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. 4D AGO

    Parenting as Leadership with Nikki DeLoach ~ 30

    This week on Big Little Lessons, Jenny and Kristine welcome Nikki DeLoach, parent, advocate, actor, writer, producer, and co-host of the Mind What Matters podcast, for a thoughtful conversation about how families can build emotionally strong homes in today’s fast-changing world. Together, they explore what Nikki is seeing through her work advocating for children’s mental health and supporting families navigating modern challenges. From the pressures children face today, to the growing influence of screens on attention, connection, and emotional regulation, Nikki offers both perspective and practical encouragement for parents who want to lead their families with intention. The conversation centers on a powerful idea: parenting is leadership. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The biggest challenges families and children are facing today What research is revealing about screens, regulation, and the developing brain Why modeling emotional regulation is one of the most powerful parenting tools The importance of repair after difficult moments Simple shifts families can make to strengthen connection and protect what matters most Nikki also shares personal insights from her own parenting journey and offers thoughtful encouragement for parents who may feel overwhelmed trying to “get it right.” If you’d like to learn more about Nikki’s advocacy, her podcast Mind What Matters, and the organizations supporting children and families mentioned in this episode, we’ve included a few links below. Resources & Links from This Episode Mind What Matters Podcast Co-hosted by Nikki DeLoach and Elizabeth Humphreys. Mind What Matters is a podcast about memory disease such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia and how we can best care for the long-term health of our minds. The Benny Bracelet - Raine Jewelry Inspired by Nikki DeLoach's son Bennett and created in partnership with Raine Jewelry, the Benny Bracelet helps raise funds for Children's Hospital Los Angeles, where Bennett received life-saving heart surgery as a newborn. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Learn more about the important work being done to support children’s health and well-being. 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

  2. MAR 10

    Understanding Neurodiversity with Dr. Courtney Behrenhausen ~ 029

    What if the very thing that makes learning harder for a child… is also the thing that makes them extraordinary? In this episode, Jenny and Kristine sit down with educator and student advocate Dr. Courtney Behrenhausen to demystify neurodiversity and help families better understand how children learn differently. Together, they explore common neurodiverse profiles, why early intervention matters, what signs parents and teachers can watch for, and how the right support can transform a child’s confidence and school experience. Grounded in both professional expertise and lived experience, this conversation replaces fear with clarity — and reminds us that every child’s learning profile is unique. Big Little Lesson: Every child learns differently — and that difference can be a strength.   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 9m

  3. MAR 3

    The Gift of Time ~ 028

    What if one of the most loving decisions we can make for a child… is giving them more time? In this episode, Jenny and Kristine — with more than 50 years of combined classroom experience — explore how to thoughtfully consider whether a child might benefit from an extra year in Pre-K, Kindergarten, or First Grade. Using a whole-child lens, they discuss academic readiness, social-emotional development, physical stamina, and when families may want to look deeper before making a decision. This conversation is grounded in both classroom experience and research — and most of all, compassion for families navigating this tender choice. Research: Hughes et al. (2017): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6377178/ Jacob & Lefgren (2004): https://doi.org/10.1162/003465304323023778 Schwerdt et al. (2017): https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w21509/w21509.pdf Winters & Greene (2024): https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w33764/w33764.pdf   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.

    46 min

  4. FEB 24

    Power of Grandparents & Special Friends with Peter Palmer ~ 027

    What if one of the greatest gifts a child can receive is simply more people to love them? In this warm and meaningful conversation, Jenny and Kristine sit down with devoted father, proud grandfather, and beloved school volunteer Peter Palmer to explore the powerful role that grandparents and other caring adults play in children’s lives. Together, they reflect on family, legacy, and the research-backed truth that kids thrive when surrounded by a strong village of support. Big Little Lesson: Sometimes the most powerful thing we can give a child… is simply to show up. Research: NIH/PubMed: Grandparent relationships and mental health outcomes https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12531240/ CDC: Protective role of caring adults and strong support networks https://www.cdc.gov/child-abuse-neglect/risk-factors/index.html CDC ACEs Prevention Resource https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/aces-prevention-resource_508.pdf 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

  5. FEB 16

    Occupational Therapist Dani Leon ~ 026

    What if the behaviors we struggle with most are actually the body asking for support? In this episode of Big Little Lessons, we sit down with occupational therapist Dani Leon, M.S., OTR/L, founder of Sprout Children’s Therapy Center, to explore how regulation, sensory experiences, and nervous system support impact how children (and adults) learn, connect, and function in everyday life. Dani helps us understand what occupational therapy really is and how it supports daily participation, independence, and quality of life. We talk about common signs a child might benefit from OT, including sensory sensitivities, difficulty with transitions, fine and gross motor challenges, and regulation struggles — and why these are often connected to how the brain and body process the world. She shares Sprout’s holistic, relationship-based approach, where building trust, supporting regulation, and partnering with families create a strong foundation for growth. We also discuss how OT can support teens and adults navigating stress, anxiety, and executive functioning challenges. Dani offers a simple, practical takeaway for families: creating a “Feel Better Kit” to help children (and parents) recognize what helps them feel calm, grounded, and ready to engage. Big Little Lesson: Behavior is communication. When we support the nervous system first, we make space for learning, connection, and confidence to grow. 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.

    57 min

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Big Little Lessons
  • Show Website
    Big Little Lessons

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