Category Archives: history

A Trilogy of Patriotic Heroes This Week

Posted on December 10, 2023 by Jennie

#1 I went to a Book Fair and found a remarkable new book about the American flag that survived the 9/11 attack, 30,000 Stitches. It is the story of the 9/11 flag, how it was saved and how it was … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Book Review, children's books, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, military, patriotism | Tagged , , , , | 60 Comments

“This Land is Your Land”

Posted on November 12, 2023 by Jennie

In light of Veterans Day and how our country needs to come together, I am reposting an old post on patriotism and singing, specifically Woody Guthrie’s song “This Land is Your Land.”  Thank you to Don Ostertag who said I … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Book Review, children's books, history, Inspiration, patriotism, picture books, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 39 Comments

Books to Read on 9/11

Posted on September 11, 2023 by Jennie

On this day, 9/11, we must remember the tragedy.  We must never forget the bravery of firefighters and police officers, and so many people who stopped their lives to do the right thing.  There are stories to help us remember. … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, books, children's books, history, patriotism, picture books, reading, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 38 Comments

Plato and Music

Posted on July 22, 2023 by Jennie

“Music is a moral law. it gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” ~ Plato ~ For more wonderful quotations at the end of great … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, history, Inspiration, music, Quotes, wonder | Tagged , , | 46 Comments

God Bless America – Twelve Years Later

Posted on July 18, 2023 by Jennie

I stopped by school last week, which is currently in Summer Camp mode.  High school volunteers are a welcome and fun part of the group.  What happened was delightful: First I was mobbed by children (always wonderful), then Jess, a … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Expressing words and feelings, history, Inspiration, museums, music, patriotism, quilting, School, Student alumni, summer camp, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 50 Comments

I’m the Historical Schoolmarm

Posted on June 21, 2023 by Jennie

Every year, third graders in Groton, Massachusetts take a field trip to the old one-room schoolhouse, the Sawtelle School.  It’s living history, and that’s just how children should learn history. I get to be their teacher.  Lucky me. Groton is … Continue reading →

Posted in history, School, teaching | Tagged , , | 101 Comments

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

Posted on March 3, 2023 by Jennie

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

Posted on October 20, 2022 by Jennie

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 , , , | 112 Comments

A Lost Treasure – Found

Posted on July 6, 2022 by Jennie

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

Posted on April 28, 2022 by Jennie

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