Category Archives: Giving thanks

A Note Of Thanks

Posted on June 11, 2018 by Jennie

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

A Joy Story!

Posted on May 31, 2018 by Jennie

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 Jennie

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 Jennie

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 Jennie

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 Jennie

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

School Spirit Day

Posted on March 23, 2018 by Jennie

“I’ve got spirit.  Yes I do.  I’ve got spirit.  How about YOU.” Children love singing and cheering, and rooting for their school.  Every March our school has a giant pep rally. We parade with pom-poms, sing our school song, holler … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Love, Peace, self esteem, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 33 Comments

Then and Now

Posted on February 17, 2018 by Jennie

I was invited to a high school hockey game by one of my former preschoolers.  Lucky me, and what a special treat.  She’s on the team.  It turns out that the hockey team has many more of my preschoolers. Look … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, history, Kindness, Love, self esteem, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 48 Comments

Olivia and Linda, a Happy New Year

Posted on January 1, 2018 by Jennie

I have only one photo of children in my class beside my computer.  One. Meet, left to right, Maddy, Allison, Olivia, Sophie, and Sarah.  These children are now in college, and still it is my favorite photo.  I have a … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness | Tagged , , , , , | 52 Comments

My Legend of the Sticky Buns

Posted on December 26, 2017 by Jennie

Over twenty years ago there were two little girls in my preschool class, Michelle and Nicole.  Sisters.  Michelle was full of heart.  She cried at The Runaway Bunny.  She was always the star in our plays.  I think her most … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Giving, Giving thanks, Kindness, Love | Tagged , , , , , | 44 Comments