Big Little Lessons

Flexibility is more than stretching — it’s a life skill. In this episode of Big Little Lessons , Jenny and Kristine sit down with special education teacher and author Lisa Konstandt to explore how flexible thinking helps children and adults navigate change, manage big feelings, and build resilience. Lisa shares how her personal journey through breast cancer reshaped the way she listens to her inne...

As we step into a new year, it’s easy to feel pressure to rush growth—both for ourselves and for the children we care for. In this episode of Big Little Lessons , Jenny and Kristine slow things down and invite parents and teachers to take a developmental pause. Through classroom stories and lived experience, they explore: Setting intentions instead of resolutions Reviewing growth patterns to bette...

The first year of teaching is full of learning, growth, and moments that quietly shape who we become as educators. In this mid-year reflection, Jenny and Kristine look back on their own first-year experiences and welcome special guest Katelyn Abernathy, a first-year speech teacher supporting over 40 students. Together, they share honest insights about surviving the early months, finding rhythm and...

What if the messiest moments are the most memorable ones?  We know that the holidays are rarely perfect—and that’s exactly what makes them memorable. In this joyful, laughter-filled episode, Jenny and Kristine celebrate the perfectly imperfect holiday moments that unfold in kindergarten classrooms and at home. From holiday shows that go off-script to kids falling asleep on the risers, we reflect o...

Why do certain Christmas stories stay with us long after the decorations are packed away? In this special holiday episode, Jenny and Kristine take a thoughtful and nostalgic look at three beloved Christmas classics — ’Twas the Night Before Christmas , Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer , and How the Grinch Stole Christmas — and uncover the powerful social–emotional lessons woven into their timeless ta...

In this episode, Jenny and Kristine sit down with colleague, educator, and basketball coach Steven Tolbert to uncover how sportsmanship is shaped long before players ever put on a jersey. Drawing from Steven’s years working in kindergarten and coaching athletes, they explore the deep connection between early learning and character on the court. Key Themes • Kindergarten as the Foundation for Sport...

In this heartwarming episode, Jenny and Kristine talk with Ben Enright, a middle and high school choir director, vocal director for musical productions, and middle school history teacher. Ben shares how music and teaching intersect—how the skills that bring harmony to a choir also create connection and curiosity in the classroom. Together, they explore the joy of helping students find their voices...

What does walking a kindergartner into their very first classroom have in common with sending a young adult off to college? More than you’d imagine. In this insightful and heartfelt episode, Jenny and Kristine sit down with college counselor and former Broadway performer Elisa Sagardia—who also happens to be an animal lover with a pet menagerie from dogs and cats to hedgehogs, squirrels, and guine...

What if the traditions we choose—old or new—shape the memories our children carry into adulthood? In this reflective and heartwarming episode of Big Little Lessons , Jenny and Kristine explore the power of traditions—at school, at home, and in our communities. Drawing on decades of teaching kindergarten, they share how simple rituals help children feel seen, grounded, and connected, especially dur...

In this heartfelt episode, Jenny and Kristine explore what it really means to grow gratitude—not just during Thanksgiving season, but as a lifelong habit that brings more joy, connection, and contentment. Drawing from their years of teaching and their own family experiences, they discuss how gratitude can be taught, modeled, and practiced —and why it matters for children and adults. Through storie...

In this full-circle episode, Jenny and Kristine welcome a very special guest — Ava, one of their former kindergarten students who recently graduated from college. Together, they explore what it truly means to be to others, kind and good — the timeless lesson that started in the classroom years ago and continues to shape lives well into adulthood. Ava shares how those early lessons of kindness, emp...

 What if slowing down was the secret to helping children build confidence, creativity, and connection? Through stories from the classroom and real-life reflections, Jenny and Kristine reveal how giving ourselves and our children the gift of time can nurture pride, balance, and deeper relationships. In this episode, Jenny and Kristine discuss: How rushing through the day affects children’s confiden...

Dani shares how we can create space for those emotions rather than rush to fix them — reminding us that being present is often more powerful than having the perfect response. Together, we discuss practical tools for parents, teachers, and anyone learning to pause, listen, and guide with empathy.  In This Episode, We Discuss: Defining big feelings  Understanding the different emotional needs betwee...

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...