Category Archives: history

Jennie the Schoolmarm

Posted on June 7, 2026 by Jennie

I get to bring history alive for third graders in town.  This year one of the children who remembered me (many do), came up to me after the event.  First she hugged me and told me she missed me.  Then, … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Early Education, history, School, Singing, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 80 Comments

A Memorial Day Remembrance

Posted on May 24, 2026 by Jennie

Every year at school we have a Memorial Day Remembrance.  It’s important for children, well…for everybody.  Making it meaningful for young children is not easy, but Retired Master Sergeant Michael Kennedy does a remarkable job. He asks children, “Who likes … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, children's books, Community, Death and dying, history, military, patriotism, picture books, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 36 Comments

More Nan Stories, Thanks to Sally at Smorgasbord

Posted on March 31, 2026 by Jennie

When Sally at Smorgasbord Blog Magazine began her series on ‘Who Has Influenced You The Most In Your Life,’ I knew for me it was my grandmother Nan.  I realized my story, the one she published, was but a part of … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, geography, history, Inspiration, storytelling, trains, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 48 Comments

A Book and a Near Blizzard

Posted on January 25, 2026 by Jennie

“Oh, the weather outside is frightful and my book is so delightful. Since I’ve no no place to go, let it snow, read a book, let it snow.” The weather is awful.  We’re getting 18 to 20+ inches of snow. … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, history, Inspiration, Learning About the World, literacy, Mother Nature, Nature, reading | Tagged , , | 82 Comments

Community Service in a Different Way

Posted on November 19, 2025 by Jennie

I live in a town, not a city.  It’s not rural, but pretty close.  40+ years ago when we moved here there were no road signs, no traffic lights, and the phone number was just the last five digits.  It … Continue reading →

Posted in geography, Giving, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, literacy, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 62 Comments

My 9/11

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Jennie

This is a repost. What happened, and what I did two years ago, will forever be my best act of giving. Tonight, 9/11, 7:00 P.M. Photo was taken from Hoboken, NJ right across the water. Before I went to school … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Giving, history, Inspiration, Kindness, patriotism | Tagged , , | 50 Comments

Making History Come Alive For Children – Part 3

Posted on July 14, 2025 by Jennie

History is an abstract concept for children, so if I can link something tangible – like me – to history, perhaps they can have an understanding. At the end of the school year we read non-fiction chapter books.  Little House on … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, Early Education, Family, Gloria, history, Inspiration, literacy, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 46 Comments

Making History Come Alive For Children – Part 2

Posted on July 7, 2025 by Jennie

As I read one of the classic children’s books, The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton, it turned out to be an unexpected history lesson.  This wonderful book begins with a charming little house on a hill, living through days … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, history, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, School, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 63 Comments

Why Goodnight Moon?

Posted on June 29, 2025 by Jennie

Why do I read aloud GoodNight Moon to my preschoolers every day? Yes, every day, right before chapter reading. It has the words that paint images in the minds of young children.  It has rhyming that sways.  The words feel … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Heart, history, Inspiration, Library, literacy, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 75 Comments

Making History Come Alive For Children – Part 1

Posted on June 24, 2025 by Jennie

I am the schoolmarm for third graders at the end of the school year, in the old New England schoolhouse in town.  The year I bring to life for children is 1833.  I ring the bell to welcome ‘scholars’ as … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Early Education, history, Inspiration, literacy, Math, music, patriotism, reading aloud, School, Singing | Tagged , , , | 95 Comments