Little Talks That Make a Big Difference: The TEI Podcast Series

Follow Little Talks That Make a Big Difference: The TEI Podcast Series
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Little Talks focuses on meeting the social and emotional needs of your students, moving them toward, healthy social decision making and pro-social skills development. Sign up for our monthly newsletter for latest Little Talks releases.

David Levine


    • Apr 20, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 4m AVG DURATION
    • 50 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from Little Talks That Make a Big Difference: The TEI Podcast Series with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Little Talks That Make a Big Difference: The TEI Podcast Series

    I’ll Take the High Road Part 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2020 3:38


    I’ll Take the High Road Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2020 1:13


    I’ll Take the High Road Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2020 5:29


    I’ll Take the High Road Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2020 3:04


    Through The Eyes of Howard Gray

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2020 7:11


    Nice Kick: Follow Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2020 1:33


    I Lost A Friend

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2020 5:30


    This is a story about two life-long friends who had a falling out after they moved up to middle school.

    Nice Kick

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2020 8:48


    I Feel Happy

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2018 1:46


    Names Hurt

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2018 2:20


    Stop and Think

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2018 1:53


    Howard Gray

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2018 4:34


    howard gray
    I Like You

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2018 1:28


    Friendship Train

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2018 2:53


    friendship train
    Lift Me Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2018 2:52


    I Am a Pizza

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2018 2:36


    Friendship is coming

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2018 1:47


    The Four Directions of Empathy

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2018 17:56


    Teaching Empathy Institute’s work is guided by the indigenous framework for the circle of life and learning which provides a pathway of healing and hope for all children through empathic practice.

    Little Talks for Teaching Assistants | Episode 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2017 11:30


    Naming the world as a concept is an outgrowth of the work by Brazilian educator Paolo Freire who said, “That which is unnamed is invisible, and a teacher’s job is to name the world.” In this episode, we explore how to create a secure learning environment in which discovery is enhanced through the use of common language and routine.

    Little Talks for Teaching Assistants | Episode 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2017 9:00


    In this session, you are provided with the empowering equation E plus R equals O: the event plus your response equals the outcome, and to use this equation when interacting with children.

    Little Talks for Teaching Assistants | Episode 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2017 12:45


    In this session you are provided with a working definition of emotional intelligence and how to enhance your emotional competencies in your role as a significant adult in the lives of your students.

    Little Things Are Big Things | Song: Let Me In

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2017 2:35


    This is a story about two boys, Sam, a five-year-old, and Adrian, a nine-year-old, and how one of them made a difference in the other’s life. This story is part of "In the Middle", a listening and reflective writing Social and Emotional Learning curriculum created by Teaching Empathy Institute for middle school students. Learn more about this and other TEI programs at http://www.teachingemapthyinstitute.org

    Little Things Are Big Things | Chapter 6: Please Let Me In

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2017 1:33


    This is a story about two boys, Sam, a five-year-old, and Adrian, a nine-year-old, and how one of them made a difference in the other’s life. This story is part of "In the Middle", a listening and reflective writing Social and Emotional Learning curriculum created by Teaching Empathy Institute for middle school students. Learn more about this and other TEI programs at http://www.teachingemapthyinstitute.org

    Little Things Are Big Things | Chapter 5: The Handing Down

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2017 1:30


    This is a story about two boys, Sam, a five-year-old, and Adrian, a nine-year-old, and how one of them made a difference in the other’s life. This story is part of "In the Middle", a listening and reflective writing Social and Emotional Learning curriculum created by Teaching Empathy Institute for middle school students. Learn more about this and other TEI programs at http://www.teachingemapthyinstitute.org

    Little Things Are Big Things | Chapter 4: Excited For School

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2017 1:43


    This is a story about two boys, Sam, a five-year-old, and Adrian, a nine-year-old, and how one of them made a difference in the other’s life. This story is part of "In the Middle", a listening and reflective writing Social and Emotional Learning curriculum created by Teaching Empathy Institute for middle school students. Learn more about this and other TEI programs at http://www.teachingemapthyinstitute.org

    Little Things Are Big Things | Chapter 3: Nice Kick

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2017 2:00


    This is a story about two boys, Sam, a five-year-old, and Adrian, a nine-year-old, and how one of them made a difference in the other’s life. This story is part of "In the Middle", a listening and reflective writing Social and Emotional Learning curriculum created by Teaching Empathy Institute for middle school students. Learn more about this and other TEI programs at http://www.teachingemapthyinstitute.org

    Little Things Are Big Things | Chapter 2: Dad Doesn’t Know What to Say.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2017 1:09


    This is a story about two boys, Sam, a five-year-old, and Adrian, a nine-year-old, and how one of them made a difference in the other’s life. This story is part of "In the Middle", a listening and reflective writing Social and Emotional Learning curriculum created by Teaching Empathy Institute for middle school students. Learn more about this and other TEI programs at http://www.teachingemapthyinstitute.org

    Little Things Are Big Things | Chapter 1: A New School- A New Fear

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2017 1:33


    This is a story about two boys, Sam, a five-year-old, and Adrian, a nine-year-old, and how one of them made a difference in the other’s life. This story is part of "In the Middle", a listening and reflective writing Social and Emotional Learning curriculum created by Teaching Empathy Institute for middle school students. Learn more about this and other TEI programs at http://www.teachingemapthyinstitute.org

    Howard Gray | Chapter 5: Howard’s Song Almost Lost Forever

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2017 3:32


    This is a story about a boy, Howard Gray, who was bullied and victimized by others because he was different, and how one of his classmates, who wanted to help, did not because he was concerned about his social standing.    This story is part of "In the Middle", a listening and reflective writing Social and Emotional Learning curriculum created by Teaching Empathy Institute for middle school students. Learn more about this and other TEI programs at http://www.teachingemapthyinstitute.org

    Howard Gray | Chapter 4: An Empty Locker and a Song

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2017 0:55


    This is a story about a boy, Howard Gray, who was bullied and victimized by others because he was different, and how one of his classmates, who wanted to help, did not because he was concerned about his social standing.    This story is part of "In the Middle", a listening and reflective writing Social and Emotional Learning curriculum created by Teaching Empathy Institute for middle school students. Learn more about this and other TEI programs at http://www.teachingemapthyinstitute.org

    Howard Gray | Chapter 3: Lee’s Moral Dilemma

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2017 1:14


    This is a story about a boy, Howard Gray, who was bullied and victimized by others because he was different, and how one of his classmates, who wanted to help, did not because he was concerned about his social standing.    This story is part of "In the Middle", a listening and reflective writing Social and Emotional Learning curriculum created by Teaching Empathy Institute for middle school students. Learn more about this and other TEI programs at http://www.teachingemapthyinstitute.org

    Howard Gray | Chapter 2: Jimmy Jones

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2017 1:10


    This is a story about a boy, Howard Gray, who was bullied and victimized by others because he was different, and how one of his classmates, who wanted to help, did not because he was concerned about his social standing.    This story is part of "In the Middle", a listening and reflective writing Social and Emotional Learning curriculum created by Teaching Empathy Institute for middle school students. Learn more about this and other TEI programs at http://www.teachingemapthyinstitute.org

    Howard Gray | Chapter 1: Howard and Lee

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2017 0:43


    This is a story about a boy, Howard Gray, who was bullied and victimized by others because he was different, and how one of his classmates, who wanted to help, did not because he was concerned about his social standing.    This story is part of "In the Middle", a listening and reflective writing Social and Emotional Learning curriculum created by Teaching Empathy Institute for middle school students. Learn more about this and other TEI programs at http://www.teachingemapthyinstitute.org

    I Lost a Friend | Chapter 5: Asking for Forgiveness in Song

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2017 4:12


    This is a story about two life-long friends who had a falling out after they moved up to middle school.  This story is part of "In the Middle", a listening and reflective writing Social and Emotional Learning curriculum created by Teaching Empathy Institute for middle school students. Learn more about this and other TEI programs at http://www.teachingemapthyinstitute.org

    I Lost a Friend | Chapter 4: Jessie’s Plan

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2017 1:31


    This is a story about two life-long friends who had a falling out after they moved up to middle school.  This story is part of "In the Middle", a listening and reflective writing Social and Emotional Learning curriculum created by Teaching Empathy Institute for middle school students. Learn more about this and other TEI programs at http://www.teachingemapthyinstitute.org

    I Lost a Friend | Chapter 3: When Friends Bully Friends

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2017 1:45


    This is a story about two life-long friends who had a falling out after they moved up to middle school.  This story is part of "In the Middle", a listening and reflective writing Social and Emotional Learning curriculum created by Teaching Empathy Institute for middle school students. Learn more about this and other TEI programs at http://www.teachingemapthyinstitute.org

    I Lost a Friend | Chapter 2: The Cool Squad

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2017 0:51


    This is a story about two life-long friends who had a falling out after they moved up to middle school.  This story is part of "In the Middle", a listening and reflective writing Social and Emotional Learning curriculum created by Teaching Empathy Institute for middle school students. Learn more about this and other TEI programs at http://www.teachingemapthyinstitute.org

    I Lost a Friend | Chapter 1: A Change on the Horizon

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2017 0:41


    This is a story about two life-long friends who had a falling out after they moved up to middle school.  This story is part of "In the Middle", a listening and reflective writing Social and Emotional Learning curriculum created by Teaching Empathy Institute for middle school students. Learn more about this and other TEI programs at http://www.teachingemapthyinstitute.org

    #8 Simplicity: Simple does not mean trivial

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2016 12:00


    In this wrap-up episode for Volume 1. of The Little Talks Series, we reflect on how “little things are big things”. As significant adults in the lives of our students, each of us can profoundly influence their future life trajectory.  By applying the guiding ideas from this and previous Little Talks episodes, we can make a difference in the lives of our students that goes far beyond test scores and grades.

    #7 Intention: Focusing on what you want

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2016 9:27


    Intention as a process is a focusing device or self-promise meter for what we want to achieve or how we want to carry ourselves as professionals. In this episode of The Little Talks Series, we reflect on the power of intention as a mechanism to stay the course creating emotional safety for our students. By holding an intention, we remind ourselves of what is important as we teach our students to do the same.

    #6 The artistry of empathy: creating the conditions for connection

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2016 7:53


    Empathy as a professional practice is critical when it comes to connecting a child to his or her learning environment. In this episode of the Little Talks series we reflect on how to make empathic connections with a child by intentionally creating the conditions for success and self-worth.  By “absorbing” where a child is, a teacher can practice what is called humanistic differentiation or meeting each child where he or she is.

    #5 Naming the world: making the invisible, visible

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2016 9:15


    Naming the world as a concept is an outgrowth of the work by Brazilian Educator Paolo Freire who said “that which is unnamed is invisible, and a teacher’s job is to name the world.” In this episode of the Little Talks series, we explore how to create a secure learning environment in which discovery is enhanced through the use of common language, routine, and ritual

    #4 Emotional Imprinting: A roadmap to understanding ourselves and others

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2016 7:19


    In the first 15 years of our life, we have experiences which create our value system. These values drive our behaviors and are often unconscious. In this episode of the Little Talks series, we examine what emotional imprints are and how they can get in the way of building healthy and productive relationships with other. By identifying our imprints, we can manage our emotions more effectively, especially during times of stress.

    #3 Social and emotional learning: a different standard

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2016 10:01


    Social and emotional learning is defined as the process through which children acquire and effectively apply the knowledge and skills to manage their emotions while building healthy relationships with others. In this episode of the Little Talks series, we focus upon practical approaches for infusing SEL into the classroom setting.

    #2 Resilience: Relationships are key

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2016 8:05


    A resilient child has hope and optimism for the future with the skills and perspective to manage difficult life situations.  In this episode of the Little Talks series, we focus upon the significance relationships have, as we lay the groundwork for each child to have a resilient mindset.

    #1 Emotional Safety: A Blueprint for success

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2016 7:58


    Often the idea of safety within a school conjures up images of single points of entry, name tags, sign-in desks and zero tolerance for fighting or other aggressive acts. These images focus solely upon physical safety. In this episode of the Little Talks series, we examine how by meeting the emotional needs of our students, we are creating the blueprint for emotional safety. 

    Claim Little Talks That Make a Big Difference: The TEI Podcast Series

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel