Category Archives: Expressing words and feelings

“Ladeez and Gentlemen, Children of All Ages…”

The circus came to town!  Children were excited to perform for their families on Zoom.  It was a grand finalé to a month of learning about animals, what happens behind the scenes in a real circus, and writing circus picture … Continue reading

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, picture books, picture stories, Play, play performances | Tagged , , , , , , , | 75 Comments

Tanya, the Real Deal For Kindness

When you meet kindness head on, consider yourself lucky. On our way home from a long overdue visit with our grandchildren, we stopped for dinner at an Applebee’s, our first dinner in a restaurant in over a year.  Our server … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, Love | Tagged , , , , | 116 Comments

Gloria and the Indians

‘Gloria’ was very involved in a recent discussion on Indians.  It was a huge moment in teaching.  She understands being different. It happened like this… I have finished reading “Little House on the Prairie” to my preschoolers.  At the end … Continue reading

Posted in America, chapter reading, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, history, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , | 63 Comments

Eric Carle Has Died

Eric Carle died this past weekend at age 91.  I’m strong, and I’m prepared for most anything, yet learning today that Eric Carle died hit me hard.  He was the mainstay of literature for young children.  “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” … Continue reading

Posted in children's books, Death and dying, Early Education, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, museums, picture books, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 79 Comments

Play

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” ~Mr. Rogers~ The dinosaurs are congregating. They don’t look happy. “They need … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 83 Comments

Our Wish Tree

What is a Wish Tree? Wikipedia says: A wish tree is an individual tree, usually distinguished by species, position or appearance, which is used as an object of wishes and offerings.  Such trees are identified as possessing a special spiritual … Continue reading

Posted in books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, Love, Nature, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 82 Comments

My Sweet Children

This could be me… My wonderful students said ‘thank you’ for Teacher Appreciation Week. Coffee, cookies, flowers, and a card that made me cry. I am touched, and so very lucky. Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, preschool | Tagged , , , , | 102 Comments

Flowers and Children

Spring Flowers are blooming. Children are, too. A blossom is a smile, a warm hug, the feeling of goodness, a garden of children. Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, Nature, young children | Tagged , , , | 88 Comments

Seeds of Generosity

Charli Mills over at the Carrot Ranch posted her flash fiction challenge: Seeds of Generosity Spreading the seeds of generosity from one story to the next. April 15, 2021, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story … Continue reading

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 50 Comments

The Real Beginning of ‘Gloria’

Last year at this time all of my teaching was done remotely.  It was hard, and I reached out in so many ways to make things fun and keep a connection with my preschoolers. Here is what I did, in … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, Student alumni, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 85 Comments