Category Archives: Imagination

More Music and Art – and Why I Teach

Posted on March 26, 2022 by Jennie

Music has been a great inspiration, and children have truly created wonderful works of art. When I think of classical music inspiring children I immediately think of the renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma playing for Mr. Rogers. This video clip speaks … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Imagination, Inspiration, music, Teaching young children, The Arts, Uncategorized, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 92 Comments

Naughty Gloria and Lucky the Leprechaun

Posted on March 17, 2022 by Jennie

This is how I found Gloria when I arrived at school this morning. I was shocked.  She was laughing.  I was not amused. The children couldn’t believe their eyes when they walked into the classroom.  Actually, they were excited after … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Imagination, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 44 Comments

Parent Newsletter, Robots, TED Talk

Posted on February 7, 2022 by Jennie

One of the hardest things this school year has been communicating with parents.  That all important face-to-face greeting and conversation, every day at drop-off and pick-up, is limited to distancing in the school lobby while wearing masks.  We Zoom, write … Continue reading →

Posted in Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture stories, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 74 Comments

Play is Important – Here’s Why

Posted on December 5, 2021 by Jennie

We all hear that play is important for children.  I know it’s important.  It’s their work; how they learn to make friends, negotiate, solve problems with objects, and solve problems with other children.  Play is having fun, and it’s also … Continue reading →

Posted in Imagination, Inspiration, Play, preschool, Uncategorized, young children | Tagged , , , , , | 89 Comments

What Do Children Think?

Posted on November 7, 2021 by Jennie

It’s the last hurrah.  Fall is hanging on to its beautiful colors like a child playing in piles of leaves, or carefully making a bouquet of bright colored leaves.  That’s what children do when they are struck by wonder.  And, … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 115 Comments

Starting the School Year Reading Charlotte’s Web

Posted on September 16, 2021 by Jennie

Every year I start chapter reading with my preschool class on ‘day one’.  And, the first book I read is Charlotte’s Web.  We have barely had three weeks of school and children are totally hooked.  They adore Wilbur and laugh at … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Learning About the World, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 72 Comments

The Start of a New Year at School – Part 2

Posted on September 8, 2021 by Jennie

In Part 1, I talked about welcoming children to a new year at school. Part 2 This is the really important piece – The Teacher.  What a teacher brings to children and the classroom makes all the difference in the world.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, School, teaching, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 85 Comments

Dinosaurs Are Not Extinct

Posted on August 22, 2021 by Jennie

Dinosaurs are not extinct.  Way back in ‘95, a dinosaur was born.  He was lovingly painted, stuffed with paper, and tied with string.  Don’t you love the big, toothy smile? That year was a happy year for this dinosaur, hanging … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, picture books, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 57 Comments

Wordless – at the Eric Carle Museum

Posted on August 17, 2021 by Jennie

The new exhibit at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is: Speechless: The Art of Wordless Picture Books Wordless books?  How can that be?  How can you read a wordless book to a child?  I’ll tell you just … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Author interview, Book Review, children's books, David Wiesner, Early Education, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading aloud, reading aloud, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 52 Comments

Milly – Part 9

Posted on August 8, 2021 by Jennie

In Part 8, Milly and the children were guests of honor at the one-year anniversary of the Boston Fisher House.  With a full crowd in attendance, including members of the Fisher family, we presented the God Bless America quilt.  And, a … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, Peace, preschool, quilting, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 62 Comments