Category Archives: Death and dying

Preschoolers and Memorial Day

Posted on May 30, 2021 by Jennie

How do I teach preschoolers about Memorial Day? I start at the beginning, with a great book that teaches children about America. I teach them how to sing “God Bless America”, starting by singing the book. We then learn about … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, children's books, Death and dying, Early Education, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, military, patriotism, picture books, School, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 81 Comments

Eric Carle Has Died

Posted on May 26, 2021 by Jennie

Eric Carle died this past weekend at age 91.  I’m strong, and I’m prepared for most anything, yet learning today that Eric Carle died hit me hard.  He was the mainstay of literature for young children.  “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Death and dying, Early Education, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, museums, picture books, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 77 Comments

Sue Vincent, the Wordsmith and Giver

Posted on March 1, 2021 by Jennie

A true wordsmith can pack a punch into few words that leaves the reader feeling as if s/he has been given a golden key to questioning and understanding. A wordsmith who is also a giver leaves the reader feeling that … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Giving thanks, Inspiration, reading, storytelling, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 77 Comments

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

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

My Summer of Books – Part 3

Posted on August 30, 2020 by Jennie

In Part 1 and Part 2, I reviewed the picture books in the photo below.  These books were new and wonderful reads this summer. Part 3: Upper grade books for older children. I had a double-dose of Patricia MacLachlan books.  Lucky me!  After … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Death and dying, Diversity, Dogs, E.B. White, Expressing words and feelings, history, Inspiration, Particia MacLachlan, reading | Tagged , , , , , , , | 68 Comments

A Teacher’s Story – #3

Posted on June 9, 2020 by Jennie

Never underestimate the difference you can make for another person.  We all know that a smile can make someone else’s day.  If you are a teacher, and things are falling apart in the classroom, follow your instinct and do what … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, military, teaching | Tagged , , , , | 80 Comments

A Teacher’s Story – #1

Posted on June 3, 2020 by Jennie

When I was a new teacher I stumbled across this wonderful story.  I still have my well-worn hard copy, which I read from time to time.  It never gets old, it fills me up. I’ve read that it may not … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Death and dying, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, self esteem, teaching | Tagged , , , , , | 78 Comments

Rodgers and Hammerstein, My Mother, and Me

Posted on March 14, 2020 by Jennie

It was my tenth birthday.  Ten was the age when we graduated from birthday parties with paper hats and streamers and playing ‘Pin the Tail on the Donkey’. For my birthday I had the choice of taking three friends to … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, music, Singing, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 80 Comments

Charli Mills, Bobo, and “The Poet’s Dog”

Posted on February 12, 2020 by Jennie

Charli Mills over at Carrot Ranch Literary Community posted her new flash fiction challenge.  She always starts with an incredible prologue, a personal writing that paints a deeper picture of the challenge.  I love what she writes. Charli makes me … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, books, children's books, Death and dying, Dogs, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Particia MacLachlan, self esteem, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 89 Comments