Category Archives: Expressing words and feelings

The Sticky Bun Lady

Posted on December 25, 2019 by Jennie

Christmas Eve every year for the past thirty years the sticky bun lady delivers her special Christmas treat. Her children were my preschoolers thirty-something years ago. She made her famous sticky buns with the class and the rest is history… … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Giving thanks, Kindness, Love, preschool, Student alumni, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 43 Comments

The True Story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Posted on December 24, 2019 by Jennie

The Story of Rudolph While there are slightly different variations on this true story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, most of this story is accurate.  More importantly, it is heartwarming and goes well beyond the making of the story – … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Death and dying, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Singing, storytelling | Tagged , , , , | 66 Comments

The Real Meaning of Christmas

Posted on December 22, 2019 by Jennie

Our astronaut / veteran / Navy Captain / pen-pal has been ill and hospitalized.  I had to tell the children.  Life can throw you a bunch of curves, and learning how handle adversity is a life lesson.  That’s why I … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, Kindness, military, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 81 Comments

Joy, at the End of the Day

Posted on December 14, 2019 by Jennie

It’s Friday at 5:00 PM.  We’ve had a full day (and week) at school.  In the last hour we painted a gigantic box that will become a lunar module next week and fly to the moon. Yesterday was the Cold … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, joy, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 77 Comments

How The Grinch Stole Christmas

Posted on December 12, 2019 by Jennie

One of the most beloved children’s Christmas stories is How the Grinch Stole Christmas, by Dr. Seuss.  It has been a child favorite ever since it was written in 1957. I read the book aloud to my preschool class today.  When … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 71 Comments

Why the Need for Art, Stories, Poems, and Music?

Posted on December 3, 2019 by Jennie

“Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play. “ Wise words from Philip Pullman, who received the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in 2005: Children need art and … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, music, Poetry, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, storytelling, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 75 Comments

“Day is Done”

Posted on November 28, 2019 by Jennie

After Thanksgiving dinner, this was the sunset. I was overcome. I started to sing this song. I don’t know why, perhaps it was the family and the memories back inside the house, but I know I had to sing it. … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Singing, summer camp, Thanksgiving | Tagged , , , | 56 Comments

The White Feather

Posted on November 20, 2019 by Jennie

Eagles, specifically the bald eagle, is our unit of study. The live video cam was on.  We watched a mother eagle in her nest taking care of two eggs. A child said, “Jennie, you have a white feather in your … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 60 Comments

Reading Aloud – To You! Part 7, the Final Chapters

Posted on November 3, 2019 by Jennie

I am reading aloud the final two chapters of The Poet’s Dog, by Patricia MacLachlan.  Chapter twelve is 2:44 and chapter thirteen is 6:24.  I know you will love the ending.  Many surprises come into play.  Ellie comes to rescue … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, Dogs, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Leo Lionni, Particia MacLachlan, preschool, reading aloud, Teaching young children, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 54 Comments

Reading Aloud – To You! Part 6

Posted on October 29, 2019 by Jennie

My reading aloud The Poet’s Dog by Patricia MacLachlan continues with chapters ten and eleven.  Chapter ten is 5:25 and chapter eleven is 3:49. Everything is coming to a head.  The storm is over, and… well, you’ll see (and hear.)  Much happens … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Dogs, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Love, Particia MacLachlan, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 46 Comments