Category Archives: Heart

Happy Birthday!

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Jennie

The children surprised me with a balloon, a plant, and singing “Happy Birthday.” We celebrated with ice cream. When they asked me how old I am I held up my birthday card so they could read the number. “57!” Well, … Continue reading →

Posted in Giving, Giving thanks, Heart, Kindness, Love, preschool, School | Tagged , , | 114 Comments

Gloria Goes to Missouri – Part 1

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Jennie

Gloria has been visiting Zeb the zebra in Missouri.  Back in January, Zeb came to visit Gloria in Massachusetts.  Both were lonely, and together their friendship blossomed – thanks to the children. Children – that’s the magic word.  It was … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, geography, Gloria, Heart, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, Play, School, teaching | Tagged , , , , | 78 Comments

The Poet’s Dog – Reading it Again

Posted on February 10, 2025 by Jennie

When The Poet’s Dog was hot off the press nearly ten years ago. I was eager to read the book.  I loved Patricia MacLachlan Sarah, Plain and Tall, yet I never expected to be so moved by this book.  I … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, Dogs, Heart, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, literacy, Particia MacLachlan, reading aloud, wonder | Tagged , , , | 68 Comments

Remembering the Little Things

Posted on January 11, 2025 by Jennie

The little things are the big things in life although we often don’t see it at the moment. You never know when the things you do will be meaningful or important to others. Goodness always carries the right message. My … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Giving thanks, Heart, Inspiration, Kindness, Student alumni | Tagged , | 64 Comments

You Belong!

Posted on November 7, 2024 by Jennie

At school, we have a theme song each year.  This year it is “You Belong!”, a perfect song to let children know that – no matter what – we all belong.  It has become our ‘wake-up song’.  When nap is … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Heart, Inspiration, Kindness, Quotes, self esteem, Singing, wonder | Tagged , , , | 72 Comments

Welcome, Gloria!

Posted on October 20, 2024 by Jennie

Gloria made her classroom debut.  We don’t have returning students from last year in the class, so she was all new.  For everyone. You could have heard a pin drop. It was hard to get Gloria to look, much less … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Gloria, Heart, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 70 Comments

Joy is the Magic Word – For Everyone

Posted on September 18, 2024 by Jennie

This re-post is a letter to teachers.  It’s the foundation of connecting with children, and teaching, and making a difference. Frankly, it is a life lesson.  It’s all about how we see things – our outlook and attitude. Dear Teachers, … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Heart, Inspiration, joy, Love | Tagged , , , | 80 Comments

DogTown

Posted on September 7, 2024 by Jennie

I just finished reading one of the best books, DogTown, by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko, and had to share my excitement. It’s friendship, bravery, loss, humor, and heart.  Oh, is it ever heart. “Your heart is a muscle,” I told … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Dogs, Expressing words and feelings, Heart, Inspiration, literacy, Love, reading, robots, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 28 Comments