Big Little Lessons

Reading doesn’t start with the ABCs—it begins long before that. In this episode of Big Little Lessons , Jenny and Kristine explore how early connections through songs, talking, and storytelling plant the very first seeds for a lifelong love of reading. From the joy of picture books and board books to building stamina and choosing just the right titles, we share practical ways families and educator...

In this episode, we sit down with Catherine Siphron — certified mindfulness instructor, English teacher, and author of the Audible Original Press Pause: A Young Person’s Guide to Managing Life’s Challenges. Together we explore: The difference between mindfulness and meditation Practical mindfulness ideas for all ages How to apply mindfulness throughout the day — in school, at work, or at home Cath...

Join us as we share how we learned to pivot, embrace new rhythms, and find resilience in the face of unexpected change. From the struggles of lockdown to the surprising discoveries along the way, this conversation looks back at what those “little screens” taught us about teaching, learning, and life. What we cover in this episode: The sudden shift into lockdown and leaving our classrooms behind Te...

In this episode, we explore: How to discover joy wherever you go One-of-a-kind stories from James’s early school years Perks of substitute teaching Get ready for an episode full of humor, insight, and a fresh perspective on embracing the unexpected. Follow along: Instagram Email us: teachbiglittlelessons@gmail.com We welcome your feedback.  Please email us at teachbiglittlelessons@gmail.com O...

  Episode Notes – Magic in Mistakes In this episode, we’re diving into the world of mistakes—why they’re hard, how we can learn from them, and the value of leaning in rather than shying away. Taking responsibility isn’t easy, but it’s one of the most powerful skills we can model. By sharing our own mistakes, we help students (and ourselves!) build resilience, openness, and a lifelong love of learn...

In today’s episode, Kristine and Jenny dive into the joys (and challenges!) of summer — from making the most of vacations and school breaks to finding a healthy balance with screens, whether it’s phones, iPads, or video games. We welcome your feedback.  Please email us at teachbiglittlelessons@gmail.com Out of respect for our students, we want to note that while the stories we share are real,...

Today we’re tackling an important question: Is your child ready for kindergarten? We’ll unpack what “readiness” really means, share what today’s kindergarten expectations look like, and offer insights to help you feel confident about this exciting next step. We welcome your feedback.  Please email us at teachbiglittlelessons@gmail.com Out of respect for our students, we want to note that whil...

In our very first episode, we’re sharing our own educational journeys and the unforgettable, charismatic teachers who shaped us along the way. We’ll explore why these experiences matter and how they’ve influenced the way we teach today. We might not have all the answers, but with over 50 years of combined experience teaching elementary students, we’ve got plenty of stories, insights, and laughter...

Meet Kristine and Jenny — the dynamic duo of kindergarten education. With over 50 years of combined teaching experience, we’ve shaped the lives of more than 1,200 students from New York to Los Angeles. Our journey together began 17 years ago, and we’ve been side-by-side ever since — best friends, teaching partners, and yes, kind of like the Grace and Frankie of kindergarten. Different in many ways...