Category Archives: behavior

Gloria’s Wonderful Debut

Welcome, Gloria!  Children loved her from Day One.  After all these years, I often think about the wonder of her magic, connecting with children.  They want to be her friend.  They want to take care of her.  Here she is … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Family, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , | 56 Comments

Brilliant!

Sometimes I read something that makes me stop in my tracks, takes my breath away: I believe we are simple creatures with a complex makeup. That may not make sense but think about it in its simplest form:  we are … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Kindness, Mindfulness | Tagged , , | 39 Comments

Gloria in the Heat Wave

Our neighbors came over for a swim after dinner.  Things had started to cool down and the sun was behind the trees.  Their children love us, and of course follow me everywhere.  6 and 4 year olds do that (thank … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, Love, young children | Tagged , , | 91 Comments

Gloria Goes to Missouri – Part 1

Gloria has been visiting Zeb the zebra in Missouri.  Back in January, Zeb came to visit Gloria in Massachusetts.  Both were lonely, and together their friendship blossomed – thanks to the children. Children – that’s the magic word.  It was … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Diversity, geography, Gloria, Heart, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, Play, School, teaching | Tagged , , , , | 78 Comments

Real Connections With Children – From a Carpet Sweeper to a Princess Phone

Teachers need to connect with children.  That’s a given.  The smiles, hugs, and laughing are always the foundation for developing relationships with children. While these positive interactions are the most common, sometimes unexpected moments – bad moments – can become … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Mindfulness, preschool, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 76 Comments

No Captain? Brilliant!

The Boston Bruins hockey team had a major change of players last week.  The team captain was traded, along with three other terrific players.  It was a shock. The ‘front office’ announced there would be no team captain for the … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 59 Comments

Gloria and Zeb to the Rescue

Gloria has been a bit lonely this year.  The children love her, yet she spends much of her days sitting on the couch.  I see her smiling at the children.  I wonder how her heart feels. We’re learning about Africa.  … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, geography, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 107 Comments

Remembering the Little Things

The little things are the big things in life although we often don’t see it at the moment. You never know when the things you do will be meaningful or important to others. Goodness always carries the right message. My … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Giving thanks, Heart, Inspiration, Kindness, Student alumni | Tagged , | 64 Comments

Family Photo Collages

Our first parent event at school is Back-To-School Night.  We have a meet-and-greet, parents connect with each other and with teachers, and we talk about our philosophy and curriculum. Then, parents make a family photo collage for their child.  It … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, joy, Love, picture books, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 69 Comments

Mr. Rogers and Play – the Job of a Child – My Letter to Families

In the words of Mr. Rogers, a child’s job is to play.  It’s the basis for learning, ‘Life-101’ for young children.  Because play is so important, and complex, I needed to communicate this to my preschool families: This is the … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Play, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 60 Comments