Category Archives: history

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

The Student’s Letter…and More

Posted on September 20, 2020 by Jennie

Roshan visiting four years ago. I am always surprised when I hear from a former student.  This letter from Roshan made my day: Dear Ms. Jennie, How are you doing? This is Roshan. I am currently in 12th grade this … Continue reading →

Posted in America, art, Early Education, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, Math, military, music, patriotism, preschool, Quotes, Student alumni, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , | 72 Comments

My Summer of Books – Part 3

Posted on August 30, 2020 by Jennie

In Part 1 and Part 2, I reviewed the picture books in the photo below.  These books were new and wonderful reads this summer. Part 3: Upper grade books for older children. I had a double-dose of Patricia MacLachlan books.  Lucky me!  After … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Death and dying, Diversity, Dogs, E.B. White, Expressing words and feelings, history, Inspiration, Particia MacLachlan, reading | Tagged , , , , , , , | 68 Comments

The Green Mountain State – Vermont, Part 1

Posted on August 12, 2020 by Jennie

Yes, I know.  You want to be there, too. Hubby and I put the top down on the old sports car and drove to Vermont.  Winding back roads all the way.  The weather was glorious, big puffy clouds and a … Continue reading →

Posted in America, geography, history, Inspiration, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 84 Comments

More at The Carle, the Art of Maira Kalman, and “Fireboat”

Posted on July 31, 2020 by Jennie

After visiting the Angels exhibition at the Eric Carle Museum, I viewed the art of Maira Kalman. I knew this dog, at least I thought I did.  While there was something familiar here, I had to admit I don’t really … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 52 Comments

Happy Birthday, America

Posted on July 4, 2020 by Jennie

Happy Birthday, America. This flag was flown over the Navy Memorial in Washington DC. Proud to be an American, one nation, one people, with freedoms I will never take for granted. Jennie

Posted in America, American flag, Expressing words and feelings, geography, history, Inspiration, military, patriotism | Tagged , , , | 52 Comments

“Blue Sky, White Stars”, the New Book about America and our Flag

Posted on May 24, 2020 by Jennie

How do you teach children about America – past and also present? How do you teach about our flag? How do you smile a deep down smile, with childhood memories? How and what do you you remember? Blue Sky, White … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, books, children's books, Early Education, history, patriotism, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 51 Comments

Children and “The Star-Spangled Banner” – Including a Video

Posted on May 21, 2020 by Jennie

This is a repost, and I have included a video of me reading aloud this important book, singing the words, and talking about our American flag and National Anthem. Bringing our National Anthem to Life Few books have the power … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Book Review, children's books, Early Education, history, military, patriotism, picture books, reading aloud, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 33 Comments

The Past Two (and more ) Weeks – School Then and Now, Part 4

Posted on April 16, 2020 by Jennie

In Part 3, I jumped right into what children need most and what I do best, reading aloud.  Setting up a YouTube channel gave them stories every day.  It was also a constant.  Then, we challenged children with art, scavenger hunts, … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Dogs, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, geography, history, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , | 83 Comments

Miracle On Ice

Posted on February 20, 2020 by Jennie

Today is the 40th anniversary of ‘Miracle on Ice’, when Team USA beat the Soviet Union in the medal round in ice hockey at the 1980 Olympics. This is not a sports story.  This is a story of what can … Continue reading →

Posted in America, behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, history, Inspiration, patriotism, preschool, self esteem, Teaching young children | 40 Comments