Big Little Lessons

Kristine Annunziata and Jenny Goodenough
  • 5.0 (21)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Meet two passionate kindergarten teachers with over 50 years of combined experience in public and private education, spanning classrooms from New York to Los Angeles. Just as children develop in kindergarten, we all continue to experience new beginnings and changes throughout life—school, careers, relationships, hobbies, etc. The early lessons like kindness, sharing, and resilience are often the ones we return to when life gets complicated. This podcast is for individuals who like to reflect on their own educational journey and apply lessons to their own lives. People seeking to be better humans. Anyone who enjoys the process of reflecting on the important life lessons they have learned and using them to grow in their professional and personal lives.

  1. FEB 4

    Intentional Parenting and Boundaries That Support Growth ~025

    What if parenting felt more intentional — not perfect, not rigid, but calmer and more grounded? In this episode, we’re joined by parent coach and former classroom teacher Andrea Scopp-Robbins to explore what intentional parenting really looks like in everyday moments — and how clear, compassionate boundaries actually help children feel safe, confident, and supported as they grow. Andrea shares insights from her years in the classroom, her own parenting journey, and her work coaching families to better understand behavior, regulate emotions, and respond with purpose rather than reaction. Together, we talk about how parenting has shifted across generations, why today’s parents feel so overwhelmed, and how shared values can act as a compass during hard moments. You’ll hear practical examples, reassurance for parents who are trying their best, and a powerful reframe of boundaries as acts of care — not control. Big Little Lessons: • Behavior is communication • Boundaries create safety and trust • Perfection isn’t required — presence, repair, and intention matter This episode is for parents who want to slow down, trust themselves, and build strong, connected relationships that grow with their children. Learn More About Andrea & Parenting Vistas Website: https://www.parentingvistas.com Instagram: @parenting.vistas YouTube: @parentingvistas TikTok: @parentingvistas   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, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.”  We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.  https://www.instagram.com/teachbiglittlelessons/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    59 min

  2. FEB 3

    Finding Our Voice - Big Little Lessons from a Speech Therapist ~ 024

    What does it really mean to find your voice — and why does it matter at every stage of life? In this episode of Big Little Lessons, kindergarten teachers Jenny and Kristine sit down with speech-language pathologist Amy Wachsberger, M.S., CCC-SLP, for a thoughtful, reassuring conversation about communication, confidence, and connection. Together, they explore how speech therapy is not about labels or deficits, but about supporting growth, helping people feel understood, and building strong foundations for learning and relationships. In this episode, we discuss: How to recognize when a child or adult might benefit from speech therapy — and how to approach that decision with curiosity rather than fear The powerful connection between speech, phonemic awareness, and learning to read — why children “read with their ears before their eyes” How speech challenges can show up as frustration, behavior, or withdrawal — and what that’s really communicating Practical ways parents and teachers can support children receiving speech therapy in everyday moments Why progress happens in small, steady steps — and how collaboration between families, educators, and therapists makes all the difference Amy also shares how her professional work and personal life as a parent weave together, offering insight into early intervention, trusting your instincts, and creating environments where every voice is valued. Big Little Lesson: Needing support doesn’t mean something is wrong — it means growth is happening. Strong spoken language builds strong readers, confident learners, and connected communities. This conversation is for parents, teachers, caregivers — and anyone who has ever struggled to feel heard or wants to better understand how communication shapes learning at every age.   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, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.”  We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.  https://www.instagram.com/teachbiglittlelessons/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    49 min

  3. JAN 27

    February in the Classroom: Finding Balance in the Busiest Month ~ 023

    February in the classroom is magical… and completely exhausting. From Groundhog Day and Lunar New Year to Valentine’s Day, the 100th Day of School, Presidents’ Day, curriculum pacing, assessments, conferences, and everyday teaching — February somehow manages to pack twelve mini-months into twenty-eight days. In this episode, Jenny and Kristine explore why February feels like so much, what research tells us about teacher burnout, and how educators can protect classroom joy without sacrificing wellbeing, routine, or meaningful learning. You’ll hear about: Why February feels uniquely overwhelming How “event stacking” increases cognitive and emotional load What research shows about burnout and emotional exhaustion Why teacher wellbeing creates classroom wellbeing How to celebrate meaningfully while protecting routines, boundaries, and energy Throughout the episode, Jenny and Kristine offer practical strategies for simplifying celebrations, integrating learning, protecting daily routines, and letting go of guilt — all through the lens of this core belief: When teachers are regulated, supported, and grounded, classrooms thrive. This episode is for every teacher who loves creating magic — but also ends February feeling completely spent. Big Little Lesson: Traditions are meant to serve connection — not consume the people creating them. Skaalvik, E. M., & Skaalvik, S. (2018). Job demands and resources as predictors of teacher burnout. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11218-018-9464-8 Center on the Developing Child — Harvard University InBrief: Executive Function & Self-Regulation https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/inbrief-executive-function/ Ostermeier et al. (2023). Reducing job demands and increasing resources improves teacher wellbeing. https://bera-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/rev3.3416   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, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.”  We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.  https://www.instagram.com/teachbiglittlelessons/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    32 min

  4. JAN 20

    Seeing Through the Eyes of Others: A Conversation with Dr. Toya Holiday ~022

    In this episode of Big Little Lessons, Jenny and Kristine sit down with Dr. Toya Holiday for a rich and thoughtful conversation about identity, belonging, and the wisdom that shapes who we become. Together, they explore how identity is formed through personal experience, family foundations, and community connections, and how learning to “see through someone else’s eyes” deepens empathy, understanding, and leadership. Dr. Holiday reflects on her childhood, her faith, her journey into education, and the values that have guided her life as a leader, parent, and mentor to young people. Listeners will hear about Toya’s Three Pillars of Wisdom — Personal, Family, and Community — and how each one informs her work in schools, her approach to parenting, and her commitment to equity and belonging. She also shares insights from her role as Director of DEIJ, offering practical wisdom for students, educators, and families who are doing the ongoing work of understanding themselves and others more deeply. She is also a former collegiate and professional basketball player and the proud mom of four collegiate and professional athletes, including NBA Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Jrue Holiday. Toya speaks about her family with humility, warmth, and perspective, offering beautiful insight into intentional parenting and the values that have shaped her children’s lives. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, listen well, and reflect on how our stories — and the stories of others — shape who we are.   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, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.”  We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.  https://www.instagram.com/teachbiglittlelessons/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 6m

  5. JAN 13

    Finding Flexibility — Building Resilience Through Change ~ 021

    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 inner voice and approaches life with greater intention — a journey that led her to write her memoir, Flat as a Pancake.  Drawing from both lived experience and her work in special education, Lisa explains how flexibility is taught through modeling, language, and repeated practice. She shares practical strategies for supporting students — especially those with special needs — when routines shift, plans change, or emotions run high.  Key Takeaways Flexible thinking allows us to adapt when plans change and emotions rise Naming, modeling, and practicing flexibility builds resilience over time Being flexible doesn’t erase disappointment — it helps us move through it Small, everyday changes create safe opportunities to practice adaptability Flexibility supports emotional regulation, confidence, and well-being Lisa’s Book: Flat as a Pancake My Story of Breast Deconstruction, How I Lost My Boobs and Found Myself 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, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.”  We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.  https://www.instagram.com/teachbiglittlelessons/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    55 min

  6. JAN 6

    Seeing the Year Ahead - Setting Intentions, Not Resolutions ~ 020

    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 better understand behavior Creating a mental vision board for classrooms and home Honoring children’s current developmental stage while gently supporting the next step They also share a trusted resource that has guided their teaching for years: Yardsticks by Chip Wood, a practical guide to understanding child development ages 3–14. This episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t happen by skipping stages—it happens when we notice, nurture, and trust the process. Research and Recommendations Children’s understanding of apology develops over time — words often come before meaning. Vaish, Carpenter, & Tomasello (2011), Young Children’s Understanding of Remorse and Apology Repairing harm matters more than forced apologies when supporting moral and emotional growth. Zahn-Waxler & Kochanska (1990), The Origins of Guilt  Yardsticks by Chip Wood — a practical, parent- and teacher-friendly guide to children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development (ages 3–14). We reference this book as a helpful lens for honoring where children are developmentally and supporting what comes next. 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, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.”  We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.  https://www.instagram.com/teachbiglittlelessons/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    32 min

  7. 12/30/2025

    First-Year Teaching: A Mid-Year Reflection ~ 019

    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 routine, and discovering that growth is happening—even when you can’t see it yet. Landing that very first teaching job The first eight weeks: expectations vs. reality Finding your rhythm, routines, and support systems Learning to ask for help and lean on mentors Noticing the small wins that keep you going Remembering that being a beginner takes time Listener Poll: We’d love to hear from you! Take our short listener poll and tell us about your own first-year experiences—and what topics you’d like us to explore next.  First year teaching poll If you have questions or suggestions, please email us at: Teachbiglittllelessons@gmail.com 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, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.”  We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.  https://www.instagram.com/teachbiglittlelessons/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 12m

  8. 12/23/2025

    Perfectly Imperfect Holiday Bloopers ~018

    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 on the small, hilarious bloopers that often become our favorite stories. Together, we explore three big little lessons: noticing the funny moments, letting go of “perfect,” and creating space for joy in the unexpected. Because the magic of the season usually shows up when things don’t go as planned. 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, names have been changed for anonymity. In fact, every student we mention is named “Charlie.”  We use that name as a way to honor privacy while still sharing authentic classroom experiences.  https://www.instagram.com/teachbiglittlelessons/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    34 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Meet two passionate kindergarten teachers with over 50 years of combined experience in public and private education, spanning classrooms from New York to Los Angeles. Just as children develop in kindergarten, we all continue to experience new beginnings and changes throughout life—school, careers, relationships, hobbies, etc. The early lessons like kindness, sharing, and resilience are often the ones we return to when life gets complicated. This podcast is for individuals who like to reflect on their own educational journey and apply lessons to their own lives. People seeking to be better humans. Anyone who enjoys the process of reflecting on the important life lessons they have learned and using them to grow in their professional and personal lives.

Information

  • Creator
    Kristine Annunziata and Jenny Goodenough
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Big Little Lessons
  • Show Website
    Big Little Lessons