Category Archives: Expressing words and feelings

A Smile Says it All – The Written Word, and Reading

Posted on September 29, 2022 by Jennie

My pen-pal is reading my letter.  Connecting with a child is a wondrous thing.  When that connection is cemented in written words and reading aloud, it gives the child an enormous boost in emotional development and confidence.  Suddenly the world … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Jim Trelease, literacy, reading, reading aloud, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 58 Comments

Gloria

Posted on September 23, 2022 by Jennie

Gloria has returned from the spa, looking refreshed and happy. She will spend the weekend with me at home, and meet the children at school next week. She is excited! Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Imagination, Kindness, Love, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged | 53 Comments

When Reading-Aloud Grows a Reader

Posted on September 16, 2022 by Jennie

Reading aloud to children is the most important thing I do in my classroom, every single day.  I tell parents this every year. The fundamental constant that gives children the tools to succeed in school is language. The more words … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 66 Comments

Connecting With Children

Posted on September 11, 2022 by Jennie

Week One: Tears.  Fears.  Smiles.  Worries. Then laughing crept in, and hugging.  Children learned the routine and bonded with teachers.  They sang the ‘Days of the Week’ song on their own.  Parent goodbyes became quick. In my ‘gazillion’ years of … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, preschool, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , | 82 Comments

The Hawk and Peace

Posted on September 4, 2022 by Jennie

The last day of school for teachers before children arrive to start the new year, a young hawk perched atop our Peace Pole. He stayed for a long time, looking at the world and at teachers. It was a good … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , | 93 Comments

My Preschooler, Then and Now

Posted on September 2, 2022 by Jennie

Then Now I love all my students.  Sometimes students ‘stick’ with me for a while, returning to visit and be a guest reader.  Sometimes students stick around for a long time, visiting the classroom, and then including me in their … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 105 Comments

My Summer Pen-Pal

Posted on August 22, 2022 by Jennie

I received an email from Kiansh’s mother in early August.  He was in my preschool class last year, and he misses me. I wanted to share what Kiansh told me before going to bed a couple of days ago.  I … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Gloria, Inspiration, preschool, wonder, young children | Tagged , , | 69 Comments

A Monarch Butterfly – a Visit and a Message

Posted on August 18, 2022 by Jennie

A monarch butterfly visited our flowers.  S/he was determined to stay, in spite of excited children and adults reaching out to touch.  This butterfly is endangered, so the visit was very special. I always give the children I teach roots- … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , | 90 Comments

Clouds Tell a Story

Posted on August 12, 2022 by Jennie

Tonight was sky watching and cloud watching. “These are cirrus clouds. The high altitude winds make them wispy. They’re not water droplets, like most clouds. They’re ice crystals.” “Oh.  Thank you.” You see clouds.  I see a bride’s veil, a … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Nature, storytelling, wonder | Tagged , , | 84 Comments

Elsie the Borden Cow

Posted on August 8, 2022 by Jennie

Elsie the Borden Cow was part of my childhood.  She made the best ice cream, and I have fond memories of summers standing in line to get her ice cream. Guess what?  I am welcoming Elsie into my heart – … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, wonder | Tagged , , | 109 Comments