Category Archives: Early Education

Happy Birthday, Milly

Posted on May 14, 2017 by Jennie

We wished Milly a Happy Birthday this week, as she turns 87-years-young.         Since 2009, Milly has been connecting generations with my preschoolers.  I get to stand back and watch love and happiness ignite into hugs and smiles, from both the children … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Kindness, Peace, quilting | Tagged , , , , , | 38 Comments

The Heart of My Old Books

Posted on May 11, 2017 by Jennie

My dear old books have witnessed decades of children carefully listening to their words.  They have made children laugh, feel scared, ask hundreds of questions, and come to understand the heart of well-written words and a good story.  Words are … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, Early Education, Imagination, reading, reading aloud, storytelling | Tagged , , , , , | 57 Comments

Isabelle’s Story

Posted on May 6, 2017 by Jennie

I read-aloud at the library; great literature and a captive audience of children. Isabelle is part of my book group that includes first and second graders.  As the year has progressed she has grown from shy and quiet to relaxed and chatty.  … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, Early Education, reading, reading aloud, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 63 Comments

The Best of Jim Trelease

Posted on May 3, 2017 by Jennie

I love a good story, especially one that involves reading aloud and the stunning difference it makes with children.  Here is a favorite story of mine, from the million-copy best selling book, The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease: “During his … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, Early Education, Jim Trelease, picture books, reading, reading aloud, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Beyond Telling a Story

Posted on April 28, 2017 by Jennie

I tell stories.  It began many years ago during lunchtime in my classroom with my preschoolers.  I told a story about my childhood, The Peanut Man, which has become a classic story that children beg for, along with at least fourteen … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Learning About the World, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 64 Comments

More Than An Outstanding Book!

Posted on April 24, 2017 by Jennie

When a writer can deliver a message in few words, while leaving a lasting impression on both children and adults (including me), I buy the book.  The Lion And The Bird, by Marianne Dubuc is that book. The book has far … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, Kindness, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 43 Comments

Chickens Don’t Sweat

Posted on April 20, 2017 by Jennie

Chickens don’t sweat.  Really, this is absolutely true.  I was behind a chicken truck driving along the Eastern Shore yesterday. The moment I saw this truck (I was driving) I yelled at my husband, “It’s a chicken truck!  Get the … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, Learning About the World, storytelling | Tagged , , , , | 44 Comments

Lightening Strikes Twice

Posted on April 16, 2017 by Jennie

The first bolt of lightening:       One year ago this week, I was recognized as one of seven Early Childhood Educators in Massachusetts.  It was an honor, and a celebratory event.  I stood among top educators and also the … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, Kindness, Peace, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 57 Comments

The Art Show

Posted on April 14, 2017 by Jennie

“It took me a lifetime to learn to draw like a child.” -Pablo Picasso- When I brought the children to see the Art Show this week, the first words were from a child, Allie.  She said, “This is beautiful!”  She … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Imagination, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 38 Comments

Children Giving To Their Sergeant Pen-Pal; A Life Lesson

Posted on April 11, 2017 by Jennie

Children are egocentric by nature.  Therefore, teaching the most important things in life, such as genuine thanks and caring, takes more than just words.  It takes doing. After writing letters and drawing pictures for Sergeant Curran, our pen-pal stationed in … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Giving, Kindness, Math, military, patriotism, Peace, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 38 Comments