Category Archives: Expressing words and feelings

Early Morning Dad

Posted on January 7, 2020 by Jennie

Bright and early, Dad and his son arrive at school to play in my classroom before classes begin. No morning rush. Putting a puzzle together for a short while is far more important. I long to go back in time … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 74 Comments

Gloria’s Holiday, a Final Adventure

Posted on January 3, 2020 by Jennie

Today Gloria’s journal was delivered to the class with a final entry, her adventures over Thanksgiving, snow days, and the build up to Christmas.  I promised her I would share it.  She was very excited.  Of course it was hard … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Gloria, Inspiration, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 57 Comments

Gloria’s Happy New Year

Posted on January 3, 2020 by Jennie

Taking Gloria home for a weekend is a big deal for children.  Taking her home for the holidays is an even bigger deal.  Gloria spent Christmas and New Years with Landon and Savannah.  She returned today, to be greeted by … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Kindness, Love, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 45 Comments

“Starry Night” Continues

Posted on December 31, 2019 by Jennie

The walls in my classroom are mostly filled with children’s art, as it should be.  Gone are the flashy colors and cute teacher decorations.  I learned long ago they are more of a distraction than anything else to children.  My … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, Love, museums, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 78 Comments

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