Monthly Archives: March 2023

What Would Mr. Rogers Do? The True Story of Sam

Sam was mad.  Really mad.  I watched him on the playground.  He was playing a game that mapped out all the pathways and running areas.  One place, alongside the dinosaur den was a ‘danger zone’, so anyone who ran across … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, self esteem | Tagged , , | 87 Comments

Early Childhood Literacy & Purple Prose

Originally posted on Elizabeth Gauffreau:
Image: greenmountainwriting.com *Shaggy Dog Story Alert* A Confession I must confess that I have a fondness for purple prose–although not, of course, in contemporary writing. Perish the thought! Writing of the florid persuasion must stay…

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, literacy | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

‘Life is Good’ – It’s More Than T-shirts

The Healing Power of Optimism Well, that caught my attention.  I know those words to be true.  I’m a preschool teacher; optimism and healing are in my pockets, and in my heart.  It’s what I do with children. That was … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 66 Comments

Gloria, Elephant & Piggie, and the Leprechaun

Saint Patrick’s Day in the classroom We tried SO hard to catch that leprechaun.  It took three days to make a trap.  First we painted a box green, then we made rainbow ladders out of popsicle sticks and tunnels out … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Gloria, Imagination, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 59 Comments

What Kids Did Before The Internet

Originally posted on beetleypete:
Being outside was a huge part of growing up. These kids, and their parents, knew how important that was. Wherever you lived, I am sure you will identify with this, as long as you are over…

Posted in Uncategorized | 37 Comments

From Little House in the Big Woods to Little House on the Prairie

My book is ‘well loved’ and completely falling apart. That shows children how important it is. I finished reading aloud Little House in the Big Woods to my preschoolers, and have just started the next book, Little House on the … Continue reading

Posted in America, chapter reading, children's books, geography, Inspiration, Learning About the World, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 51 Comments

The Last Winter Sunset

A last winter sunset.  Do you see the house looking at the barn, with wide eyes and an open mouth?  Do you see what it’s saying? Hey, barn!  Do you see what I see?  It’s a beauty of a sunset.  … Continue reading

Posted in E.B. White, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , | 46 Comments

Happy Birthday to “The Star-Spangled Banner” becoming America’s National Anthem

My well-loved and well-read book. March 3rd, 1931.  “The Star-Spangled Banner” becomes America’s National Anthem.  Wait…1931?  I remember the day I discovered the date; Milly the Quilter had finished the God Bless America Quilt, and we had been singing the … Continue reading

Posted in America, history, music, patriotism, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 61 Comments

We Got Mail!

Our pen pals in Michigan loved our valentines, and they wrote back.  That’s what pen pals do. They’re the MAC PACK.  How cool is that? Dear friends in the Aqua Room, Thank you for our Valentines.  We are so happy … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Kindness, literacy, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 51 Comments