Category Archives: Early Education

Gloria and the Indians

Posted on June 6, 2021 by Jennie

‘Gloria’ was very involved in a recent discussion on Indians.  It was a huge moment in teaching.  She understands being different. It happened like this… I have finished reading “Little House on the Prairie” to my preschoolers.  At the end … Continue reading →

Posted in America, chapter reading, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, history, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , | 63 Comments

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 , , , , | 79 Comments

Play

Posted on May 23, 2021 by Jennie

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” ~Mr. Rogers~ The dinosaurs are congregating. They don’t look happy. “They need … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 83 Comments

Goodnight Moon

Posted on May 17, 2021 by Jennie

Before children learn to read, first they must hear the words.  It’s developmental, like learning to crawl before learning to walk.  The auditory piece, including singing, hits both the brain and the soul in learning.  In my preschool class, reading … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 67 Comments

Our Wish Tree

Posted on May 13, 2021 by Jennie

What is a Wish Tree? Wikipedia says: A wish tree is an individual tree, usually distinguished by species, position or appearance, which is used as an object of wishes and offerings.  Such trees are identified as possessing a special spiritual … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, Love, Nature, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 82 Comments

Reading Aloud & Reading – There’s a Big Difference.

Posted on May 9, 2021 by Jennie

My greatest passion is reading aloud to children.  I thought it was time to talk about the difference between reading and reading aloud, as I often post about good children’s books.  While reading is the goal, the dream- reading aloud … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Early Education, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 99 Comments

Reading Aloud + Family History = The Best Learning

Posted on May 2, 2021 by Jennie

We often take it for granted that we have fresh water to drink.  Children certainly do. In our chapter reading book, “Little House on the Prairie”, Pa and Mr. Scott dig a well.  Learning where fresh water comes from was … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, Early Education, Family, history, Learning About the World, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , | 124 Comments

Seeds of Generosity

Posted on April 23, 2021 by Jennie

Charli Mills over at the Carrot Ranch posted her flash fiction challenge: Seeds of Generosity Spreading the seeds of generosity from one story to the next. April 15, 2021, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 50 Comments

The Real Beginning of ‘Gloria’

Posted on April 22, 2021 by Jennie

Last year at this time all of my teaching was done remotely.  It was hard, and I reached out in so many ways to make things fun and keep a connection with my preschoolers. Here is what I did, in … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, Student alumni, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 85 Comments