Category Archives: Imagination

Children and Art

Today we begin our month-long journey of creating masterpieces for our annual Art Show. “It took me a lifetime to learn to draw like a child.” -Picasso- “I would like to paint the way a bird sings.” -Monet- “Great things are done … Continue reading

Posted in art, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, preschool, Quotes, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 61 Comments

The Wisdom of Mister Rogers – Part 3

In Part 2, I shared some of Mister Rogers’ words of wisdom from my treasured book, The World According to Mister Rogers.  Important Things to Remember.  I also included the words to one of Mister Rogers’ best songs, “It’s You I Like.” … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Peace, preschool, Quotes, self esteem, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 40 Comments

The Mentor – From Classroom, to Blogging, and To Gloria

Many years ago an outstanding consultant, Marcia Hebert, came into school to help teachers with their classrooms and environment.  We were all so focused on the children that the classroom itself was often overlooked.  Teachers weren’t seeing  their rooms through … Continue reading

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 50 Comments

More Than Reading Aloud – SSR

Penguin Books, The Read-Aloud Handbook, 2013 It is a given that I read aloud to children multiple times a day.  I know, and you know, that it makes a difference.  In this blog post, I will address more than reading … Continue reading

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 68 Comments

Do You See What I See?

A long day at work.  Children are sick, and I am, too. I pull out my well-used tissue before getting ready for bed. What a joy! I see a dinosaur.  I see a seahorse.  I see a big smile.  I … Continue reading

Posted in E.B. White, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 49 Comments

The Poet’s Dog

As winter is upon us, I am once again drawn to the best book, The Poet’s Dog.  Fall in love with a dog, a poet, and children- magnificently written, through the voice of the dog.  A winter storm has arrived … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, Dogs, Imagination, joy, Kindness, Love, Particia MacLachlan | Tagged , , , , , , | 107 Comments

Library Book Bears… and Bob

Book Bears is my library reading group.  These second and third graders read a book each month, and we have a discussion about the book.  We talk about everything.  Everything! Let me tell you, this group is terrific.  Everyone is … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , | 65 Comments

When Children Have the Freedom To “Be”

While this is a post I wrote about play performances with children, it is really about far more.  Oh, yes!  It is about believing and taking risks.  It is about freedom and encouragement.  It’s my philosophy of teaching.  Paying attention … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, Love, play performances, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 92 Comments

Hector Fox and the Giant Quest

Hector Fox and the Giant Quest I have been teaching preschool for thirty-five years.  I’m the guru of picture books at school.  Frankly I’m picky, and I know a good book when I read one.  Hector Fox and the Giant … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, picture books, reading, young children | Tagged , , , | 45 Comments

The Best Children’s Christmas Books

I want to share with you my favorite Christmas books.  I love books, and I love reading to children.  After a gazillion years, these are the ‘tried and true’, stories that children love. Me, too! Grab tissues, laughter, and wonder, … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, picture books, reading, reading aloud, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 65 Comments