Lessons in Adoption and Truth ~059

What happens when a teacher realizes that the usual school setting isn’t meeting her own child’s needs? In this week’s episode of Big Little Lessons, Jenny and Kristine welcome Jan McNutt, a former teacher and mother whose experience raising her daughter Karlee changed how she thinks about education. Jan shares Karlee’s journey with dyslexia, her decision to homeschool her for seven years, and the teachers and programs that later helped Karlee thrive. She speaks honestly about the challenges of being both parent and teacher, the value of trying a new approach when one isn’t working, and the joy of watching Karlee learn to advocate for herself. Their conversation invites parents and educators to listen closely, work together, and protect a child’s confidence while finding the way they learn best. Resources:  https://mathusee.com/ https://susanbartondyslexiastories.com/author/susanbarton1/ We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected] 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.

What can a cow’s embrace—or a chicken listening to a child read—teach us about gentleness? Jenny and Kristine welcome Ellie Laks, co-founder of The Gentle Barn, for a heartfelt conversation about rescuing animals, building trust, and discovering the connections that help both animals and people thrive. From her childhood dream of creating a sanctuary to the rescue of Mary, the goat who helped bring that dream to life, Ellie shares stories of compassion put into action. She explains how rescued animals have shaped her understanding of patience and connection, why animals need the freedom to build trust at their own pace, and how Cow Hug Therapy began with her beloved cow, Buddha. The conversation also explores Ellie’s literacy program featuring Poppy the chicken, her developing virtual classroom curriculum, and her children’s book, Gentle, inspired by rescued calf John Lewis Thunderheart and his friendship with her dog, Sky. Fresh from their own visit to The Gentle Barn, Jenny and Kristine reflect on the surprising power of connecting with farm animals—and Ellie reminds us that gentleness begins with how we treat ourselves. Resources & Ways to Connect Ellie Laks Website: ellielaks.com Instagram: @ellielaks Facebook: Ellie Laks For educators: Ellie invites teachers interested in helping pilot her virtual school curriculum to email [email protected], as shared in this episode. The Gentle Barn Website: gentlebarn.org Instagram: @thegentlebarn Facebook: The Gentle Barn TikTok: @thegentlebarn YouTube: The Gentle Barn X: @thegentlebarn General support: [email protected] Phone: 661-252-2440 Contact form: Contact The Gentle Barn School and field trip inquiries: [email protected] Special events: [email protected] Donations and planned giving: [email protected] Media inquiries: [email protected] Gentle12 and sponsorship opportunities: [email protected] Visit, Participate & Support Plan a visit to the California or Tennessee sanctuary. Explore Cow Hug Therapy, literacy programs, and school experiences. Donate to support the rescued animals. Meet and sponsor an animal. Shop books and merchandise. Books Discussed Gentle: Hope and Healing at an Animal Sanctuary — Ellie’s children’s picture book, illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell. My Gentle Barn: Creating a Sanctuary Where Animals Heal and Children Learn to Hope — her memoir about the sanctuary’s beginnings. Cow Hug Therapy: How the Animals at the Gentle Barn Taught Me about Life, Death, and Everything in Between — stories of the rescued animals and the lessons they have taught her. We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected] 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.

What if creativity could help us understand ourselves, even when we don’t consider ourselves artists? In this week’s episode of Big Little Lessons, Jenny and Kristine welcome Dr. Sibel Golden, an expressive arts therapist and educator, to explore how art, music, movement, writing, and play can give us new ways to express what we’re feeling. Sibel explains what happens in expressive arts therapy and why the creative process matters more than a finished product. She shares how children and adults can explore difficult experiences through creative expression, and why it’s important to let each person give meaning to their own work. She also offers simple ways to begin creating without pressure or judgment, from journaling and doodling to following a word or color that catches your attention. This conversation is a reminder that creativity belongs to all of us—and that curiosity can be a place to start. Resources International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA) https://seattlearttherapy.org/ Find a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) through IEATA’s Professional Services Directory. www.ieata.org https://www.robertbly.com/ We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected] 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.

What can adults learn when they take the time to listen to a teenager? In this week’s episode of Big Little Lessons, Jenny and Kristine welcome 16-year-old Sasha Mendelson, who first came into their lives by helping them navigate social media—and soon showed them how much more she had to share. Sasha talks candidly about finding her place across seven schools, the friendships and family relationships that keep her grounded, and what adults may miss about teenage life online and at school. She also shares how a cancer diagnosis in eighth grade changed her perspective and how she and her friends started 100 Sundays, a project making lunches for people in their community. With warmth and honesty, Sasha reminds us that teenagers have valuable things to say about change, kindness, service, and balance. Sometimes the most meaningful question an adult can ask is simply, “How are you really doing?” https://www.hofoco.org/ https://www.instagram.com/100sundays.la/ We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected] 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.

What changes when we listen to adoption stories from the adoptees themselves? In this week’s episode of Big Little Lessons, Jenny and Kristine welcome Louise Browne and Sarah Reinhardt, adult adoptees and co-hosts of the podcast Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories. Louise and Sarah share how their understanding of their own stories has changed through family discoveries, reunion, books, and years of conversations with other adoptees. Together, they explore identity, loss, belonging, and the importance of knowing where you come from. They also offer practical insight for parents and educators: listen without rushing to explain a child’s feelings, make room for honest questions, and think carefully about classroom activities such as family trees. It’s a candid conversation that left Jenny and Kristine with a lesson of their own: keep learning, and let adoptees’ voices lead. Connect with Louise Browne & Sarah Reinhardt Email: [email protected] Podcast: Adoption: The Making of Me. An Oral History of Adoptee Stories Instagram: themakingofmepodcast Website: https://www.adoptionthemakingofme.com/ YouTube Channel: @themakingofmepodcast4472 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themakingofmepodcast/ Book resources The Adoption Paradox: Putting Adoption in Perspective — Jean Kelly Widner American Baby: A Mother, a Child, and the Secret History of Adoption — Gabrielle Glaser The Primal Wound: Understanding the Adopted Child — Nancy Newton Verrier Journey of the Adopted Self: A Quest for Wholeness — Betty Jean Lifton The Girls Who Went Away - Ann Fessler Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood — Gretchen Sisson The Adoptee’s Journey: From Loss and Trauma to Healing and Empowerment  - Cameron Lee Small Who’s a Worthy Mother? - Rebecca Wellington You Should Be Grateful - Angela Tucker We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected] 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.

What happens when a serious little boy discovers he can write a new chapter—and make room for joy? In this week’s episode, Jenny and Kristine welcome Edgardo Gazcon, a warm, funny neighbor Jenny first met while walking their dogs, Gussie and Henry. Edgardo shares the experiences behind the joy he brings to their neighborhood: growing up in Mexico, finding confidence through acting, and building a new life and career in the United States. From telenovelas to hosting for Univision and Telemundo, Edgardo has reinvented himself more than once. He talks about his relationship with his father, the lasting effects of childhood bullying, and what he learned from listening to other people’s stories. He also shares the fulfillment he finds today in supporting community health organizations and leading painting workshops for people affected by cancer. Edgardo’s story invites us to consider what we carry from childhood, what we’re ready to release, and how we can keep making room for connection and joy. Resources:  https://www.legalzone.com/ https://queenscare.org/ https://wespark.org/ We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected] 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.

How do we help children talk about race, identity, and difference with honesty, curiosity, and respect? In this thoughtful and hope-filled conversation, Jenny and Kristine welcome educator, consultant, and longtime equity leader Monique Marshall to explore how parents and educators can move beyond “color blindness” and create communities in which every child feels seen, valued, and included. Monique reflects on growing up as one of the only Black children in predominantly white school communities. Although she experienced warmth and care, important parts of her identity were rarely acknowledged or reflected in the books she read, the lessons she learned, or the conversations taking place around her. Her understanding began to deepen in college, where courses in racial identity and children’s literature introduced her to stories that reflected Black lives and experiences. Those discoveries helped shape her calling as an educator and her commitment to creating the kinds of learning spaces she had needed as a child. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience with children, teachers, parents, and school communities, Monique explains that conversations about identity should not be reserved for Black History Month, moments of conflict, or the teenage years. Children deserve to develop racial literacy from an early age, just as they develop language for reading, writing, emotions, and relationships. This work is most meaningful when it is woven naturally and authentically throughout the curriculum and the life of a school. Monique also offers practical wisdom for responding when a child says something uncomfortable or hurtful. Rather than immediately correcting, labeling, or shaming the child, adults can begin with the invitation, “Tell me more.” Curiosity gives us an opportunity to understand what the child is thinking, provide accurate information, and turn a difficult moment into meaningful learning.  Throughout the conversation, Monique reminds us that adults do not need to be perfect or have every word figured out before beginning. We can model humility by acknowledging mistakes, learning new language, considering the impact of our words, and returning to conversations when we are ready to respond more thoughtfully. When parents, teachers, and school leaders approach this work with courage, openness, and a willingness to keep learning, they help children feel more secure in who they are while growing in empathy for others. Ultimately, this episode is an invitation to remain curious, listen deeply, and address the whole child. Identity and belonging are not separate from education—they are essential parts of helping every young person grow into a confident, compassionate, and fully seen human being. Connect with Monique Marshall Instagram: @moniquemarshallconsulting Website: https://mmscequity.com/ Facebook: Monique Marshall YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MMSCequity  Books Resources  Fox the Tiger by Corey R. Tabor Race Cars by Jenny Devenny Bodies Are Cool by Tyler Feder Don’t Touch My Hair by Sharee Miller I’m From by Gary R. Gray, Jr., illustrated by Oge Mora The History of We by Nikkols Smith Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor All the Colors of the Race by Arnold Adoff Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison The Person you Mean to Be: How Good People Fight Bias by Dolly Chugh Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race by Megan Madison, Jessica Ralli, & Isabel Roxas We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected] 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.

In this heartfelt episode, Jenny and Kristine sit down with Shannon Macedo, a beloved third-grade teacher who has spent an extraordinary 40 years serving the same school community. Shannon reflects on the experiences that first led her into education, the people who encouraged her along the way, and the relationships with students, families, and colleagues that have made teaching so meaningful. Throughout the conversation, Shannon shares how her classroom has evolved over four decades while the heart of her work has remained the same: helping children feel known, loved, capable, and excited to learn. She speaks about the importance of creating a joyful classroom, noticing what each child needs, and remembering that some of the smallest interactions can leave the most lasting impressions. One of Shannon’s most endearing practices is her habit of looking for hearts in the world around her. Whether she spots a heart shape in nature, on a sidewalk, in food, or in an unexpected everyday place, Shannon pauses to notice it. Over time, these little discoveries have become reminders that love really is all around us—if we slow down long enough to see it. It is a simple practice, but one that beautifully reflects the way Shannon approaches both teaching and life: with attention, gratitude, optimism, and wonder. Shannon also reflects on the traditions, symbols, and sources of joy that have become part of her story—including her love of hearts, sunflowers, and the color yellow. Her warmth, optimism, and commitment to showing up faithfully remind us that a meaningful life is often built through consistency, relationships, and a willingness to “bloom where you are planted.” This conversation celebrates the lasting influence of a devoted teacher and offers a beautiful reminder that educators do far more than teach academic lessons. Through their encouragement, presence, and care, they help children believe in themselves and carry that sense of belonging far beyond the classroom. Follow Shannon and her collection of everyday hearts on Instagram: @love_is_all_around_shan We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected] 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.

Rev. Canon Norman Hull serves as the K–8 Chaplain and teaches middle school world religion at an independent school in Los Angeles, where he has spent many years accompanying children through questions of faith, identity, belonging, and purpose. In this episode, Norman invites us to think about spiritual development not simply as something adults teach children, but as something already unfolding within them. Children arrive with curiosity, imagination, openness, and a desire to understand themselves and the world around them. Our role is often less about giving them the “right” response and more about listening carefully, honoring their questions, and creating room for discovery. Norman shares how storytelling, chapel, music, ritual, reflection, and exposure to different faith traditions can help children develop a deeper understanding of themselves and others. Rather than diminishing a child’s own identity, learning about the beliefs and practices of others can cultivate empathy, respect, and an awareness of our shared humanity. The conversation also explores the importance of vulnerability. Norman reminds us that we do not need to be perfect or have life completely figured out before we can care for someone else. Our own experiences of pain, uncertainty, and healing can deepen our compassion and help us accompany others with greater humility. At the heart of the episode is a reassuring invitation for parents, teachers, and other caring adults: children do not need us to have every answer. They need adults who are willing to listen, remain curious, wonder alongside them, and help them discover who they are becoming. Resources Mentioned The Spiritual Child by Lisa Miller, PhD The Wounded Healer by Henri J.M. Nouwen “All God’s Creatures” on YouTube We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected] 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.

Chelsea Culbert once imagined that studying chemistry would lead her to medical school. Instead, a decision to join Teach For America brought her across the country to a high school in Los Angeles—and what she initially thought might be a temporary stop became a calling. In this episode, Chelsea shares how she went from chemistry teacher to instructional leader, girls’ varsity soccer coach, doctoral student, and assistant principal. She reflects on what staying in the same school community for 12 years has taught her about building trust, forming meaningful relationships, and truly understanding the students and families she serves. Chelsea also talks about the importance of making rigorous academic content relevant to students’ lives. Whether she is teaching chemistry, coaching on the soccer field, or leading a school community, her goal remains the same: helping young people recognize their own strengths, persevere through challenges, and believe they are capable of more than they may realize. We explore how coaching girls’ soccer deepened Chelsea’s understanding of leadership and gave her another way to help young women develop confidence, advocate for themselves, collaborate with others, and find their voices. Chelsea also shares what she has learned through the transition from classroom teacher to assistant principal—including the realization that leadership is not simply about making decisions. It is about listening, building relationships, supporting teachers, seeing the larger picture, and remaining connected to the students at the heart of every decision. Teach For America — A national leadership development organization that recruits and supports educators who begin their work in classrooms and continue working to expand educational opportunity for children and communities. Chelsea began her education career through Teach For America. (Teach For America) Teach For America Strive for College / UStrive — Strive for College was founded to help underserved students navigate college admissions and financial aid through mentoring. Today its virtual platform, UStrive, connects high school and college students with free one-on-one mentors who can help with college applications, financial aid, career planning, and other educational goals. (Ustrive) UStrive / Strive for College We welcome your feedback. Please email us at [email protected] 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.