Category Archives: Giving thanks

The Big Sky – Lucky Me, Lucky You

Posted on July 15, 2018 by

The Big Sky.  That’s what I call my view from my backyard.  Every time I see this beauty of nature I remember meeting a brilliant and kind woman from Beijing.  She had just been hired by the company my husband … Continue reading →

Posted in geography, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Learning About the World, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 41 Comments

A Note Of Thanks

Posted on June 11, 2018 by

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 , , | 31 Comments

A Joy Story!

Posted on May 31, 2018 by

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

Teaching Patriotism Begins With Singing

Posted on May 19, 2018 by

Today is Armed Forces Day. Teaching patriotism is something I do in my classroom, and I do it frequently. It is rarely a planned activity; it just happens.  Much like teaching kindness or giving, or even bravery, the learning comes from doing. … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, children's books, Early Education, Giving thanks, history, military, music, patriotism, picture books, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 62 Comments

Thanking Milly, Connecting Generations, and Quilting

Posted on May 9, 2018 by

Milly turned 88 today.  She has been a beloved friend to children in my classroom for years.  Her story is emergent curriculum on steroids, because everything she touched became a monument.  Really. It happened like this… Many years ago my … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Giving thanks, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, Peace, quilting, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 59 Comments

Thank You, Superheroes

Posted on April 28, 2018 by

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

Those Two Short, Precious Years

Posted on March 28, 2018 by

When our daughter took piano lessons with Nancy, I would sit and wait in the living room of her big old house, along with our young son.  We had an hour together.  An hour that didn’t have the distraction of … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 50 Comments