Category Archives: history

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

Gloria Goes To Washington – Part 2

Posted on April 18, 2022 by Jennie

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

Posted on March 6, 2022 by Jennie

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

Posted on February 27, 2022 by Jennie

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