Category Archives: America

“Blue Sky, White Stars”, the New Book about America and our Flag

Posted on May 24, 2020 by

How do you teach children about America – past and also present? How do you teach about our flag? How do you smile a deep down smile, with childhood memories? How and what do you you remember? Blue Sky, White … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, books, children's books, Early Education, history, patriotism, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 51 Comments

Children and “The Star-Spangled Banner” – Including a Video

Posted on May 21, 2020 by

This is a repost, and I have included a video of me reading aloud this important book, singing the words, and talking about our American flag and National Anthem. Bringing our National Anthem to Life Few books have the power … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Book Review, children's books, Early Education, history, military, patriotism, picture books, reading aloud, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 31 Comments

The Past Two (and more ) Weeks – School Then and Now, Part 4

Posted on April 16, 2020 by

In Part 3, I jumped right into what children need most and what I do best, reading aloud.  Setting up a YouTube channel gave them stories every day.  It was also a constant.  Then, we challenged children with art, scavenger hunts, … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Dogs, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, geography, history, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , | 83 Comments

Norman Rockwell, My Grandmother, My Dad, and Me

Posted on February 24, 2020 by

Norman Rockwell had a profound influence on my life.  Thank goodness he still does.  It all started with my grandmother, Nan.  She was the salt of the earth, strong and loving, and lived her childhood much like Little House on … Continue reading →

Posted in America, art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, military, museums, patriotism, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 82 Comments

Miracle On Ice

Posted on February 20, 2020 by

Today is the 40th anniversary of ‘Miracle on Ice’, when Team USA beat the Soviet Union in the medal round in ice hockey at the 1980 Olympics. This is not a sports story.  This is a story of what can … Continue reading →

Posted in America, behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, history, Inspiration, patriotism, preschool, self esteem, Teaching young children | 40 Comments

“The” Quote 0f 2019 – 50 years later

Posted on December 28, 2019 by

Fifty years ago the first astronauts landed on the moon.  This event brought to the world the victory of science, hopes and dreams – and proof that anything can be achieved with hard work, bravery and spirit. In recognition of … Continue reading →

Posted in America, geography, Inspiration, patriotism, Quotes | Tagged , , , | 52 Comments

TV and Reading

Posted on December 19, 2019 by

Many years ago, Finland purchased old American TV shows.  One was “McHale’s Navy”. The problem was, they didn’t have the money to change the language from English into Finnish on the show.  Instead,  they put in subtitles.  The printed word … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Early Education, preschool, reading | Tagged , , , , , , | 62 Comments

Pearl Harbor Day

Posted on December 7, 2019 by

Today, December 7th, is Pearl Harbor Day.  I think of the children and their families on that day, caught up in the excitement of Christmas, only to have their lives abruptly changed.  Suddenly Santa must have been a far away … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Early Education, history, young children | Tagged , , , , , | 49 Comments

“Day is Done”

Posted on November 28, 2019 by

After Thanksgiving dinner, this was the sunset. I was overcome. I started to sing this song. I don’t know why, perhaps it was the family and the memories back inside the house, but I know I had to sing it. … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Singing, summer camp, Thanksgiving | Tagged , , , | 56 Comments

Thanking a Veteran and Astronaut

Posted on November 10, 2019 by

As soon as the leaves begin to fall, I start teaching children patriotic songs.  I have my Big Book Atlas handy to look at and talk about America.  Of course the American flag hangs in my classroom. All of this … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Early Education, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, military, patriotism, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 66 Comments