Category Archives: Imagination

Nature on the Playground

Posted on October 6, 2018 by Jennie

The last flowers of summer, strong and tall. A playground in itself for butterflies and bees. A wonder of discovery for children. Nature is the greatest teacher. Every day the playground at school is chocked full of something to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, joy, Mother Nature, Nature, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 68 Comments

Evening Sky

Posted on September 30, 2018 by Jennie

Thank you, Mother Nature. Your evening sky is glorious. Tomorrow I will show the children in my class. We will count your colors and talk about the sky. I wonder what the questions and stories will be. Jennie

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Imagination, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 35 Comments

Language, Literacy, and Storytelling – Part 1

Posted on September 29, 2018 by Jennie

As a teacher, I want to grow readers.  I want to help children develop a sense of understanding.  I want children to become curious, and eager to discover.  I learned early on that in order to do this, it all … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, geography, Imagination, Jim Trelease, picture books, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, storytelling, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 51 Comments

The Reading Snapshots Keep Growing

Posted on September 25, 2018 by Jennie

Children’s reading is growing!  Last week my preschool children began to read independently.  It was wonderful.  The photo of children on the rug with their books spoke to the power of reading aloud good books, and children modeling what they … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, picture books, reading, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 46 Comments

A New Year of Reading Charlotte’s Web

Posted on September 23, 2018 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 Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Learning About the World, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 56 Comments

The Man Himself, Eric Carle

Posted on September 18, 2018 by Jennie

I was tenth on the waiting list to hear Eric Carle – the man himself – speak to a packed audience.  It is the 50th anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.  Can you imagine this childhood favorite book has been in … Continue reading →

Posted in art, books, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, picture books, preschool, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 96 Comments

The Light in the Toothbrush

Posted on September 14, 2018 by Jennie

This week my Book Bears reading group at the public library had our first meeting of the year.  September is always ‘bring your favorite book that you read over the summer’.  It’s a great way to meet the kids – … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, reading, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 72 Comments

The Best Words From a Child

Posted on September 9, 2018 by Jennie

A child said to me this week, “Jennie, tell me all the books.” Surely those are the best words a teacher can hear. Jennie

Posted in books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, reading, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 52 Comments

Looking For a Good Book?

Posted on September 8, 2018 by Jennie

To start the school year, I always pick a random selection of books for my classroom bookshelf.  Nothing theme-y, just good literature.  Poetry, rhyming, humor, old favorites and new award winners.  So take a look, go reading, and get lost … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, picture books, preschool, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 65 Comments

School, Yesterday and Today

Posted on August 29, 2018 by Jennie

Yesterday:  The classroom is a disaster.  So much to do.  Overwhelming.  How will I ever be ready? Today: Lookin’ good! Tomorrow:  Children!  I can’t wait. ❤️ Jennie

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Teaching young children, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , | 51 Comments