Category Archives: history

Happy Birthday to “The Star-Spangled Banner” becoming America’s National Anthem

My well-loved and well-read book. March 3rd, 1931.  “The Star-Spangled Banner” becomes America’s National Anthem.  Wait…1931?  I remember the day I discovered the date; Milly the Quilter had finished the God Bless America Quilt, and we had been singing the … Continue reading

Posted in America, history, music, patriotism, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 61 Comments

Old Cemeteries in New England

Fall in New England is beautiful in color.  Groton’s old cemetery is lush with ancient trees and headstones that date back to the 1600’s.  Most of the headstones are made of slate, so they retain their carvings.  A walk through … Continue reading

Posted in America, Family, Halloween, history, Nature | Tagged , , , | 109 Comments

A Lost Treasure – Found

The Lufkin Rule Co. Saginaw, Mich. U.S.A. 50 ft. My father had some pretty cool tools.  All hand tools of course, no power tools.  I think my understanding of hands-on learning and how I teach young children stemmed from his … Continue reading

Posted in history, Inspiration, Math, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 73 Comments

A Picture Says a Thousand Words

A child in my class is greeting George Washington. Yes, a picture says a thousand words. Jennie

Posted in America, Early Education, history, Inspiration, patriotism, wonder, young children | Tagged , , | 47 Comments

Gloria Goes To Washington – Part 2

In Part 1, Gloria and Tim visited the Lincoln Memorial. President Lincoln believed in equality for all. Tim and his parents thought Gloria would like that lesson. Part 2 Hey Aqua Room, Gloria had a very busy day yesterday!  First … Continue reading

Posted in America, Diversity, geography, Gloria, history, Inspiration, museums, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , | 47 Comments

My Grandmother Nan, and Art

Last week I told the story of my grandmother, Nan. Rose, My Nan, the Log House and Stories She was born and raised in a log house in West Virginia.  She was kind and strong.  She was the same age, … Continue reading

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, history, Inspiration, Love, museums, storytelling, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , | 75 Comments

Rose, My Nan, the Log House, and Stories

My grandmother Nan was born in 1886, the same year Laura Ingalls Wilder’s daughter was born.  They both have the same name, too – Rose!  What a connection.  There’s more. Nan as I remember her. Nan when she was 14. … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Family, geography, history, Inspiration, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 90 Comments

Little House in the Big Woods

“Little House in the Big Woods”, by Laura Ingalls Wilder This is our new chapter reading book at school.  When I introduced the book to the children, I talked about all the chapter books we have read up till now … Continue reading

Posted in America, Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Family, geography, history, Learning About the World, literacy, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 83 Comments

History Through a Classic Picture Book – The Little House

Last night as the sun was setting, the house next door was getting sleepy.  Just look at those window eyes closing and getting ready to say goodnight.  They reminded me of a favorite picture book, “The Little House” by Virginia … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, history, Inspiration, picture books, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 87 Comments

Milly – Part 6

In Part 5, the children were over the moon singing “God Bless America” at every opportunity.  We sang for soldiers, and made our own God Bless America book for families, writing and illustrating all the words to the song.  Children still … Continue reading

Posted in America, art, Early Education, Giving, history, Inspiration, military, museums, patriotism, preschool, quilting, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 53 Comments