Category Archives: Diversity

Gloria’s Sleepover At My House

Posted on January 3, 2024 by Jennie

Gloria has been everywhere this year – except with me.  She had a sleepover at my house last night!  When it was time for her to go to bed, she wanted a story (of course), so I read to her … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, picture books, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , | 75 Comments

Gloria and the College Football Player

Posted on November 19, 2023 by Jennie

Gloria has been away every weekend.  Her adventures have been numerous, and what she brings to children cannot be measured.  I will post her journal excerpts after Thanksgiving.  In the meantime, I have to share one of my favorite photos: … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 66 Comments

Gloria and the President

Posted on October 19, 2023 by Jennie

After watching the President speak to the nation and Hubby’s lightbulb question, here is what I sent to families tonight: Hi Families, My husband and I watched the President address the nation tonight.  The speech was full of passion for … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Inspiration, Love | Tagged , , | 39 Comments

Gloria’s Debut, and a Letter to Parents

Posted on October 12, 2023 by Jennie

I’m always a bit nervous with excitement when Gloria makes her ‘debut’ in the classroom.  I know the children will welcome her because every year she is loved from Day One.  Today was no exception.  Frankly, it was wonderful.  She … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Gloria, Inspiration, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 79 Comments

The Road Out of Hate

Posted on October 10, 2023 by Jennie

Hate is the ugliest and most debilitating feeling.  I know, and I have come a long way.  Growing up in the south in America in the 50’s and 60’s, there was hate.  The wall of segregation made sure that hate … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration | Tagged , , , | 51 Comments

Happy Birthday, Gloria!

Posted on April 30, 2023 by Jennie

After all these years, Gloria had a real Birthday Party. Children were excited to plan the event. They were giving, and children love to give. They decorated a big Birthday Party invitation. The invitation went to Gloria’s old friend, Rosie, … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 66 Comments

Hector Fox at the Eric Carle Museum, and More

Posted on February 26, 2023 by Jennie

Few museums give patrons an up-close, personal experience.  The Eric Carle Museum in Massachusetts is a master at doing just that.  Their three rotating exhibits are grounded in the best art of illustrators, and patrons can be inches away from … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Book Review, children's books, Diversity, Dogs, literacy, museums, picture books, reading, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , | 70 Comments

Gloria – How She Came to Be

Posted on January 21, 2023 by Jennie

So, how did Gloria the puppet become Gloria the person? I know puppets help teach preschoolers.  Any good teacher knows that.  When I first realized that a puppet in the classroom would be a great teaching tool, I had no … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 64 Comments

Gloria – a New Visit and an Old Visit

Posted on January 20, 2023 by Jennie

Gloria spent the weekend with Lukas.  Lukas adores Gloria.  The two have been bonded at the hip.  When Gloria spends a weekend with an Aqua Roomer, she carries along her journal, and it is always filled with adventures and photos. … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Dogs, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Gloria, Inspiration, Love, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 54 Comments

Never Underestimate Children’s Creativity

Posted on November 17, 2022 by Jennie

I am still learning.  After 39 years of teaching preschool, I still learn from children.  Thank goodness!  Today was one of those days, or I should say one of those ‘moments’. It happened like this… We’re learning about woodland animals.  … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Diversity, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 71 Comments