Monthly Archives: May 2026

Not All Days Are Good Days

Today was a tough day.  Nothing seemed to go right.  If you know the classic book, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, you know what I mean. It started with drop-offs.  Children who never cry cried.  For … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Mindfulness, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , | 43 Comments

A Memorial Day Remembrance

Every year at school we have a Memorial Day Remembrance.  It’s important for children, well…for everybody.  Making it meaningful for young children is not easy, but Retired Master Sergeant Michael Kennedy does a remarkable job. He asks children, “Who likes … Continue reading

Posted in America, American flag, children's books, Community, Death and dying, history, military, patriotism, picture books, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 36 Comments

News From England!

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Talking Death With Children

Death is the dreaded “D” word when talking with children, but it doesn’t have to be.  It can be an open door to a much needed conversation.  Here’s what happened at school: Our Memory Garden at school is visited by … Continue reading

Posted in Community, Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, Kindness, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , | 61 Comments

Wishtree, by Kathrine Applegate – Then and Now

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, chapter reading, children's books, Community, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Heart, Imagination, Inspiration, Library, literacy, reading, reading aloud | Tagged , , | 82 Comments

Welcoming Gloria Back to the Classroom – Katy!

Gloria, we missed you!  You made a friend from England?  Yes, and her name is Katy.  She brought you into the classroom.  The children were thrilled.  She wore an English hat, a boa, and long white gloves. Katy is famous … Continue reading

Posted in Community, Diversity, England, Family, geography, Gloria, Inspiration, Learning About the World, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 62 Comments

Remember Karla and Zeb?

Last year Gloria visited Karla and her school children in Missouri.  Zeb, Karla’s lovie, visited the Aqua Roomers.  It was wonderful. Zeb is not only Karla’s lovie, he is the mascot for the rare form of cancer she has.  Karla … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 40 Comments