Category Archives: Inspiration

Music Saves the Day

Posted on December 8, 2018 by

Today was a zigger-zagger day.  Oh, boy.  Children were excited, wiggly, having a hard time attending.  There were tears, and sharing toys wasn’t an easy thing to do.  Some days are just like that. I knew exactly what to do. … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, music, preschool | Tagged , , , , , , , | 42 Comments

A Story of Reading Aloud

Posted on November 26, 2018 by

Author Kate DiCamillo tells a childhood story of her teacher reading aloud, when she was in second grade.  It is powerful.  She remembers every detail… including the class bully. “It’s 1972, and I’m 8 years old and in second grade … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, storytelling | Tagged , , , , , , | 57 Comments

Thanksgiving Travel – Bridges and Gold

Posted on November 21, 2018 by

“Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder.” –E.B. White- Traveling across the new Tapen Zee Bridge in New York Opened wide a doorway to new adventures.  Bridges do that.  The sky was excited.  I felt it, too. … Continue reading →

Posted in E.B. White, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, Quotes, Thanksgiving, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 47 Comments

Two Preschool Generations

Posted on November 16, 2018 by

Thirty years ago Nurse Eamonn was in my preschool class.  He was adorable (but don’t tell him I said that.)  In high school he did his internship in my classroom.  Ah, he had the touch.  I knew there was a … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Inspiration, preschool, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 46 Comments

Language, Literacy, and Storytelling – Part 5 – The Conclusion

Posted on October 30, 2018 by

In Part 4, I shared my storytelling at school.  In the bathroom I use rhyming words and tell make-believe stories.  I incorporate children’s names into the story.  I add complex vocabulary words.  At lunchtime, I tell Jennie Stories, true stories of … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Death and dying, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, Kindness, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, storytelling, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 42 Comments

E.B. White’s Grandniece – In My Classroom

Posted on October 27, 2018 by

It happened like this: And as you know, those are the beginning words to a really good story.  So, hold on to your hat. Last spring I learned that E.B. White’s grandniece was giving a presentation at my local library.  … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 89 Comments

The Letter, With Love

Posted on October 22, 2018 by

            Thank you for the lovely letter, Rowan.  Seeing your smiling face and getting a great big hug was the best.  You were proud and confident, eager to show me your letter.  I miss you, … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, Student alumni, Writing, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 64 Comments