Monthly Archives: November 2017

Why Reading Aloud Made Cuban Cigars Great

While reading aloud is my passion and what I do- because it makes a marked difference in learning- I always write about reading aloud to children. Well, there’s more.  Adults.  The proof of reading aloud making a difference is in … Continue reading

Posted in Jim Trelease, reading, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , | 82 Comments

The Book That Changed Thanksgiving

When I visit with the grandchildren, a beloved ritual is reading a story before bedtime. The musicality of words floating into the ear and going into the mind becomes an arrow that pierces the heart.  It always happens that way. … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 74 Comments

Quotations on Kindness

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://commons.wikimedia.org) “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.”                                                                                 Plato ? (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Tutu) “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good…

Posted in Uncategorized | 29 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving

Whether you are traveling near or far to be with loved ones today, giving thanks and being together with family or friends, may your travels be swift and may your time together be filled with the the important things, the … Continue reading

Posted in Giving thanks, Thanksgiving | Tagged , | 35 Comments

When Children Drive the Boat at Storytime

I’ve often said that the best learning and most meaningful experiences with children happen unexpectedly.  And, it happens all the time, especially with picture books.  You just have to seize the moment and be ready to let go of the … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 47 Comments

Keep Your Kids are Reading! Reading is a Good Thing!

Originally posted on Writing for the Whole Darn Universe:
The number of words a child reads and hears = success in both school and life. Wow! Writing for the Whole Darn Universe View original post

Posted in Uncategorized | 31 Comments

When Nothing Goes Right, There’s Mister Rogers

Mister Rogers Nothing went right yesterday at school.  I should check to see if there was a full moon. Grumpy was the mood of the day for children.  At our Morning Meeting Allie, Gloria’s BFF, stood with her arms crossed.  … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Kindness, Love | Tagged , , , , , | 57 Comments

Gloria and Allie

Everyone adores Gloria, and I do mean everyone.  After all, she is the nice one, the good friend.  She gives children unconditional love.  Do you know that Gloria has a journal?  It is well-worn from love.  When children take Gloria … Continue reading

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Giving, Gloria, Kindness, Love, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 37 Comments

How the Circus Brought Patriotism into My Classroom

Patriotism. I have always felt pride in America.  It was just part of my growing up, and that’s a good thing.  My fifth grade teacher, Miss Pinson, taught us to sing all the patriotic songs.  She sang with gusto, and … Continue reading

Posted in American flag, Early Education, Giving, patriotism, Singing, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 39 Comments

The Presence of Wonder

“Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder.“  -E.B. White- I do that every day at school. …from morning Watching the sun make colors come alive. Children discovering ladybugs everywhere.  Each one is different. …till evening Snuggling together … Continue reading

Posted in E.B. White, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 54 Comments