Category Archives: Expressing words and feelings

Family Photo Collages

Our first parent event at school is Back-To-School Night.  We have a meet-and-greet, parents connect with each other and with teachers, and we talk about our philosophy and curriculum. Then, parents make a family photo collage for their child.  It … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, joy, Love, picture books, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 69 Comments

The Best Christmas Ad – My Favorite

I will share this Christmas ad every year, because… it’s that good. Christmas is about family and friends. It’s a time to smile and remember. Yes, remember. Because in the end, it’s our memories that stick with us. That’s what … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, joy, Love, music, wonder | Tagged , , | 74 Comments

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving Children spread happiness, naturally and genuinely. It’s a reminder for us. This post from a few years ago says it all. Our gigantic turkey From my school to your house, may you enjoy a turkey dinner with family … Continue reading

Posted in America, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, preschool, Thanksgiving | Tagged , , | 69 Comments

Thanking a Veteran

‘Thank You’ are the all-important words in life. They’re especially important on Veterans Day. Major General Z now retired visited my classroom. We wanted to thank him. Children were in awe. As soon as The General talked with children it … Continue reading

Posted in America, American flag, children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, military, patriotism | Tagged , , , | 59 Comments

You Belong!

At school, we have a theme song each year.  This year it is “You Belong!”, a perfect song to let children know that – no matter what – we all belong.  It has become our ‘wake-up song’.  When nap is … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Heart, Inspiration, Kindness, Quotes, self esteem, Singing, wonder | Tagged , , , | 72 Comments

“The Halloween Story” – A Jennie Story

Every day at lunchtime I tell a story.  Children love a ‘Jennie Story’.  I thought you would enjoy this post from years ago, as ‘The Halloween Story” is always a favorite.  Of course I tell the story with excitement and … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Halloween, Imagination, literacy, storytelling, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 74 Comments

Charlotte’s Web – Digging Deeper

This is a post from many years ago.  After writing about reading-aloud Charlotte’s Web, I wanted to share much more about this wonderful book – specifically E.B. White and my personal connection. I read aloud every day in my classroom, … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 65 Comments

Reading Aloud Charlotte’s Web

I am reading aloud Charlotte’s Web to my preschool class.  It’s the first chapter book I read every year.  Yes, a chapter book, with preschoolers.  Picture books are a given, multiple times throughout the day, but why a chapter book with young … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , | 76 Comments

Joy is the Magic Word – For Everyone

This re-post is a letter to teachers.  It’s the foundation of connecting with children, and teaching, and making a difference. Frankly, it is a life lesson.  It’s all about how we see things – our outlook and attitude. Dear Teachers, … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Heart, Inspiration, joy, Love | Tagged , , , | 80 Comments

Two Important Books to Read on 9/11

This is a repost… because it is important.  These are two books everyone should read.  One is the true story of an old, retired fireboat that literally saved the day for firefighters on 9/11.  The other is a book about … Continue reading

Posted in America, American flag, Book Review, children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Giving thanks, history, literacy, patriotism, picture books | Tagged , , , , | 36 Comments