Category Archives: art

Kings and Queens, Writing Letters, Doctor Dolittle, and Pfizer

Posted on December 11, 2020 by Jennie

We just finished a wonderful unit on Kings and Queens at school.  What child doesn’t want to be a king or queen, live in a castle, and dream of dragons? Of course things took a turn – quite a turn. … Continue reading →

Posted in art, children's books, Death and dying, England, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Learning About the World, picture books, picture stories, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 54 Comments

A Visit to the Eric Carle Museum – More Than I Imagined

Posted on December 1, 2020 by Jennie

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts is a favorite for any lover of children’s books – because it exhibits the original art illustrations of the books.  One of my first visits was to see the … Continue reading →

Posted in art, books, children's books, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, museums, picture books, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 71 Comments

Reading Aloud “Ox-Cart Man”

Posted on November 22, 2020 by Jennie

At the request of fellow bloggers, here is a video of me reading aloud the classic children’s picture book, “Ox-Cart Man.” But first, I wanted to show you a mural the children made last year that hangs as a permanent … Continue reading →

Posted in America, art, books, children's books, Early Education, geography, history, Inspiration, Nature, Particia MacLachlan, picture books, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 69 Comments

The Old Burying Ground

Posted on October 18, 2020 by Jennie

I love history.  It’s the stories, and understanding life way back when, that is deeply important – to me.  When those lives are on hallowed ground, in the beauty of fall, history comes alive. Groton’s Old Burying Ground is simply … Continue reading →

Posted in America, art, Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, geography, history, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 100 Comments

The Student’s Letter…and More

Posted on September 20, 2020 by Jennie

Roshan visiting four years ago. I am always surprised when I hear from a former student.  This letter from Roshan made my day: Dear Ms. Jennie, How are you doing? This is Roshan. I am currently in 12th grade this … Continue reading →

Posted in America, art, Early Education, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, Math, military, music, patriotism, preschool, Quotes, Student alumni, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , | 72 Comments

The Green Mountain State – Vermont, Part 2

Posted on August 16, 2020 by Jennie

This sight brought on a huge smile. A big American flag against the backdrop of the Green Mountains. Life is good. Our destination was the Bennington Museum in Bennington, Vermont.  There’s a back story here, which many of my longtime … Continue reading →

Posted in America, art, geography, Inspiration, museums, Nature, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 61 Comments

More at The Carle, the Art of Maira Kalman, and “Fireboat”

Posted on July 31, 2020 by Jennie

After visiting the Angels exhibition at the Eric Carle Museum, I viewed the art of Maira Kalman. I knew this dog, at least I thought I did.  While there was something familiar here, I had to admit I don’t really … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 52 Comments

A New Exhibit, Eric Carle’s Art Comes Full Circle…and More

Posted on July 30, 2020 by Jennie

After months of having to close its doors to the public, the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Massachusetts has reopened.  I was thrilled.  The number of visitors and safety procedures were controlled, yet the experience was full … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, museums, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , | 48 Comments

The Sky, and Really Talking

Posted on July 27, 2020 by Jennie

A hot night and a beautiful sky. We dangled our feet in the water and looked up. The wonder and conversation began. The quarter moon a few days ago is now a half moon. Did the first caveman watch the … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Imagination, Inspiration, Learning About the World, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 46 Comments

Shining Stars

Posted on April 20, 2020 by Jennie

I looked at the stars tonight. I thought about the children in my class. I wasn’t sad, because children are shining stars. Jennie

Posted in art, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 51 Comments