Category Archives: Giving thanks

The Mystery Gifter

Posted on September 24, 2023 by Jennie

Remember my beloved 9/11 pin that I gifted to the granddaughter of a NYC firefighter, who fought bravely that terrible day?  Here is what happened:  9/11 – Learning and Giving, Today The story doesn’t end there. This week I went … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Giving, Giving thanks, patriotism | Tagged , , | 52 Comments

Oscar the Otter, Pete Springer, and the Big Get Well Letter

Posted on September 16, 2023 by Jennie

Two things happened at the same time; fellow blogger Pete Springer received a pacemaker, and school began.  Here’s the connection- Pete visited my class two years ago all the way from California, and gifted the children Oscar the Otter.  It … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 74 Comments

My Song Follow-Up Story

Posted on August 23, 2023 by Jennie

In my last blog post, I included a favorite song I sing with children, “The Sun and the Rain Make a Rainbow.”  I searched through YouTube to find the song- nothing.  So, I just sang it myself.  Fellow blogger Debby … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, preschool, Singing, Teaching young children, young children | Tagged , , | 73 Comments

Letter From a Parent

Posted on August 11, 2023 by Jennie

A letter from a parent is always special.  When the parent is my pen-pal and former student’s mom, it’s very special.  When she bought a book I had recommended on this blog, that was the frosting on the cake.  I … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, literacy | Tagged , , , | 56 Comments

Reading Again – At Last!

Posted on August 4, 2023 by Jennie

He has been unable to read for two years. The words and pages ‘move’ with his eye problems. As a result, he stopped reading books. He gave it another try. Seeing him reading again is a joy. I think he … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, literacy, reading | Tagged , , , | 49 Comments

My Dog

Posted on July 8, 2023 by Jennie

My friend and fellow blogger, John Howell @ Fiction Favorites  posted a terrific story last month on his Friday Good News post about a little dog who went after a coyote and saved the life of his dog pal. Dogs saves … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 107 Comments

One Voice

Posted on July 4, 2023 by Jennie

My final thought today on this Fourth of July is we are one.  No one is alone.  We all work together. History is filled with these moments that make me proud to be an American. This song says it all. … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, military, music, patriotism, Singing | Tagged , , | 30 Comments

Sam the Eagle Scout

Posted on July 1, 2023 by Jennie

Sam was my preschooler many years ago.  He always had a smile and enjoyed playing with friends.  Sam’s mother was careful about finding the right preschool for her boy.  When she visited the public library, she found The Groton ABC … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Giving thanks, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, self esteem, teaching, wonder | Tagged , , | 59 Comments

Over the Rainbow, Under the Water

Posted on June 22, 2023 by Jennie

To the five survivors of the submarine braving great depths in the ocean to explore the Titanic, today there were rainbows in the water in my pool. Underwater rainbows. You have crossed the underwater Rainbow Bridge. Bless you. Jennie

Posted in Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , | 29 Comments

Reflections on a Wonderful Year at School

Posted on June 14, 2023 by Jennie

Today was the last day of school for children. There were tears, hugs, resistance, and a multitude of emotions from children and families. It’s hard to say good-bye and thank you, all at the same time. Two families thanked me … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Inspiration, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , | 54 Comments