Category Archives: Expressing words and feelings

A Note Of Thanks

Dear Allie, Yes, we have had two wonderful years together. You have a gigantic heart. You are Gloria’s BFF.  You adore chapter reading. I love you. Jennie

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 33 Comments

What Happens at Chapter Reading

My copy of Little House on the Prairie is so well-loved that two entire sections of the book have fallen out.  No matter; the words are all there.  I wouldn’t trade that book for anything.  When I finish reading each … Continue reading

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, history, Kindness, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 65 Comments

A Joy Story!

Got four minutes?  Want to see one of the greatest clips of real joy?  I mean real.  Grab a seat.  En-joy! Thank you to Inga, my fellow teacher.  She is a magician because she finds these things that are the … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration | Tagged , , , , , , | 42 Comments

My Classroom Bookshelf

My classroom bookshelf is the most important and popular place to be.  I think so, and children certainly feel that way.  They congregate like squirrels at a bird feeder.  Yes, there are fights over books, loud times, and also quiet … Continue reading

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, picture books, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 73 Comments

Thank You, Superheroes

Today is National Superhero Day. I want to thank all the Superheroes, the real ones, for everything you do. Moms and Dads, firefighters and police officers, doctors and nurses, soldiers and sailors, writers, artists, musicians… the list of heroes is … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Kindness, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 53 Comments

Katie and Miles, The Circle of Life in Reading

The more that you read, the more things you will know.  The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.  –Dr. Seuss- I remember Katie von Campe like it was yesterday.  She was a “Mighty, Mighty Mustang” in my … Continue reading

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, play performances, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, self esteem, Student alumni, summer camp, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 54 Comments

How to Teach a Child to Become a Superhero

Superheroes.  Every child wants to be a Superhero.  Ask a child, “What does a Superhero do?” and you will hear everything from “save the day” to “help people” to “get the bad guys.”  These are good things, and Superheros are … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, picture stories, self esteem, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 88 Comments

The Art Show!

“It took me a lifetime to learn to draw like a child.” –Pablo Picasso– “I would like to paint the way a bird sings.” –Claude Monet– “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” –Vincent van … Continue reading

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, self esteem, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 76 Comments

“The Scream”, Round 2

Alex liked his painting of “The Scream.”  He called it “The Yeller Who Was Lost”, because he couldn’t remember scream, and he knew the painting had been lost.  Actually, Alex liked the original art by Edvard Munch far more than … Continue reading

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

Snow Swim Challenge

Up until yesterday I had never participated in a challenge, such as the Ice Bucket Challenge, to raise awareness for illnesses.  The father of a young child at our school has been diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer.  Vann Ly … Continue reading

Posted in Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Inspiration, Kindness, Love | Tagged , , , , , , | 46 Comments