Category Archives: art

In the Words of a Child, an Art Masterpiece

Posted on March 22, 2018 by Jennie

The children have started painting in earnest, and studying both art and techniques.  All this work and joy is in preparation for our annual Art Show.  Much more on that to come. I want to share a funny story this … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 80 Comments

80 Years of Caldecott Winners

Posted on March 19, 2018 by Jennie

For all you book lovers, this year marks the 80th year of the prestigious Caldecott Medal Award. The Randolph Caldecott Medal annually recognizes the preceding year’s “most distinguished American picture book for children”, beginning with 1937 publications. This award is … Continue reading →

Posted in art, books, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, museums, picture books, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 52 Comments

The Violin and Ice Hockey and St. Patrick’s Day

Posted on March 17, 2018 by Jennie

Tonight, St. Patrick’s Day, the Boston Bruins play the Tampa Bay Lightening.  Two great ice hockey teams.  The National Anthem always introduces the game with a variety of singers.  Not tonight.  Two musicians played “The Star Spangled Banner” – a … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, music, patriotism, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , | 44 Comments

Ten Authors and Artists Share Their Inspiration

Posted on October 9, 2017 by Jennie

There I was, listening to the best children’s book authors and illustrators at the Eric Carle Museum of picture Book Art, talking about what inspired them.  I couldn’t write fast enough (yes, I took a flurry of notes) or listen … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Author interview, books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading aloud, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 35 Comments

Understanding Art and Heart

Posted on September 28, 2017 by Jennie

In September, I send large folders home to children and their families to decorate, together.  Throughout the year, these folders are used to transport their child’s art work each time we send it home.  It’s our Art Pony Express, delivering … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Quotes, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 44 Comments

Meeting an Author

Posted on July 31, 2017 by Jennie

Last week I met Eric Carle. Let me say it a little louder, “Last week I met Eric Carle!”  The man, a world renowned children’s author and illustrator, is 88 years old.  His history is fascinating.  So is he. My author … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Author interview, Early Education, Eric Carle, Leo Lionni, museums, picture books, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 73 Comments

The Art Museum

Posted on July 20, 2017 by Jennie

Museums are always a source of wonder and inspiration for me.  I introduce art in a big way to my preschool class, so when I’m inspired, they are, too.  This week I visited the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 79 Comments

The Art Show

Posted on April 14, 2017 by Jennie

“It took me a lifetime to learn to draw like a child.” -Pablo Picasso- When I brought the children to see the Art Show this week, the first words were from a child, Allie.  She said, “This is beautiful!”  She … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Imagination, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 38 Comments

Milly and Our Peace Quilt

Posted on April 7, 2017 by Jennie

In the fall of 2015, the children in my classroom wrote a Peace Book; what they thought peace really was, through their eyes.  The book was genuine: my new baby sister, the ocean, reading a book, dinner with my family, and … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Imagination, Peace, quilting, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 50 Comments

Music Keeps Inspiring Art

Posted on April 1, 2017 by Jennie

Artists just… know.  So do children.  They both tell the world their passion through painting.  When music becomes part of creating art, magic happens. “Art should make you feel, like music.”  -Wassily Kandinsky- Kandinsky is a favorite artist with the children.  They … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Imagination, music, Quotes, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 62 Comments