Category Archives: Early Education

The Book That Changed Thanksgiving

Posted on November 27, 2017 by Jennie

When I visit with the grandchildren, a beloved ritual is reading a story before bedtime. The musicality of words floating into the ear and going into the mind becomes an arrow that pierces the heart.  It always happens that way. … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 74 Comments

When Children Drive the Boat at Storytime

Posted on November 20, 2017 by Jennie

I’ve often said that the best learning and most meaningful experiences with children happen unexpectedly.  And, it happens all the time, especially with picture books.  You just have to seize the moment and be ready to let go of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 47 Comments

When Nothing Goes Right, There’s Mister Rogers

Posted on November 15, 2017 by Jennie

Mister Rogers Nothing went right yesterday at school.  I should check to see if there was a full moon. Grumpy was the mood of the day for children.  At our Morning Meeting Allie, Gloria’s BFF, stood with her arms crossed.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Kindness, Love | Tagged , , , , , | 57 Comments

Gloria and Allie

Posted on November 13, 2017 by Jennie

Everyone adores Gloria, and I do mean everyone.  After all, she is the nice one, the good friend.  She gives children unconditional love.  Do you know that Gloria has a journal?  It is well-worn from love.  When children take Gloria … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Giving, Gloria, Kindness, Love, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 37 Comments

How the Circus Brought Patriotism into My Classroom

Posted on November 10, 2017 by Jennie

Patriotism. I have always felt pride in America.  It was just part of my growing up, and that’s a good thing.  My fifth grade teacher, Miss Pinson, taught us to sing all the patriotic songs.  She sang with gusto, and … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, Early Education, Giving, patriotism, Singing, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 39 Comments

The Presence of Wonder

Posted on November 6, 2017 by Jennie

“Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder.“  -E.B. White- I do that every day at school. …from morning Watching the sun make colors come alive. Children discovering ladybugs everywhere.  Each one is different. …till evening Snuggling together … Continue reading →

Posted in E.B. White, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 54 Comments

Why Write Letters and Picture Stories?

Posted on October 29, 2017 by Jennie

Learning begins with language, building words upon words.  The more words children hear, the more they learn, and the better they do in school.  All of this leads up to reading readiness.  So, if I can give children hundreds and … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, picture stories, reading, reading aloud, storytelling, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 70 Comments

A Magical Night at School

Posted on October 21, 2017 by Jennie

There’s nothing quite like being a child at school – in the dark – at night – with your family. This week children and families gathered at school for a pizza party outside on the playground.  It was such fun … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Halloween, Imagination, jack-o-lanterns, Singing | Tagged , , , , , , | 52 Comments

England, and the Beatles

Posted on October 19, 2017 by Jennie

My preschool class is learning about England.  Our loft has been transformed into Buckingham Palace.  The Union Jack flies overhead along with a picture of Queen Elizabeth.  We made a red phone booth out of a big box, and we … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, England, music, Singing, Teaching young children, The Beatles | Tagged , , , , , , , | 68 Comments

Gloria

Posted on October 14, 2017 by Jennie

Gloria joined the classroom this week, and oh what a homecoming it was.  I doubt Santa Claus would receive such a welcome.  After all these years I am still amazed at the difference Gloria makes and how children are drawn … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Imagination, Kindness, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 65 Comments