Category Archives: history

Teaching Patriotism and Singing Books, Part II

Posted on May 21, 2018 by

This repost is far too important, and the perfect Part II to the patriotic books I read and sing in my classroom.   Here is a close-up of  “the best of the best.” Every year I make our country’s National … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, history, military, patriotism, picture books, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 43 Comments

Teaching Patriotism Begins With Singing

Posted on May 19, 2018 by

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 , , , , , , , , , | 56 Comments

Train Memories, My Childhood, and My Grandmother

Posted on May 12, 2018 by

In light of National Train Day today, and Mother’s Day tomorrow, this is a beloved repost of my train memories and my grandmother.  Summer evenings on the porch are quiet, except for the occasional  sound of a train whistle in … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, history, Love, storytelling, trains, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 74 Comments

Then and Now

Posted on February 17, 2018 by

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

Rekindling American Pride

Posted on August 25, 2017 by

The perfect book.  Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus captures the heart of America.  The stunning illustrations by Kadir Nelson make the simple text explode with meaning.  It is history: White Rows.  White Rows When I turned to this page, … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, geography, history, Inspiration, patriotism, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 42 Comments

Childhood, and Train Whistles, and My Grandmother

Posted on July 25, 2017 by

Summer evenings on the porch are quiet, except for the occasional  sound of a train whistle in the distance.  I love that sound.  When I was a little girl, a train whistle meant excitement and memories.  I was born and … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, geography, history, Imagination, storytelling, Teaching young children, trains | Tagged , , , , , , , | 60 Comments