Category Archives: Early Education

My Favorite Bear Books, Part 1

Posted on January 30, 2020 by Jennie

Winter is here, and it is time to feel cozy, just like bears.  I love bears and bear stories. Children do too.  While stories about animals are always popular, bear stories are favorites, year after year. Here are my favorite … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, picture books, reading, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , | 56 Comments

A Walk Down Memory Lane – Photos Tell the Stories

Posted on January 27, 2020 by Jennie

I have been plugging away at deleting photos from my media library, because I am close to using up my available space.  I know, it’s only a photo, but as I scroll through the photos, every one has been a … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, Author interview, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, history, Inspiration, military, Nature, picture books, play performances, preschool, quilting, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 103 Comments

A Free ‘Oral Vaccine’ for Literacy

Posted on January 12, 2020 by Jennie

Yes, there really is a free oral vaccine for literacy.  It is reading aloud.  No, not reading.  Reading aloud.  Because, in order to become a reader (and a lifelong reader) you have to hear the words – first – over … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Jim Trelease, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 67 Comments

“Bob” and Book Bears

Posted on January 10, 2020 by Jennie

My Book Bears reading group at the library meets every month.  We read a book, and have a discussion about the book the following month.  If that was the only thing that happened at Book Bears, it would be dreadful.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , | 56 Comments

Early Morning Dad

Posted on January 7, 2020 by Jennie

Bright and early, Dad and his son arrive at school to play in my classroom before classes begin. No morning rush. Putting a puzzle together for a short while is far more important. I long to go back in time … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 74 Comments

The Concord Museum and Literacy Trees

Posted on January 6, 2020 by Jennie

My recent visit to the Concord Museum in Concord, MA to see their annual literacy trees (my words), trees decorated in the theme of a children’s book, was outstanding.  Each tree makes a book come alive.  But first, here is … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Book Review, books, children's books, museums, picture books, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , | 57 Comments

Gloria’s Holiday, a Final Adventure

Posted on January 3, 2020 by Jennie

Today Gloria’s journal was delivered to the class with a final entry, her adventures over Thanksgiving, snow days, and the build up to Christmas.  I promised her I would share it.  She was very excited.  Of course it was hard … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Gloria, Inspiration, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 57 Comments

Gloria’s Happy New Year

Posted on January 3, 2020 by Jennie

Taking Gloria home for a weekend is a big deal for children.  Taking her home for the holidays is an even bigger deal.  Gloria spent Christmas and New Years with Landon and Savannah.  She returned today, to be greeted by … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Kindness, Love, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 45 Comments

“Starry Night” Continues

Posted on December 31, 2019 by Jennie

The walls in my classroom are mostly filled with children’s art, as it should be.  Gone are the flashy colors and cute teacher decorations.  I learned long ago they are more of a distraction than anything else to children.  My … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, Love, museums, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 78 Comments

The True Story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Posted on December 24, 2019 by Jennie

The Story of Rudolph While there are slightly different variations on this true story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, most of this story is accurate.  More importantly, it is heartwarming and goes well beyond the making of the story – … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Death and dying, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Singing, storytelling | Tagged , , , , | 66 Comments