Monthly Archives: September 2023

I Was There!

I was at the library the same day he was. It was his birthday, six years old at last, which means he can get his very own library card. He did! Look at his enormous smile. I was his preschool … Continue reading

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Inspiration, literacy, reading, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 74 Comments

The Mystery Gifter

Remember my beloved 9/11 pin that I gifted to the granddaughter of a NYC firefighter, who fought bravely that terrible day?  Here is what happened:  9/11 – Learning and Giving, Today The story doesn’t end there. This week I went … Continue reading

Posted in America, American flag, Giving, Giving thanks, patriotism | Tagged , , | 52 Comments

My Summer Book Reading

My summer book reading was absolutely wonderful. Not only were the books terrific, the collection was broad, from picture books to chapter reading, to books for much older children (and adults.) Can I pick a favorite?  Absolutely not. Sea Dog, … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 76 Comments

Oscar the Otter, Pete Springer, and the Big Get Well Letter

Two things happened at the same time; fellow blogger Pete Springer received a pacemaker, and school began.  Here’s the connection- Pete visited my class two years ago all the way from California, and gifted the children Oscar the Otter.  It … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 74 Comments

9/11 – Learning and Giving, Today

Tonight, 9/11, 7:00 P.M. Photo was taken from Hoboken, NJ right across the water. Before I went to school today, ready to help children honor heroes and learn about the American flag, I sent a text to all the teachers, … Continue reading

Posted in America, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Kindness, patriotism | Tagged , , | 54 Comments

Books to Read on 9/11

On this day, 9/11, we must remember the tragedy.  We must never forget the bravery of firefighters and police officers, and so many people who stopped their lives to do the right thing.  There are stories to help us remember. … Continue reading

Posted in America, American flag, books, children's books, history, patriotism, picture books, reading, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 38 Comments

Imagination is the root of learning, discovery, and joy. Thank you, Charles French, for these excellent quotations on imagination.

Posted in Uncategorized | 15 Comments

School – Day One

I tossed and turned the night before school, as I always do every year. Will I remember the children I met last week? Will they remember me? Will we connect? I walked into school smiling at our Peace Dove. I … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Love, music, Peace, preschool, School, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 79 Comments

Summer Reading

As I was starting a blog post on the books I have read this summer, a parent sent me this photo: Two former students, one reading to the other – while at the pool! This photo is far more important … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, literacy, preschool, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, teaching, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 52 Comments

Oh No – Not Yet

No!  No!  You are not supposed to turn red – yet.  I love fall and the beautiful red leaves… just not yet.  It’s the end of August, and you are welcome in October.  Not now. What?  Your tree has more?  … Continue reading

Posted in Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , | 68 Comments