Category Archives: Inspiration

Joy is the Magic Word – For Everyone

Posted on September 18, 2024 by Jennie

This re-post is a letter to teachers.  It’s the foundation of connecting with children, and teaching, and making a difference. Frankly, it is a life lesson.  It’s all about how we see things – our outlook and attitude. Dear Teachers, … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Heart, Inspiration, joy, Love | Tagged , , , | 80 Comments

Best Picture Books This Summer

Posted on September 8, 2024 by Jennie

It’s not often I discover a terrific new picture book. This summer I hit the jackpot. The Yellow Bus, by Loren Long Loren Long is a great author and illustrator.  His book, Otis, about a farm tractor and a cow is … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture books | Tagged , , , , , | 64 Comments

DogTown

Posted on September 7, 2024 by Jennie

I just finished reading one of the best books, DogTown, by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko, and had to share my excitement. It’s friendship, bravery, loss, humor, and heart.  Oh, is it ever heart. “Your heart is a muscle,” I told … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Dogs, Expressing words and feelings, Heart, Inspiration, literacy, Love, reading, robots, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 28 Comments

A Children’s Book in the Sky – Swimmy

Posted on August 31, 2024 by Jennie

And there it was, flying high like a quiet beauty. “Swimmy” My beloved picture book. The first book I read aloud to my preschoolers, forty years ago. Jennie

Posted in children's books, Imagination, Inspiration, Nature, picture books, wonder | Tagged , , | 56 Comments

READ

Posted on August 24, 2024 by Jennie

My two favorite READ posters from Literary Hub @ lithub.com Dolly Parton has done more for putting books into the hands of children than anyone. Bless you, Dolly. Look at the books she is reading! Every Very Hungry Caterpillar Day is … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , | 64 Comments

Winged Victory

Posted on August 17, 2024 by Jennie

The plants and flowers are thriving, all but the little guy in the back, spreading his ‘wings’ and trying to grow. Winged Victory is growing a baby flower. Winged Victory is the end of summer and summer camp, watching children … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, literacy, Nature, picture books, Quotes, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , | 68 Comments

The Carle, and More

Posted on August 10, 2024 by Jennie

I never tire of visiting the the Eric Carle Museum, because every visit has something new and exciting.  Yes, every visit. I had no idea his favorite color was yellow. No wonder he has created so many suns. This is … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Book Review, Dogs, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, literacy, museums, picture books, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 70 Comments

40 Year Bookends

Posted on August 1, 2024 by Jennie

All in a day, I bumped into ‘bookends’, parents of a student in my first class forty years ago, and parents of a child this past year. Michelle was one of my first students.  The local newspaper came to take … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 71 Comments

The Former Student – On Teaching

Posted on July 15, 2024 by Jennie

Noah was my student, over twenty years ago. He loved music. It was my autoharp and singing that helped him adjust to school. We have stayed in touch. When he was in high school he came to play the keyboard, … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, School, teaching | Tagged , , | 87 Comments

Penelope Rex, Classic Books, and Eric Carle

Posted on July 9, 2024 by Jennie

As always, a trip to the Eric Carle Museum is full of the unexpected, with moments that linger long after my visit.  First, I met Penelope in the hallway. Penelope Rex is the character in Ryan Higgins’ new book.  It … Continue reading →

Posted in art, children's books, David Wiesner, Eric Carle, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, reading, reading aloud, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , | 67 Comments