Category Archives: behavior

‘Gloria’ Works Wonders

Some days just aren’t the best days.  Children feel that, too.  When everything seems to fall apart, there is Gloria.  She is the quiet one, the savior.  She listens to children and gets hugged – constantly.  She lives on the … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Kindness, Love, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 42 Comments

All We Need is Love

A big hug fills us up and fixes everything.  Love conquers all. All we need is love. Jennie

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, joy, Kindness, Love, preschool, young children | 32 Comments

Two Preschool Generations

Thirty years ago Nurse Eamonn was in my preschool class.  He was adorable (but don’t tell him I said that.)  In high school he did his internship in my classroom.  Ah, he had the touch.  I knew there was a … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Inspiration, preschool, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 51 Comments

The Importance Of Play

We all hear that play is important for children.  I know it’s important.  It’s their work; how they learn to make friends, negotiate, solve problems with objects, and solve problems with other children.  Play is having fun, and it’s also … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Kindness, Play, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 72 Comments

Halloween at School

Halloween at school is Pajama Day!  Everyone wears PJs, teachers included.  Of course there’s a (wonderful) method behind our madness.  Costumes can be scary for some children, and how cool is it to wear your pajamas to school! We also … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Halloween, Imagination, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 37 Comments

A Snapshot in My Classroom This Week

Teachers read aloud to children – all the time. Children model what they see. Reading is pleasure. Jennie

Posted in behavior, books, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, picture books, preschool, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 46 Comments

The Autoharp

I had just met the children.  The classroom was overflowing with eager parents and not-so-eager children.  New + big + different = scary. For fifteen minutes we looked at each other, me smiling and children with big worried eyes.  The … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, music, preschool, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 69 Comments

Gloria and Lucca, ‘Livin’ the Dream’

Everybody loves Gloria! Gloria’s social life and adventures with children are a natural result of what happens when good friends connect.  Children beg to take Gloria home for the weekend.  Her journal is packed with wonderful stories and photos of … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 50 Comments

The Important Things For Children

Nature is a teacher. Children learning to love and to care when they hold baby chicks. Their world suddenly becomes joyous.  A trip to a farm.  Doing things you have never done. Riding a tractor. And driving a tractor. Thrilling. … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Inspiration, Learning About the World, Nature, self esteem, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 72 Comments

Just Let Our Kids Play

 This is an outstanding article by Stephen Marche about letting children play (parents, step aside) and a new park in New York- Play:ground.  Plenty of research and common sense, here.  5 Stars on this one! We need to stop worrying … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Imagination, Learning About the World, Nature, self esteem, Teaching young children, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 39 Comments