Category Archives: Imagination

Einstein, and Why He is My Hero

Posted on January 29, 2018 by Jennie

Jim Trelease sent me Einstein’s quote, “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”  Jim knew this would strike me, and it did.  All that I do in teaching is centered on creativity.  And of course fun is essential in order to make … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Einstein, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, music, Quotes, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 72 Comments

“How Much Wood Could a Woodchuck Chuck…?”

Posted on January 13, 2018 by Jennie

Thank you, Steve, for being a role model for engaging children in learning and fun.  They will remember you!  I am honored that you dedicated this post to me.  It is a terrific read! “How Much Wood Could A Woodchuck Chuck…?” … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Learning About the World, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 43 Comments

Darth Vader, Marines, and Reading Aloud

Posted on December 28, 2017 by Jennie

I watched a TED Talks with actor Adam Driver who plays Darth Vader’s son in the last two Star Wars movies.  He is one great actor!  The new Star Wars movie (saw it yesterday) is outstanding. What he does outside … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Imagination, Inspiration, military, play performances, reading, reading aloud, storytelling, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 39 Comments

My Favorite Christmas Books

Posted on December 18, 2017 by Jennie

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, Imagination, Inspiration, picture books, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 51 Comments

Penguins, God, Spectacles, the Atlas, and Reading Aloud.

Posted on December 13, 2017 by Jennie

The classroom was dark except for a few strings of twinkling lights.  It was time for chapter reading before rest time.  We started a new chapter reading book, Mr. Popper’s Penguins.  Day one is always thrilling, and I show children … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Learning About the World, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 35 Comments

The Presence of Wonder

Posted on November 6, 2017 by Jennie

“Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder.“  -E.B. White- I do that every day at school. …from morning Watching the sun make colors come alive. Children discovering ladybugs everywhere.  Each one is different. …till evening Snuggling together … Continue reading →

Posted in E.B. White, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 54 Comments

Hearts

Posted on November 1, 2017 by Jennie

The frost on every windowpane this morning is a heart!  I just know this means something.  Oh, Happy Day. ❤️ Jennie

Posted in Imagination, Inspiration, wonder | Tagged , , | 29 Comments

Why Write Letters and Picture Stories?

Posted on October 29, 2017 by Jennie

Learning begins with language, building words upon words.  The more words children hear, the more they learn, and the better they do in school.  All of this leads up to reading readiness.  So, if I can give children hundreds and … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, picture stories, reading, reading aloud, storytelling, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 70 Comments

A Magical Night at School

Posted on October 21, 2017 by Jennie

There’s nothing quite like being a child at school – in the dark – at night – with your family. This week children and families gathered at school for a pizza party outside on the playground.  It was such fun … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Halloween, Imagination, jack-o-lanterns, Singing | Tagged , , , , , , | 52 Comments

Gloria

Posted on October 14, 2017 by Jennie

Gloria joined the classroom this week, and oh what a homecoming it was.  I doubt Santa Claus would receive such a welcome.  After all these years I am still amazed at the difference Gloria makes and how children are drawn … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Imagination, Kindness, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 65 Comments