Monthly Archives: May 2016

Memorial Day Remembrance

Our school wide Memorial Day remembrance some years ago with General Zukauskas and Cadet Crampton was stirring and moving, to say the least.  I think holding the American flag and singing patriotic songs, particularly “The Star Spangled Banner”, were quite … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 21 Comments

Benefits of Reading, Fiction and Empathy

There is a reason I begin every school year by reading aloud Charlotte’s Web.  Besides being a terrific story that children love year after year, the underlying message goes far deeper than the friendship between Charlotte the spider and Wilbur the … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 37 Comments

Benefits of Reading

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
https://pixabay.com I have previously written about the happiness of reading, a pleasure I hope everyone, or at least, most people experience. As I wrote before, I consider reading to be one…

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Teaching Acceptance, Not Diversity

Garth Williams illustration, courtesy Harper & Row One never knows when a powerful teaching moment presents itself.  In spite of all the lesson planning, the real times an educator can seize the opportunity to teach young children often come unexpectedly.  … Continue reading

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 15 Comments

Our Pen-Pal From Prague

A Pen-Pal is an exciting way to learn about other people and countries, because it is hands-on.  No computers, no iPads, just real things that children can touch and see; letters, pictures, and even a book.  There is no instant … Continue reading

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Jim Trelease Quote, Reading and Writing, and a Journey of Teaching

A great quote can pack as much power as a good book.  When both come together in one package, then you have it all.  That’s Jim Trelease.  That’s The Read-Aloud Handbook. “People would stand in line for days and pay … Continue reading

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 33 Comments