Category Archives: Early Education

Looking For a Good Book?

To start the school year, I always pick a random selection of books for my classroom bookshelf.  Nothing theme-y, just good literature.  Poetry, rhyming, humor, old favorites and new award winners.  So take a look, go reading, and get lost … Continue reading

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, picture books, preschool, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 65 Comments

The Autoharp

I had just met the children.  The classroom was overflowing with eager parents and not-so-eager children.  New + big + different = scary. For fifteen minutes we looked at each other, me smiling and children with big worried eyes.  The … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, music, preschool, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 69 Comments

School, Yesterday and Today

Yesterday:  The classroom is a disaster.  So much to do.  Overwhelming.  How will I ever be ready? Today: Lookin’ good! Tomorrow:  Children!  I can’t wait. ❤️ Jennie

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Teaching young children, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , | 51 Comments

Picture Books

The school year is beginning, and I turn to the most important thing I do in teaching – reading aloud.  This is an earlier post that explodes with many picture books I discovered, and how they became the golden key. … Continue reading

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, picture books, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 65 Comments

An Open Letter To Teachers

Dear Teachers, As you start your new school year there is one word that will get you through the uncertainty and the worry.  It’s the same word that is the heart of educating.  That word is ‘joy’.  No, it’s not … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, Teaching young children, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , | 81 Comments

The Legacy of Milly, Part 10 – The Final Curtain

In Part 9, Milly continued her visits to school.  The children and Gloria were always thrilled when it was a ‘Milly day’.  At last, after years of quilts that went away to places of honor, Milly made a quilt, “Our Towns” … Continue reading

Posted in art, books, Death and dying, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Peace, quilting, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 98 Comments

The Legacy of Milly, Part 9

In Part 8, Milly and the children were guests of honor at the one-year anniversary of the Boston Fisher House.  With a full crowd in attendance, including members of the Fisher family, we presented the God Bless America quilt.  And, a … Continue reading

Posted in art, Early Education, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Peace, quilting, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 58 Comments

Storms and Rainbows

A violent thunderstorm this evening brought  crackling lightening and booming thunder. All in a moment, two rainbows appeared. And then the power of one intensified and literally glowed. Nature is a wonder. “Those who don’t believe in magic will never … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 51 Comments

The Legacy of Milly, Part 8

In Part 7, the God Bless America quilt was delivered to the Massachusetts Fisher House in Boston.  The plan was to have a grand event and send-off, but the Director asked if Boston could have the quilt.  Headquarters not only agreed, … Continue reading

Posted in art, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, military, patriotism, quilting, Singing, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 45 Comments

Roots, Wings, and Thunderstorms

A beautiful sky was appearing after the storm tonight.  I love thunderstorms. Watching the clouds grow and change as a storm builds is exciting.  The light becomes very different.  Mother Nature is getting ready to put on quite a show. … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Imagination, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, self esteem, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 64 Comments