoy listening in! Building a Positive Math Identity A Mindset for Learning
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90. Skills > Compliance in a Thinking Classroom
In today's episode, I offer a different perspective regarding rewards and punishments as they pertain to the thinking classroom. Building a Positive Math Identity Lessons in Community Kids First From Day One A Mindset for Learning
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89. Single Indicator Rubric
In today's episode, I talk about experiencing the single indicator rubric as a student in Peter Liljedahl's thinking classroom.
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88. BTC Conference Day 2 Sesh
In this episode, I talk to Ashley Smith, Gayane Hanyaloglu, and Amanda Holland about their experiences from day two of the fourth annual Building Thinking Classrooms Conference in New Haven, Connecticut. Thanks for listening!
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87. BTC Conference Day 1 Sesh
In today's special episode, I talk with Amanda Holland, Ashley Smith, and Gayana Hanyaloglu about our favorite moments from the first day of the Building Thinking Classrooms Conference in New Haven, Connecticut. A special thanks to these friends for letting me rope them into chatting. Enjoy!...
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86. Brave Every Day with Megan Mann
In this episode, I talk with Megan Mann. She teaches kindergarten outside of Chicago. I'd love to sit in her classroom and see and hear her students think. I bet it's quite magical. She proves this work can be done with our little people. Christina Tondevold Thinking Wands The Curiosity Shop
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85. Math Cheerleader with Lori MacKenzie
In this episode, I chat with Lori MacKenzie about the amazing work she's doing as a math specialist for an ESD in Oregon. She's growing a beautiful thing there. It's impressive! Peter's Youtube Video Make Math Moments Podcast Simon Sinek Video Northwest Mathematics Conference
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84: Kids Speak #13
In this episode, I talk with a few sweet first graders about their thinking concerning all things math. These conversations always make me smile. I hope they do the same for you.
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83. Ownership with Jen Hunt
In this episode, I talk with Jen Hunt. She's a math specialist in Oregon and owner of New Math Minds. We talk a lot about kids these days, how they're different, and what they need in order to own the math. Enjoy! New Math Minds Jen's Youtube Channel Jen's Instagram Kickstart Math Intervention...
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82. Mathing with Pam Harris
In today's episode, I was blessed by the brilliance of Pam Harris. Her work has played a huge role in my classroom, especially in the last year. I feel immensely honored that she joined me today to talk about mathing in the thinking classroom. Pam's website
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81. Position Them as Capable with Amanda Jagentenfl
In this episode, I talk with Amanda Jagentenfl. She wears many hats in New Hampshire. She's a math specialist, MTSS coordinator, and owner of Mathematical Minds. We share lots of laughs and nerd out on all things MTSS and BTC. Enjoy! Mathematical Minds The Imperfect and Unfinished Math Teacher…
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80. Fun, Joy, Growth with Isabelle Heuser
In this episode, I talk with Isabelle Heuser. She's a first-grade teacher in Indiana who inspired me and will likely do the same for you. She might have even made me cry. Listen to find out why. Pam Harris The Five Practices in Practice Tammy's planning tool based on The Five Practices Sum...
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79. Celebrate with Peter Liljedahl
In today's episode, I talk with THE Peter Liljedahl. Enough said. Grassroots Workshop Think Thank Thunk Pam Harris Steve Wyborney Tammy's notes on whiteboard structures
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78. Start Yesterday with Josh Weinman
In this episode, I talk with Josh Weinman who teachers fourth grade in Nairobi, Kenya. He's fallen down the BTC rabbit hole, and like myself, is enjoying the journey. Thanks for listening! Think Thank Thunk Pam Harris Christina Tondevold Liesl McConchie
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77. Wigglers & Dreamers with Kim Machnik
In this episode, I chat with and learn from Kim Machnik. She's a STEM coordinator in Massachusetts and is a wealth of knowledge about students who have ADHD and how to support them in the math classroom. Prepare yourself to be inspired. Kim's Wigglers and Dreams Site Wigglers and Dreamers Webinar...
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76. Kids Speak #12
In this episode, I talk with two first graders about our thinking classroom. Is there anything cuter than listening to little people share their thoughts about math?
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75. What Worked in 2025 with Gayane Hanyaloglu
In this episode, Gayane Hanyaloglu, a second-grade teacher in Massachusetts, and I talk about what worked in our thinking classrooms in 2025. Be prepared to be inspired! Power Up Your Math Community Kristen Acosta 3 Act Tasks Graham Fletcher 3 Act Tasks
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74. Willing To Start with Kristen Hull
In this episode, I chat with Kristen Hull. She teaches third grade in Hawaii. Anyone up for a field trip to her classroom? green book
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73. Every Student, Every Teacher with Hannah Lindsay
In this episode, I talk with Hannah Lindsay who teaches first grade in Indiana. She's an absolute pro at this podcast thing and is an inspiration as well. I'm confident you'll enjoy our conversation! Choral Counting & Counting Collections
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72. Equitable Access with Tracey Iglehart
In today's episode, I talk with Tracey Iglehart. She teaches third grade in California. Once again, it's a pleasure to converse with an educator who believes in student agency and ability in a thinking classroom. Enjoy! Tru Framework
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71. Peter and Pam
In this episode, I briefly share about the beginning impact of Pam Harris' problem strings on my thinking classroom. I hope I convince at least one person to look at her work more closely. (My deepest apology to Berkeley Everett for saying his name completely wrong.) Pam Harris books Steve…
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70. Any Class Can with Lisa Hillstrom
In today's episode, I chat with Lisa Hillstrom, an instructional coach in California. She's a gold card member of the BTC club, so it's a great honor to learn from her. The Five Practices in Practice Tammy's lesson plan template
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69. In Charge of Your Own Learning with Jen Miller
In this episode, I have the great pleasure of talking with Jen Miller, who teaches first grade in North Carolina. She graciously shares how she's figuring out BTC in her space with her thinkers. Enjoy! Jen's Instagram - mrsmillerclass1 Carrie Welling Kristin Hannah Activating Math Talk Jo Boaler
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68. Believe, Behave, Become with Vanessa Vakharia
In this episode, I smile, nod, laugh, and hang on every word from Vanessa Vakharia. She's a rock star, author, podcaster, and advocate for positive emotional relationships with math. She's golden. Vanessa's Podcast Vanessa's Instagram Math Therapy Vanessa's Band The Imperfect and Unfinished Math...
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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! nrich Mathematical Mindsets Number Talks Make Math Moments Mathematical Tasks for the Thinking Classrooms, K-5 Build Math Minds…
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66. Most Generous Interpretation
In today's episode, I share thoughts from the brilliance of Amy Chang and Dr. Becky Kennedy, who encourage us all to lead with curiosity. [email protected] @drbeckyatgoodinside (Instagram) Good Inside Interweaving Equitable Participation and Deep Mathematics: Building Community…
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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.
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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 email Rough Draft Math Becoming the Math Teacher You Wish...
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63. The Learning Space
In today's episode, I share a bit of brilliance from Dr. Becky Kennedy and Jo Boaler. Enjoy. Instagram reel #1 Instagram reel #2 Instagram real #3
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62. Limited to Limitless with Emily Jenkins
In today's episode I talk to Emily Jenkins, who teacher kindergarten in Illinois. It's a pleasure to hear how the thinking classroom is making a difference in the lives of her young mathematicians. It's inspiring to hear her story. Enjoy. Build Math Minds Steve Wyborney Numberless Word Problems...
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61. Let's Be Friends
In this episode, I share some thoughts with the help of Vanessa Vakharia and her book, Math Therapy. Math Therapy The Imperfect and Unfinished Math Teacher Math survey Math Museum What is math? Where's the math?
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60. Trust
In this episode, I share a beautiful excerpt from Rachel Lambert's Rethinking Disability and Mathematics and how it applies to the important work of the thinking classroom. Rethinking Disability and Mathematics
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59. Being Good At Math
In this episode, I unpack a favorite quote of mine from Becoming the Math Teacher You Wish You’d Had by Tracy Zager. Becoming the Math Teacher You Wish You’d Had
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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...
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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…
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56. Sembl with James Myklebust-Hampshire
In this episode, I talk (and laugh) with James Myklebust-Hampshire who teaches fifth grade in Norway. He's also the generous genius behind Sembl, which is a tool that math teachers need in their back pocket. I hope you go check it out. I'm sure James would love to have you as part of his math...
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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!
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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...
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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...
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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.
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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...
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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!
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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
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48. Shadowing Peter with Melisa McCain & Mandy Ramey
In this episode, Melisa McCain and Mandy Ramey, both instructional coaches from Indiana, talk about some of the brilliant things they learned while watching Peter in classrooms. There's so much goodness in this chat. Stop what you're doing and listen in. Keep Indian Learning Numicon Seattle BTC...
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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...
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46. Preloading Themselves with Shannon Burns
In this episode, I talk with Shannon Burns. She teaches kindergarten in Oklahoma. It's fun to get a peek into her thinking classroom. Little minds are big thinkers too.
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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
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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…
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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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
Tammy McMorrow
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Little Minds Big Thinkers have?
Little Minds Big Thinkers currently has 92 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Little Minds Big Thinkers about?
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.
How often does Little Minds Big Thinkers release new episodes?
Little Minds Big Thinkers has 92 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Little Minds Big Thinkers?
You can listen to Little Minds Big Thinkers on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Little Minds Big Thinkers?
Little Minds Big Thinkers is created and hosted by Tammy McMorrow.
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