Category Archives: Early Education

D-Day and Young Childen

Posted on June 6, 2019 by Jennie

I am in awe of the soldiers and sailors who are back in Normandy today, 75 years later.  I always bring patriotism into my class, and a certain page in a picture book that I read all the time helps … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , | 54 Comments

Dr. Seuss

Posted on June 5, 2019 by Jennie

Thank you Dr. Seuss for saying the most important words.  I thought I knew you well, and today you inspired me yet again with your wisdom. And now I find that the tables are turned.  I must write words of … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Love, picture books, preschool, Quotes, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 52 Comments

The Pillowcase Event

Posted on June 1, 2019 by Jennie

Did you know that the last words the brain hears before you fall asleep are what ‘sticks’, what the brain remembers?  For children this is most important. Growing up is hard work, and any good words are more than needed. … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Love, preschool, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 64 Comments

A ‘Renaissance Man’ Teacher and a Crossing Guard

Posted on May 29, 2019 by Jennie

Steve the Crossing Guard is an extraordinary teacher.  A ‘Renaissance Man’ teacher.  He is electric.  He thinks outside of the box.  And he truly understands children.  That’s what Jennie says. Wikipedia says: When the term “Renaissance man” is used, it … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, teaching, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 86 Comments

Children and Memorial Day

Posted on May 26, 2019 by Jennie

Patriotism is a constant thread in my classroom, from the American flag to singing songs.   Here are the children “flying to the red white and blue”: These moments happen all the time.  They’re spontaneous and driven by the children. … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Early Education, Giving thanks, patriotism, preschool, Singing, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 66 Comments

From Little House on the Prairie, to Geography, to Maps, to Mount Rushmore, to History… And More

Posted on May 24, 2019 by Jennie

When good reading happens in my classroom, it opens the door to so many other things. Children have questions and ideas.  Interrupting in the middle of chapter reading means children are listening and interested.  I can answer those questions and … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, history, preschool, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 64 Comments

A New Quilt – Part 4

Posted on May 19, 2019 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, Early Education, history, Imagination, Inspiration, music, patriotism, quilting, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 72 Comments

Rock and Roll (and Alexa) Save the Day

Posted on May 14, 2019 by Jennie

When there’s something wrong In your neighborhood Who you gonna call?  Alexa! “Alexa, play ‘Shout’ by the Isley Brothers.” Music is the universal language of mankind.  –Henry Wadsworth Longfellow- Jennie

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Inspiration, joy, music, Quotes, Singing, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , | 41 Comments

Mother Nature, and Alberta

Posted on May 12, 2019 by Jennie

It has taken me nearly seven decades to fully appreciate the canvas that Mother Nature paints every day.  And I still have a long way to go.  Often I feel more humbled than appreciative.  I’m working on that.  Because this … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 61 Comments

From One Superhero to Another

Posted on May 10, 2019 by Jennie

Riley and I are the two non-Captain America Superheroes in this photo.  But day in and day out, Riley is the real Superhero, the one who is always brave, helps her friends, and leads the way.  Always.  And with a … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Giving thanks, Inspiration, preschool, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 47 Comments