Monthly Archives: August 2016

A Dash of Risk

Posted on August 31, 2016 by Jennie

Originally posted on Playful Directions:
Beginning a new school year is rife with uncertainty.  An unknown routine, strange surroundings, and rooms full of unfamiliar people all contribute to a high level of stress for both children and adults.  Will I…

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Jennie Stories, the Early Years

Posted on August 27, 2016 by Jennie

My family log house, early 1770’s Telling stories is akin to reading aloud. Words come alive when children ‘make the pictures in their heads’.  Listening stretches the brain because language, every word, is suddenly a lit fuse. When I started teaching, … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 35 Comments

Quotations on the Importance of Education

Posted on August 25, 2016 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://en.wikipedia.org) “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”                                                                                  Nelson Mandela ? (https://en.wikipedia.org) “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of…

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All Because of a Dragonfly… Talking Death With Children

Posted on August 20, 2016 by Jennie

Our Memory Garden at school is a raised bed of beauty; flowers, sculptures, American flags, and a collection of painted rocks, all to mark classroom pets and loved ones who have died over the years. The garden sits quietly as … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 42 Comments

What I learned from Children

Posted on August 15, 2016 by Jennie

Originally posted on thehappylife101:
I would define CHILDREN as the happiest creatures in the world. Oh, don’t you just envy their enthusiasm and high-spirits! In my pondering, I realize that there are really some great things that we can learn from them-…

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The Spirit Animal Award Nomination!

Posted on August 13, 2016 by Jennie

I am deeply honored to have received a second Spirit Animal Award Nomination.  A heartfelt and sincere thank you to Charles French at https://charlesfrenchonwordsreadingandwritingatwordpress.com I say this  with the utmost of gratitude and thanks.  The award speaks to the spirit, … Continue reading →

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The Thrill of Learning

Posted on August 11, 2016 by Jennie

It happens every time I open my Big Book Atlas, without fail.  Children can’t sit!  They are drawn to the big maps, swarming like bees to flowers. . Do you have any idea how many different things children want to … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 30 Comments

The Real Deal at a Museum

Posted on August 7, 2016 by Jennie

A trip to the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, MA is a wonder in itself. It never fails that I am ‘blown away’, as my anticipation or expectation is fulfilled, yet not at all in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 30 Comments

Girls Reading Books

Posted on August 6, 2016 by Jennie

Originally posted on Marcia Strykowski:
Have you ever watched a child, or anyone for that matter, deeply engrossed in a book? Maybe they wear a slight Mona Lisa smile. Maybe they glance away from the page for a minute, but…

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The Pen is Mighty

Posted on August 2, 2016 by Jennie

Writing is a powerful thing.  And, so is reading.  To my surprise and delight, this is what I received in the mail recently: Yes, it is a postcard from author Kate DiCamillo.  It is even signed, “Your Friend”.  I sent … Continue reading →

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