Category Archives: Imagination

When Teachers Tell Their Stories – Part 3

Posted on July 12, 2019 by Jennie

In Part 2, I talked about language and words, and how the more words a child hears, the better s/he will do in school – in all subject areas.  I told my first-ever story, “The Peanut Man Story”, and how … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Nature, storytelling, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 53 Comments

When Teachers Tell Their Stories – Part 2

Posted on July 6, 2019 by Jennie

  In Part 1, I talked about storytelling, true stories, “It happened like this” stories.  I had always read aloud to children, but telling them my stories was different.  It turned out that I had discovered another pathway to language and … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, storytelling, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 59 Comments

When Teachers Tell Their Stories – Part 1

Posted on June 30, 2019 by Jennie

I remember the first story I told to children.  It happened at lunchtime.  That’s not surprising as lunchtime is perhaps our most intimate time of the day.  It is where teachers and children bond.  One day at lunch, we had … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, play performances, preschool, storytelling, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 46 Comments

When Children Tell Their Stories

Posted on June 28, 2019 by Jennie

Stories.  That word alone is groundbreaking.  It means listening, looking, hearing, and thinking.  Stories light a fire.  That means learning. Children have more ideas and thoughts in their heads than we realize.  Their brains are gigantic sponges; they see it … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, picture stories, preschool, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, storytelling, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 62 Comments

The ‘Curbside Classroom’ – Year End

Posted on June 21, 2019 by Jennie

Steve the Crossing Guard posted about the final days at school this year.  Can you imagine being at his crosswalk – aka, ‘Curbside Classroom’ and hearing him burst into song, singing “Oh What a Beautiful Morning?”  Yes, he really did, … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, music, self esteem, teaching | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 60 Comments

This Year’s Favorite Picture Books

Posted on June 18, 2019 by Jennie

Every year children vote on their favorite chapter reading book.  Charlotte’s Web is the clear winner most years.  This year we voted on our favorite picture books as well.  That was a big challenge for children as we read at … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, picture books, preschool, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 74 Comments

A year of Chapter Reading

Posted on June 13, 2019 by Jennie

This is the newsletter I sent to parents on chapter reading – the single most important thing that makes a difference in teaching children: Chapter Reading June 11, 2019 Chapter reading is one of our treasured moments of the day.  … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 50 Comments

Dr. Seuss

Posted on June 5, 2019 by Jennie

Thank you Dr. Seuss for saying the most important words.  I thought I knew you well, and today you inspired me yet again with your wisdom. And now I find that the tables are turned.  I must write words of … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Love, picture books, preschool, Quotes, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 52 Comments

A ‘Renaissance Man’ Teacher and a Crossing Guard

Posted on May 29, 2019 by Jennie

Steve the Crossing Guard is an extraordinary teacher.  A ‘Renaissance Man’ teacher.  He is electric.  He thinks outside of the box.  And he truly understands children.  That’s what Jennie says. Wikipedia says: When the term “Renaissance man” is used, it … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, teaching, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 86 Comments

Discovering The Wonders of Spring With Children

Posted on May 21, 2019 by Jennie

This tree on the playground is beside the climbing structure. It is gorgeous. Today we stopped climbing to look. Really look. It was windy, so petals we’re flying everywhere. And children paid attention. They soaked up the wind and flying … Continue reading →

Posted in Imagination, Inspiration, joy, Mother Nature, Nature, preschool, Uncategorized, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , | 62 Comments