Category Archives: Expressing words and feelings

The Road Out of Hate

Posted on October 10, 2023 by Jennie

Hate is the ugliest and most debilitating feeling.  I know, and I have come a long way.  Growing up in the south in America in the 50’s and 60’s, there was hate.  The wall of segregation made sure that hate … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration | Tagged , , , | 51 Comments

Oscar the Otter, Pete Springer, and the Big Get Well Letter

Posted on September 16, 2023 by Jennie

Two things happened at the same time; fellow blogger Pete Springer received a pacemaker, and school began.  Here’s the connection- Pete visited my class two years ago all the way from California, and gifted the children Oscar the Otter.  It … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 74 Comments

9/11 – Learning and Giving, Today

Posted on September 11, 2023 by Jennie

Tonight, 9/11, 7:00 P.M. Photo was taken from Hoboken, NJ right across the water. Before I went to school today, ready to help children honor heroes and learn about the American flag, I sent a text to all the teachers, … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Kindness, patriotism | Tagged , , | 54 Comments

School – Day One

Posted on September 6, 2023 by Jennie

I tossed and turned the night before school, as I always do every year. Will I remember the children I met last week? Will they remember me? Will we connect? I walked into school smiling at our Peace Dove. I … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Love, music, Peace, preschool, School, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 79 Comments

My Song Follow-Up Story

Posted on August 23, 2023 by Jennie

In my last blog post, I included a favorite song I sing with children, “The Sun and the Rain Make a Rainbow.”  I searched through YouTube to find the song- nothing.  So, I just sang it myself.  Fellow blogger Debby … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, preschool, Singing, Teaching young children, young children | Tagged , , | 73 Comments

Clouds

Posted on August 16, 2023 by Jennie

I’ve always loved looking at clouds, even as a child.  When we moved to New England I appreciated clouds even more.  Were they different or more beautiful?  No, I think it was me, especially the preschool teacher in me.  I … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , | 66 Comments

Letter From a Parent

Posted on August 11, 2023 by Jennie

A letter from a parent is always special.  When the parent is my pen-pal and former student’s mom, it’s very special.  When she bought a book I had recommended on this blog, that was the frosting on the cake.  I … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, literacy | Tagged , , , | 56 Comments

Finding Peace

Posted on August 7, 2023 by Jennie

Tonight was a beautiful evening, the kind that makes you stop and take notice, spend time looking… and thinking. I needed to do some thinking.  A child who was in my class years ago passed away.  The funeral was a … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Mother Nature, Nature, Peace, wonder | Tagged , , | 75 Comments

Reading Again – At Last!

Posted on August 4, 2023 by Jennie

He has been unable to read for two years. The words and pages ‘move’ with his eye problems. As a result, he stopped reading books. He gave it another try. Seeing him reading again is a joy. I think he … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, literacy, reading | Tagged , , , | 49 Comments

More by the Pool – Bravery

Posted on July 31, 2023 by Jennie

Did you ever eat dinner in the pool? Not by the pool, in the pool. It happened like this… The children had been brave all afternoon, jumping onto rafts without adult hands, mastering super soakers, and playing in the deep … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, wonder, young children | Tagged , , | 51 Comments