Category Archives: Expressing words and feelings

A ‘Renaissance Man’ Teacher and a Crossing Guard

Steve the Crossing Guard is an extraordinary teacher.  A ‘Renaissance Man’ teacher.  He is electric.  He thinks outside of the box.  And he truly understands children.  That’s what Jennie says. Wikipedia says: When the term “Renaissance man” is used, it … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, teaching, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 86 Comments

Mother Nature, and Alberta

It has taken me nearly seven decades to fully appreciate the canvas that Mother Nature paints every day.  And I still have a long way to go.  Often I feel more humbled than appreciative.  I’m working on that.  Because this … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 61 Comments

The Boy Who Cried Tears of the Heart – Epilogue

Reading aloud happened today, twice.  Both events spanned years – well, connected years – yet were about the same child.  Let me explain. This is the time of year that I chapter read fact, not fiction books.  I start with … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, Dogs, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, history, reading aloud, reading aloud, Student alumni | Tagged , , , , , , | 57 Comments

A Breakthrough, from the ‘Curbside Classroom’

Steve the crossing guard sent me this new story.  Sit back, read, and enjoy one of the best stories from his ‘Curbside Classroom’.  Steve is a remarkable teacher who makes a difference – no classroom needed.  He’s my role model.  … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, self esteem | Tagged , , , , , , , | 62 Comments

Go Red Sox!

Cheering the Red Sox on home opening day! Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, joy, Love, preschool, young children | Tagged , , | 23 Comments

Best Job Ever – Story Epilogue

Since that wonderful day last week, when a child asked me to sing “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by the Beatles, there has been more.  The music exploded in ways I never expected. Well, it was more than the … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, Love, music, picture books, reading aloud, Singing, The Arts, The Beatles | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 71 Comments

Art and Music and Italy – Part 3

In Part 1, children began to learn about Italy through maps and a big atlas. First we ‘travelled’, then we learned fun facts (pretzels were invented in Italy, pasta was not).  We learned that opera is from Italy, and children … Continue reading

Posted in art, Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, music, picture books, preschool, The Arts, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 71 Comments

Best Job Ever

Friday was a rainy day.  I played the autoharp, and children sang and danced their hearts out.  I love rainy days.  I love music.  More importantly, children love music.  A child came up to me in the middle of the … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, music, preschool, The Arts, The Beatles | Tagged , , , , , , | 111 Comments

Children’s Questions and a Serenade

I finished reading aloud the chapter book, The Story of Doctor Dolittle.  This is a favorite book with children, and I discourage watching the movie which makes silliness out of an excellent story. The animals are the characters, each with … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, music, reading aloud, reading aloud, Singing, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 80 Comments

Sunshine Blogger Award

A big thank you to Annika Perry for my Sunshine Blogger Award Nomination. If I can be a ray of sunshine to a fellow blogger, that in itself is a tremendous thing.  While I am not a participant in awards, … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Kindness | Tagged , , , , , , | 38 Comments