Category Archives: behavior

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

You Belong!

At school, we have a theme song each year.  This year it is “You Belong!”, a perfect song to let children know that – no matter what – we all belong.  It has become our ‘wake-up song’.  When nap is … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Heart, Inspiration, Kindness, Quotes, self esteem, Singing, wonder | Tagged , , , | 72 Comments

Welcome, Gloria!

Gloria made her classroom debut.  We don’t have returning students from last year in the class, so she was all new.  For everyone. You could have heard a pin drop. It was hard to get Gloria to look, much less … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Gloria, Heart, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 70 Comments

Joy is the Magic Word – For Everyone

This re-post is a letter to teachers.  It’s the foundation of connecting with children, and teaching, and making a difference. Frankly, it is a life lesson.  It’s all about how we see things – our outlook and attitude. Dear Teachers, … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Heart, Inspiration, joy, Love | Tagged , , , | 80 Comments

How To Catch a Leprechaun

Jennie

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, wonder | Tagged , | 47 Comments