Category Archives: Inspiration

‘Life is Good’ – It’s More Than T-shirts

The Healing Power of Optimism Well, that caught my attention.  I know those words to be true.  I’m a preschool teacher; optimism and healing are in my pockets, and in my heart.  It’s what I do with children. That was … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 46 Comments

From Little House in the Big Woods to Little House on the Prairie

My book is ‘well loved’ and completely falling apart. That shows children how important it is. I finished reading aloud Little House in the Big Woods to my preschoolers, and have just started the next book, Little House on the … Continue reading

Posted in America, chapter reading, children's books, geography, Inspiration, Learning About the World, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 49 Comments

The Last Winter Sunset

A last winter sunset.  Do you see the house looking at the barn, with wide eyes and an open mouth?  Do you see what it’s saying? Hey, barn!  Do you see what I see?  It’s a beauty of a sunset.  … Continue reading

Posted in E.B. White, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , | 46 Comments

Goodnight Moon – It’s a ‘Rap’

Before children learn to read, first they must hear the words.  It’s developmental, like learning to crawl before learning to walk.  The auditory piece, including singing, hits both the brain and the soul in learning.  In my preschool class, reading … Continue reading

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, literacy, music, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 48 Comments

Reading Aloud Heals Just About Everything – Part 2

My post on ‘Reading Aloud Heals Just About Everything’ gave my readers a chance to reflect and tell their stories. Thank You! “Few days before my father died I was reading to him. I don’t remember what the book was. … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, reading aloud, storytelling | Tagged , , | 28 Comments

My Mini Love Note

Big things come in little packages, and my mini love note couldn’t have made my heart any bigger. Happy Valentine’s Day! “Some people care too much, I think it’s called love.” ~Winnie the Pooh~ Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, preschool, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , | 63 Comments

Kelly the Reader – Her Story

Kelly has learned to read.  She is so proud!  Most children are happy to just keep reading, once they have crossed that threshold.  Not Kelly.  She wanted to show her skills to the world, to read aloud on YouTube, but … Continue reading

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, reading, reading aloud, wonder | Tagged , , | 76 Comments

Pen Pal Valentines

Valentines for our pen pals who live far away in England and Michigan, love and friendship made by hand. Jennie

Posted in art, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Writing | Tagged , , | 37 Comments

Winter Sunset

At last, there was a winter sunset on the drive home from work at my favorite Sunset Farm intersection.  That means the days are getting longer.  At school we can now watch sunsets on the playground at the end of … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , | 72 Comments

We’re Still Pen-Pals

Last summer a child who had moved on from my class was missing me.  His mom emailed: He said, “Mumma, I miss Jennie.”  I said, “I’m sure you do.  What is it you miss about her? ” He said, “I … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 91 Comments