Category Archives: Expressing words and feelings

Wishtree, by Kathrine Applegate – Then and Now

Posted on May 9, 2026 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, chapter reading, children's books, Community, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Heart, Imagination, Inspiration, Library, literacy, reading, reading aloud | Tagged , , | 33 Comments

Talking With Owen, the High School Student

Posted on April 28, 2026 by Jennie

I can’t get the conversation out of my mind. Owen was one of the high school students who interviewed our kindergarteners and wrote their stories, turning them into a book. Today I got a lovely card signed by the students. … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, School, storytelling, teaching | Tagged , , | 60 Comments

Storytelling To High Schoolers – Part 2

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Jennie

The work was done.  Well, almost.  High schoolers wrote their stories, turned it into a book, and I returned to listen to them read their stories.  After all, they would be reading the story they wrote about the kindergartner they … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Community, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture stories, reading aloud, School, storytelling, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , | 51 Comments

A Play Performance – Unexpected Surprise

Posted on March 22, 2026 by Jennie

Our local elementary school has a musical play production every spring.  It’s really good, and I always go because I know I’ll see past students.  For me it is wonderful to see the children I remember, flourishing and having fun.  … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Community, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, play performances, Student alumni, teaching, The Arts | Tagged , , | 96 Comments

Storytelling to High Schoolers

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Jennie

I was invited to tell stories to our local prep school high schoolers, and help them write stories with a cultural perspective.  They have a winter break, and students sign up for an event.  Many signed up for me, and … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Community, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, preschool, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 47 Comments

Goodnight Moon Keeps Growing

Posted on March 5, 2026 by Jennie

Yes, Gloria is off to England, clutching her favorite book, Goodnight Moon.  Pierre was the one who told her to take her favorite book on the journey, and of course Gloria’s favorite book is Goodnight Moon, because she hears it read … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, preschool, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 68 Comments

Bon Voyage, Gloria

Posted on February 27, 2026 by Jennie

Gloria is going to England!  Yes!  Fellow blogger/writer/poet Willow Willers at willowdot21  invited Gloria to come and visit her.  Willow has always loved my posts about Gloria.  Well, she just loves Gloria, and when you love someone, you need to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, geography, Gloria, Inspiration, Learning About the World, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 120 Comments

My Valentines

Posted on February 14, 2026 by Jennie

What could be better than valentinesfrom my school children?Nothing.I hit the jackpot of love.Happy Valentine’s Day. Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Heart, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, School | Tagged , | 68 Comments

The Best Teaching – Not Always in the Classroom

Posted on February 11, 2026 by Jennie

When I stumbled across this post – lucky me – back in 2018, I couldn’t believe there was teaching at this high level by a school crossing guard.  I was electrified.  I was reading about more than teaching, I was … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, School, teaching | Tagged , , | 64 Comments

Children’s Affirmations

Posted on February 1, 2026 by Jennie

Affirmations trigger those important positive feelings.  When it comes to children, they need affirmations.  Big time.  They need to know they’re important.  They need to know they matter.  Affirmations help. Before chapter reading, we listen to and recite Goodnight Moon.  … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Mindfulness, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 81 Comments