Category Archives: Death and dying

Talking Death and Dying with Children – Part 2

Posted on February 13, 2019 by Jennie

In Part 1, I opened the doors to talking with young children about death and dying. Finding a dead bunny on the playground was the opportunity I needed.  Children are often angry when a pet or loved one dies.  I shared … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Death and dying, Dogs, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 55 Comments

Talking Death and Dying with Children – Part 1

Posted on February 9, 2019 by Jennie

“Jennie, come quick!  You need to come right now!” Vivian was wide-eyed and worried.  I knew this was serious.  I sprinted with her over to the bushes and around to the backside.  There lay a bunny.  It looked to be … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Death and dying, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Nature, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 92 Comments

Language, Literacy, and Storytelling – Part 5 – The Conclusion

Posted on October 30, 2018 by Jennie

In Part 4, I shared my storytelling at school.  In the bathroom I use rhyming words and tell make-believe stories.  I incorporate children’s names into the story.  I add complex vocabulary words.  At lunchtime, I tell Jennie Stories, true stories of … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Death and dying, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, Kindness, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, storytelling, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 42 Comments

Milly – The Epilogue

Posted on August 16, 2018 by Jennie

This card was passed out at the memorial service. It’s an odd thing to say that a eulogy was inspirational.  Yet for Milly, how could it be anything less?  And, it’s unusual to laugh out loud at the words the … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Love, Peace, quilting, storytelling, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 53 Comments

The Legacy of Milly, Part 10 – The Final Curtain

Posted on August 12, 2018 by Jennie

In Part 9, Milly continued her visits to school.  The children and Gloria were always thrilled when it was a ‘Milly day’.  At last, after years of quilts that went away to places of honor, Milly made a quilt, “Our Towns” … Continue reading →

Posted in art, books, Death and dying, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Peace, quilting, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 98 Comments

His Memory Corner For Milly

Posted on July 19, 2018 by Jennie

A “Memory Corner” made for Milly from a child who adored her. A favorite birthday photo of them together, laughing and wearing a silly hat. Tiny treasures carefully and lovingly arranged, and a note that reads: “Dear Milly, I hope … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, young children | Tagged , , , , | 72 Comments

The Legacy of Milly the Quilter- a Series of Stories

Posted on June 30, 2018 by Jennie

Milly the quilter, a beloved friend to children in my classroom (and to me!) for ages, and the creator of many quilts designed by the children and hanging in places of prominence, has recently passed away.  Her last words to … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Early Education, quilting, storytelling | Tagged , , , , , , | 75 Comments

What Happens at Chapter Reading, Part II

Posted on June 8, 2018 by Jennie

Our final chapter reading book this year at school is Little House on the Prairie, by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  The last chapter that we read, ‘Indians in the House’, sparked intense questions and conversations about Indians and people who are … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Death and dying, Early Education, Family, history, reading aloud, reading aloud, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 38 Comments

Snow Swim Challenge

Posted on March 31, 2018 by Jennie

Up until yesterday I had never participated in a challenge, such as the Ice Bucket Challenge, to raise awareness for illnesses.  The father of a young child at our school has been diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer.  Vann Ly … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Inspiration, Kindness, Love | Tagged , , , , , , | 46 Comments

Children Talking Death and Dying… It’s Good

Posted on December 4, 2017 by Jennie

Recently on the playground I watched children happily engaged in play.  The important part to them was someone dying.  It may sound grim, but it was really a happy game of imaginary play.  The characters were a mom and a … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Early Education, Learning About the World | Tagged , , , | 58 Comments