Category Archives: Giving

Gloria – How She Came to Be

Posted on January 21, 2023 by Jennie

So, how did Gloria the puppet become Gloria the person? I know puppets help teach preschoolers.  Any good teacher knows that.  When I first realized that a puppet in the classroom would be a great teaching tool, I had no … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 64 Comments

My Teacher Lightbulb Moment – Part 1

Posted on November 21, 2022 by Jennie

Fellow blogger Don at Don Ostertag: Off Stage recently commented, “If only other teachers were children at heart.” It hit home with me, because that is when I became a ‘real’ teacher.  That’s when I found my heart.  No, that’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, joy, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder, young children | Tagged , , | 98 Comments

Gloria’s Weekend

Posted on October 30, 2022 by Jennie

Gloria had her first weekend visit with a child this year. Year after year, Gloria becomes a well-loved member of the classroom.  Why?  Because children naturally want to be loving.  They need a platform to do that outside of their … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 85 Comments

Memories of Romana

Posted on January 5, 2022 by Jennie

This was my New Year’s gift from Romana, seven years ago.  She made this bracelet for me from paper, tape and jewels.  I was invited to her house, and I was thunderstruck by the gift. It is a treasure, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Family, Giving, Inspiration, preschool, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 76 Comments

Giving – Dollar General, Kelly Clarkson, Dolly Parton, and Me

Posted on December 23, 2021 by Jennie

It is the season of giving.  I can’t tell you how much it meant for me to give to Read Aloud West Virginia.  This would not have happened if I hadn’t been a guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show.  Her … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Giving, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, literacy, reading, reading aloud, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 88 Comments

Best Christmas Commercial – From Darlene Foster

Posted on December 19, 2021 by Jennie

Thank you to Darlene at Darlene Foster’s Blog  for sharing this wonderful Christmas Commercial!  Yes, I recommend having a tissue on hand. Merry Christmas, Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Giving thanks, Inspiration | Tagged , , , | 39 Comments

Best Christmas Commercial

Posted on December 19, 2021 by Jennie

Here is my all-time favorite Christmas Commercial.  I have watched this hundreds of times, and it fills me up – always.  I hope it brings you the same joy.  You might want to have a tissue handy for those happy … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Inspiration, Love, music | Tagged , , , | 77 Comments

Terrific Children’s Books – #4

Posted on December 8, 2021 by Jennie

                                                           Kindness Matters Social and emotional development are critical to young children.  … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Book Review, children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, Kindness, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 65 Comments

Milly – Part 10

Posted on August 12, 2021 by Jennie

In Part 9, Milly continued her visits to school.  The children and Gloria were always thrilled when it was a ‘Milly day’.  At last, after years of quilts that went away to places of honor, Milly made a quilt, “Our Towns” … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Giving thanks, Inspiration, preschool, quilting, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 61 Comments

Milly – Part 8

Posted on August 4, 2021 by Jennie

In Part 7, the God Bless America quilt was delivered to the Massachusetts Fisher House in Boston.  The plan was to have a grand event and send-off, but the Director asked if Boston could have the quilt.  Headquarters not only agreed, … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Early Education, geography, Giving, Inspiration, military, patriotism, preschool, quilting, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , | 56 Comments