Category Archives: Early Education

Starry Night

Posted on January 15, 2017 by Jennie

I’m going to the Art Museum tomorrow, always an experience that fills me.  In anticipation I am sharing a favorite blog post from a few years ago. Major pieces of art?  Masterpieces?  Introducing this to preschoolers?  It is not easy … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 68 Comments

Maya Angelou

Posted on January 11, 2017 by Jennie

Did you know that Maya Angelou wrote a children’s book?  She did, back in 1994.  I have been reading her book to my preschoolers long before I really knew of her. I was always drawn to her quote in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Peace, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 35 Comments

There’s a Story Behind Every Child.

Posted on January 8, 2017 by Jennie

Noah and his big sister Emma When Emma was in my preschool class we took a field trip to the Shriner’s Circus.  That was back in the day when going on a field trip did not require volunteers to carry … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, music, patriotism, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 40 Comments

Owling, Part ll

Posted on December 29, 2016 by Jennie

I am honored that author Jane Yolen read my blog post about going owling, sticky buns, and most importantly about her award winning book, Owl Moon. Jane Yolen replied, “In the end of course, fame and fortune don’t matter.  It’s … Continue reading →

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

Sticky Buns and “Owling”

Posted on December 27, 2016 by Jennie

Another Christmas, and another delivery of sticky buns.  Every year I feel like a child hoping that Santa Claus will come, except that Santa is actually “the sticky bun mom”.  This is perhaps the longest tradition in my family, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 62 Comments

Outstanding Christmas Books

Posted on December 17, 2016 by Jennie

Christmas is about the heart and creating strong, lasting memories.  Good books do just that, especially if the story engages children and adults alike. The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree by Gloria Houston (1988) is an Appalachian tale of … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, picture books, reading aloud, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 25 Comments

Milly & Gloria

Posted on December 8, 2016 by Jennie

“Imagination is more important than knowledge.  Knowledge is limited.  Imagination encircles the world.” -Albert Einstein- Milly made her first visit this year to the classroom, wearing her Halloween costume.  She brings joy to the children in the smallest of ways … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Kindness, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 36 Comments

Part II: Older Children’s Books and Their Stories

Posted on December 4, 2016 by Jennie

My very first day of teaching was filled with nerves.  There I was, sitting in front of fifteen children, ready to read-aloud a book that was new to me- Swimmy by Leo Lionni.  Thus began my love of children’s books … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 31 Comments

Children’s Books: Old Can Be Better

Posted on November 27, 2016 by Jennie

Now that the best new children’s books this year are receiving awards and recognition, I’m excited and scanning the titles for my new favorites.  Besides recognizing the best new books of the year, it’s gift giving time. Nothing beats reading-aloud … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 73 Comments

Emotional Reading Comes First

Posted on November 20, 2016 by Jennie

Reading-aloud is emotional in my classroom.  Thank goodness!  I belt it out, read with a voice, and stop to talk. I cry and laugh, and so do the children.  How best can children learn all that is really important?  With … Continue reading →

Posted in Kindness, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , | 35 Comments