Category Archives: Early Education

Milly – Part 6

Posted on July 31, 2021 by Jennie

In Part 5, the children were over the moon singing “God Bless America” at every opportunity.  We sang for soldiers, and made our own God Bless America book for families, writing and illustrating all the words to the song.  Children still … Continue reading →

Posted in America, art, Early Education, Giving, history, Inspiration, military, museums, patriotism, preschool, quilting, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 53 Comments

A good education

Posted on July 25, 2021 by Jennie

Originally posted on beetleypete:
I confess that I know little of the school system today. I am aware that many teachers are unhappy, that exam results are possibly being manipulated, and Department of Education targets seem to be the driving…

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, School, teaching | Tagged , , | 41 Comments

Milly – Part 3

Posted on July 21, 2021 by Jennie

In Part 2, Milly came onto the scene, meeting the children and Gloria.  She accepted the “challenge” – as she called it – of quilting a mural which would become a Peace Quilt.  Gloria started the ball rolling with her own … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, Peace, quilting, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , | 47 Comments

Milly – Part 2

Posted on July 18, 2021 by Jennie

In Part 1, I discovered a Peace Portal at a museum and recreated it in my classroom.  Peace became a big deal and very real to children.  When I saw quilts that were murals, I knew I had to make … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, The Arts, Writing, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 66 Comments

Milly – Part 1

Posted on July 15, 2021 by Jennie

Our “This Land is Your Land” quilt was the last quilt my class made. Let’s start at the beginning. How did quilting in my classroom even begin? It was a divergent pathway. Every good story has a great backstory.  To … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, Peace, preschool, quilting, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , | 53 Comments

The Real Start of Teaching the Fourth of July – Part 4

Posted on July 10, 2021 by Jennie

In Part 3, we made a giant sketch for the quilt based on what the children felt were important parts of the song and the book, “This Land is Your Land.”  Woody’s guitar, the church from the ‘sad page’, landmarks … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, picture books, preschool, quilting, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 67 Comments

The Real Start of Teaching the Fourth of July – Part 2

Posted on July 5, 2021 by Jennie

This piece is actually about the last quilt my class made. Bloggers have asked me to ‘finish the story’. Here is Part 2, with two more to follow. Over the summer I will go back to the beginning, how it … Continue reading →

Posted in America, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, geography, Gloria, Inspiration, music, picture books, quilting, Singing, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 51 Comments

The Real Start of Teaching the Fourth of July

Posted on July 3, 2021 by Jennie

The Fourth of July – America’s declaration of independence.  I teach children about the American flag, and patriotism.  It’s important.  Best of all, children often lead the way.  Their interests are the springboard for the best learning. The Fourth of … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Early Education, geography, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, music, patriotism, picture books, preschool, quilting, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 72 Comments

End of the School Year, a Family Event

Posted on June 20, 2021 by Jennie

“Gloria, we’re going to a castle. It’s a party for the Aqua Room families. You’re in charge of the picnic basket.” “Are you having a fun ride in the wagon? It’s a long ride up the hill.” “Whoa!  What is … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Gloria, Inspiration, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 74 Comments

Chapter Reading Newsletter to Families

Posted on June 17, 2021 by Jennie

My final newsletter to families at school, telling them how important reading aloud chapter books is to their children.  Hopefully this opens the door for them. Chapter Reading June 16, 2021 Chapter reading is one of our treasured moments of … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, reading aloud, reading aloud, School | Tagged , , , , , , , | 71 Comments