Category Archives: Inspiration

Ten Authors and Artists Share Their Inspiration

Posted on October 9, 2017 by

There I was, listening to the best children’s book authors and illustrators at the Eric Carle Museum of picture Book Art, talking about what inspired them.  I couldn’t write fast enough (yes, I took a flurry of notes) or listen … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Author interview, books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading aloud, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 29 Comments

Understanding Art and Heart

Posted on September 28, 2017 by

In September, I send large folders home to children and their families to decorate, together.  Throughout the year, these folders are used to transport their child’s art work each time we send it home.  It’s our Art Pony Express, delivering … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Quotes, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 33 Comments

The Lunchbox Note and Storytelling: Lifetime Lessons

Posted on September 19, 2017 by

Lunchtime in the classroom with fifteen preschoolers is very busy.  Once containers are opened, hot foods are heated, milk straws are inserted into their boxes, and napkins are found, things change.  Drastically.   Lunch becomes intimate.  Not quiet, but a … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 87 Comments

Book Bears

Posted on September 15, 2017 by

Book Bears started yesterday.  It’s my library reading group, mostly second graders.  Yesterday we met each other and  shared our favorite summer read.  ‘Meet and Greet’, with books.  Some children were nervous.  Some were outgoing.  I could see a wide disparity … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 83 Comments

Remembering 9/11 and Teaching Goodness

Posted on September 10, 2017 by

How do we deal with 9/11?  How do we honor and respect those who risked their lives?  How do we face a tragedy, and find goodness and strength?  Most importantly, how do we do this with young children? The tragic … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Giving, Inspiration, Kindness, patriotism, Peace, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 64 Comments

Summer of the Monkeys

Posted on September 5, 2017 by

Every summer I get lost in books.  Sometimes there is one that sticks with me for a long time.  A very long time.  This summer I read Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls.  I can’t let go of the words, … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, reading | Tagged , , , , , , , | 52 Comments

Rekindling American Pride

Posted on August 25, 2017 by

The perfect book.  Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus captures the heart of America.  The stunning illustrations by Kadir Nelson make the simple text explode with meaning.  It is history: White Rows.  White Rows When I turned to this page, … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, geography, history, Inspiration, patriotism, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 42 Comments