Category Archives: Inspiration

Halloween, Then and Now at School

Posted on October 30, 2020 by

Our classroom family event, a few years ago. Halloween is quite different this year.  There’s no trick-or-treating.  Children will be wearing pajamas to school today for ‘PJ Day’, and ‘A Day in the Dark’.  These are fun alternatives to costumes, … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Halloween, Inspiration, jack-o-lanterns, preschool, Singing, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 46 Comments

The Old Burying Ground

Posted on October 18, 2020 by

I love history.  It’s the stories, and understanding life way back when, that is deeply important – to me.  When those lives are on hallowed ground, in the beauty of fall, history comes alive. Groton’s Old Burying Ground is simply … Continue reading →

Posted in America, art, Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, geography, history, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 92 Comments

Gloria’s First Day at School

Posted on October 15, 2020 by

It happens every year.  Gloria comes to school, and children are wide-eyed.  Silent.  Maybe scared.  And somehow, she becomes a friend.  Well, not exactly.  She becomes herself, and children want to be her friend. It started with Eddie.  He was … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 79 Comments

Gloria!

Posted on October 13, 2020 by

Gloria’s first day back-to-school is tomorrow.  She is excited!  She has a new face mask with dragonflies.  I can tell she’s nervous.  I have been reassuring her all day that everything will be fine, and I’ve also been listening to … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 78 Comments

October in My New England Town

Posted on October 12, 2020 by

The poetry of Robert Frost is a perfect accompaniment to October photos in my small town.  These images and scenes are much the same as what Robert Frost would have seen.  Surely he was inspired to write poetry in order … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, Poetry, The Arts | Tagged , , , , | 63 Comments

Reading Aloud “The Giving Tree”

Posted on October 9, 2020 by

My post yesterday about The Giving Tree was well received.  Only one thing was missing – reading the story aloud.  Thank you John Howell at Fiction Favorites for his comment: Darn.  I settled in and thought you were going to read the … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, picture books, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , | 42 Comments

The Giving Tree

Posted on October 8, 2020 by

There is a tree on the playground that is old and big.  Its branches dip down.  Each one seems to have a mind of its own.  The boughs sway and reach, and children look up. I wonder if the tree … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, Kindness, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 104 Comments

When Children Uncover the Learning

Posted on September 30, 2020 by

There is a teacher term, ‘Emergent Curriculum’, which simply means that a teacher pays attention and follows the interests of children in order for real learning to happen.  It means stopping to listen to what children have to say, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, music, Nature, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 78 Comments

My Morning Greeting, a Frosty Heart

Posted on September 27, 2020 by

When summer turns to fall and nights become cold, the mornings are frosty. I am greeted with a heart, every morning. People tell me it is a message from above. I think about that.  I also think of Nan, my … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Love, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 68 Comments

Music and Movement – The Brain and the Body

Posted on September 25, 2020 by

We are spending more time outdoors with children at school.  That includes music and movement.  I take my autoharp to the hill or the Woodland Grove, and we sing and dance and move.  Music is at the heart of children’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, joy, Math, Mindfulness, music, Nature, preschool, Singing, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 82 Comments