Category Archives: history

History Through a Classic Picture Book – The Little House

Posted on August 27, 2021 by Jennie

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

Posted on July 31, 2021 by Jennie

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

The Real Start of Teaching the Fourth of July

Posted on July 3, 2021 by Jennie

The Fourth of July – America’s declaration of independence.  I teach children about the American flag, and patriotism.  It’s important.  Best of all, children often lead the way.  Their interests are the springboard for the best learning. The Fourth of … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Early Education, geography, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, music, patriotism, picture books, preschool, quilting, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 72 Comments

Gloria and the Indians

Posted on June 6, 2021 by Jennie

‘Gloria’ was very involved in a recent discussion on Indians.  It was a huge moment in teaching.  She understands being different. It happened like this… I have finished reading “Little House on the Prairie” to my preschoolers.  At the end … Continue reading →

Posted in America, chapter reading, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, history, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , | 63 Comments

Preschoolers and Memorial Day

Posted on May 30, 2021 by Jennie

How do I teach preschoolers about Memorial Day? I start at the beginning, with a great book that teaches children about America. I teach them how to sing “God Bless America”, starting by singing the book. We then learn about … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, children's books, Death and dying, Early Education, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, military, patriotism, picture books, School, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 81 Comments

Reading Aloud + Family History = The Best Learning

Posted on May 2, 2021 by Jennie

We often take it for granted that we have fresh water to drink.  Children certainly do. In our chapter reading book, “Little House on the Prairie”, Pa and Mr. Scott dig a well.  Learning where fresh water comes from was … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, Early Education, Family, history, Learning About the World, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , | 122 Comments

“Amanda in Holland” is Terrific!

Posted on April 27, 2021 by Jennie

I’m the book guru at school.  That’s what they call me.  Finding a good children’s book is one of my greatest pleasures, next to reading aloud to children.  Teachers and parents lean on me for good books.  The storyline of … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, history, Learning About the World, military, reading | Tagged , , , , , , | 80 Comments

Reading Aloud “Ox-Cart Man”

Posted on November 22, 2020 by Jennie

At the request of fellow bloggers, here is a video of me reading aloud the classic children’s picture book, “Ox-Cart Man.” But first, I wanted to show you a mural the children made last year that hangs as a permanent … Continue reading →

Posted in America, art, books, children's books, Early Education, geography, history, Inspiration, Nature, Particia MacLachlan, picture books, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 69 Comments

November – “Ox-Cart Man”

Posted on November 20, 2020 by Jennie

As I drove home tonight and looked at the sky, I immediately knew it was an “Ox-Cart Man” sky, the one in November where he finally arrived back home.  Do you know “Ox-Cart Man” by Donald Hall? It is one … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, history, Particia MacLachlan, picture books, Poetry, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 75 Comments

The Old Burying Ground

Posted on October 18, 2020 by Jennie

I love history.  It’s the stories, and understanding life way back when, that is deeply important – to me.  When those lives are on hallowed ground, in the beauty of fall, history comes alive. Groton’s Old Burying Ground is simply … Continue reading →

Posted in America, art, Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, geography, history, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 100 Comments