Category Archives: Expressing words and feelings

The Annual Art Show

Every April my preschool class has an Art Show on display for the community at the post office.  Every year I say, “This is the best!”  And it always is, year after year.  Why?  Because children naturally love art.  When … Continue reading

Posted in art, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, music, The Arts, young children | Tagged , , , | 102 Comments

Just Another Day in the Classroom… Oh, Boy!

photo from Pixabay  I often write about the great moments in the classroom, when a spark ignites and learning explodes, or when goodness, laughter, and discovery happen. Every day is not like that.  Today was was one of those ‘not … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, music, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 64 Comments

What Would Mr. Rogers Do? The True Story of Sam

Sam was mad.  Really mad.  I watched him on the playground.  He was playing a game that mapped out all the pathways and running areas.  One place, alongside the dinosaur den was a ‘danger zone’, so anyone who ran across … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, self esteem | Tagged , , | 87 Comments

‘Life is Good’ – It’s More Than T-shirts

The Healing Power of Optimism Well, that caught my attention.  I know those words to be true.  I’m a preschool teacher; optimism and healing are in my pockets, and in my heart.  It’s what I do with children. That was … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 66 Comments

The Last Winter Sunset

A last winter sunset.  Do you see the house looking at the barn, with wide eyes and an open mouth?  Do you see what it’s saying? Hey, barn!  Do you see what I see?  It’s a beauty of a sunset.  … Continue reading

Posted in E.B. White, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , | 46 Comments

We Got Mail!

Our pen pals in Michigan loved our valentines, and they wrote back.  That’s what pen pals do. They’re the MAC PACK.  How cool is that? Dear friends in the Aqua Room, Thank you for our Valentines.  We are so happy … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Kindness, literacy, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 51 Comments

Goodnight Moon – It’s a ‘Rap’

Before children learn to read, first they must hear the words.  It’s developmental, like learning to crawl before learning to walk.  The auditory piece, including singing, hits both the brain and the soul in learning.  In my preschool class, reading … Continue reading

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, literacy, music, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 50 Comments

Reading Aloud Heals Just About Everything – Part 2

My post on ‘Reading Aloud Heals Just About Everything’ gave my readers a chance to reflect and tell their stories. Thank You! “Few days before my father died I was reading to him. I don’t remember what the book was. … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, reading aloud, storytelling | Tagged , , | 28 Comments

Reading Aloud Heals Just About Everything

My favorite ‘reading aloud movie’ is “The Princess Bride.”  Yes, it’s a wonderful movie about a fairy tale…but more importantly it’s a grandfather reading aloud the book to his sick grandson, a reluctant listener.  Eventually the grandson is fully engrossed … Continue reading

Posted in children's books, Expressing words and feelings, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 72 Comments

My Mini Love Note

Big things come in little packages, and my mini love note couldn’t have made my heart any bigger. Happy Valentine’s Day! “Some people care too much, I think it’s called love.” ~Winnie the Pooh~ Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, preschool, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , | 63 Comments