Category Archives: Expressing words and feelings

The Story of Romana

Romana was  from Romania.  She was the kindest little girl.  She spoke very little English, yet she clearly enjoyed school.  She is the child on the far right with the biggest smile. I remember the day I took this photo. … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Death and dying, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, preschool, Student alumni | Tagged , , , | 85 Comments

Rainbows and Thunder

On the second day of school Thunder rumbled at the end of the day.  Little Emmett and I were the last ones at school. What’s that? Thunder I don’t like thunder Thunder is only a noise.  It can’t hurt you. … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Mother Nature, Nature, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , | 73 Comments

Finding Joy – A Letter to Teachers

This is a re-post of a letter I wrote to teachers on Joy. Joy is the magic word! Dear Teachers, As you start your new school year there is one word that will get you through the uncertainty and the … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, joy, teaching, Teaching young children, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 79 Comments

Mister Rogers and Back-To-School

It’s back-to-school week for teachers.  We’re moving across the street to a new location for one year while our school building will undergo a long overdue renovation.  Moving is hard.  Starting a new school year is hard.  We’re in our … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, geography, Inspiration, Kindness, preschool, Quotes, self esteem, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 84 Comments

When Teachers Tell Their Stories – Part 8

In Part 7, I told the story of the huge tree that almost fell over on our neighbor’s house.  The Fire Chief in his big red fire truck, and the Tree Man in his cherry picker truck added plenty of real … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, storytelling, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 55 Comments

My Summer Children

Children are a wonder. Nature is a wonder, too. Both grow, with the help of loving adults. I take care of my ‘summer children.’ My eyes are witness to life, and sometimes death.  I see beauty, and I am humbled … Continue reading

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 51 Comments

Wish Tree

Have you ever seen  a Wish Tree? Walking along a beach on Cape Cod with friends, we rounded a bend along the sand where it meets the shore.  This was a remote stretch of the beach, quite a distance from … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Nature, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 83 Comments

When Teachers Tell Their Stories – Part 6

In Part 5, children were connecting words to other stories.  Their language and critical, divergent thinking was expanding.  I told another Jennie Story that had plenty of excitement, “The Spider Story.” Part 6 Turning off the lights when telling a story … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Halloween, Imagination, preschool, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 75 Comments

Charlotte’s Web – Another Story

Mac was in my preschool class for the past two years.  He always loved chapter reading and was a vessel full of questions.  Does chapter reading work with the youngest of children?  Can a four-year-old grasp the content?  Do they … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Death and dying, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Kindness, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 55 Comments

When Teachers Tell Their Stories – Part 5

In Part 4, I talked about adventure stories.  A cliffhanger ending holds  the attention in children, and that means more language and words are pouring into their minds.  Teacher bonding is an added bonus.  I told a Jennie Story with plenty … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Nature, preschool, storytelling, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 81 Comments