Category Archives: Inspiration

Becoming Inspired to Write

Posted on August 7, 2020 by

The days have been hot and humid, not the best for writing.  Today I had a huge dose of inspiration.  I played with E.B. White’s Underwood typewriter.  Really. I was so very careful.  Of course I didn’t hit a key. … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Inspiration, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 65 Comments

The Calm Before the Storm

Posted on August 3, 2020 by

Mother Nature is giving us a delightful and playful calm before tomorrow’s storm. Wispy clouds are dancing, like children. Jennie

Posted in Imagination, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , | 46 Comments

More at The Carle, the Art of Maira Kalman, and “Fireboat”

Posted on July 31, 2020 by

After visiting the Angels exhibition at the Eric Carle Museum, I viewed the art of Maira Kalman. I knew this dog, at least I thought I did.  While there was something familiar here, I had to admit I don’t really … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 52 Comments

A New Exhibit, Eric Carle’s Art Comes Full Circle…and More

Posted on July 30, 2020 by

After months of having to close its doors to the public, the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Massachusetts has reopened.  I was thrilled.  The number of visitors and safety procedures were controlled, yet the experience was full … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, museums, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , | 46 Comments

The Sky, and Really Talking

Posted on July 27, 2020 by

A hot night and a beautiful sky. We dangled our feet in the water and looked up. The wonder and conversation began. The quarter moon a few days ago is now a half moon. Did the first caveman watch the … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Imagination, Inspiration, Learning About the World, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 46 Comments

Look Up, Look Down

Posted on July 25, 2020 by

We can all take a lesson from children.  They notice everything.  They look up, and they look down.  They stop to look, really look, and to wonder.  They remember what they see, and if an adult is around they ask … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Nature, summer camp, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 87 Comments

Thank You to the Eric Carle Museum, and Kate DiCamillo’s New Book.

Posted on July 22, 2020 by

Just before the pandemic hit, the Eric Carle Museum asked me if they could include in their quarterly newsletter my story, my blog post, about visiting the museum and hearing author Kate DiCamillo speak. Yes!  Of course, yes! They enjoy … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, reading, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 70 Comments

The Purple Snapdragon

Posted on July 14, 2020 by

Dear Purple Snapdragon, Your stalk grew too tall. You fell over every day. I cradled you and propped you up. Nothing worked.  Nothing helped. Finally I let you go. I put you in the garden to fend for yourself. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, self esteem, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 63 Comments

Quotation on the Importance of Play

Posted on July 12, 2020 by

Yesterday my post on Kindergarten Means “Garden of Children” inspired many wonderful comments.  In particular, Dan Antion at nofacilities.com said this: We have our entire lives to learn, but the period of time we have to really play keeps getting … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Play, preschool, Quotes, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 45 Comments

Kindergarten Means “Garden of Children”

Posted on July 11, 2020 by

My garden is a new venture every year.  We bought an older home with an established flower garden in 2002.  When summer arrived I couldn’t wait to see what  would bloom.  It was a joy to discover new flowers.  Since … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, preschool, self esteem, Teaching young children, The Arts, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 90 Comments