Category Archives: Inspiration

The Sun and the Moon – Eric Carle

Posted on April 15, 2024 by Jennie

Discovering an Eric Carle illustration that is over 50 years old is delightful. His words give new meaning to the art. “I often include the sun, and the moon, in my books and in a way I am trying to … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Eric Carle, Imagination, Inspiration, Nature, picture books, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , | 69 Comments

40 Words, 40 Years

Posted on April 10, 2024 by Jennie

This is my 40th year teaching preschool at my wonderful school.  It feels like 10 or maybe 20 years.  40 is, well, a big deal…at least my school thinks so.  At our monthly staff meetings, they have often surprised me … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Poetry, School, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , | 111 Comments

Children and Art – The Art Show

Posted on April 7, 2024 by Jennie

I have great faith in children, because they are eager sponges, soaking up everything along the way.  When learning is ‘hands-on’ that’s like electricity to the brain.  Art is a perfect example.  I tell children when they’re inspired, it goes … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 103 Comments

March – Spring, Art, and Music

Posted on April 1, 2024 by Jennie

March was busy in my classroom for many reasons.  Spring is desperately trying to emerge.  The bikes are back on the playground, and I got a ride on the double bike.  Whee! We’re in a frenzy in the best of … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Imagination, Inspiration, music, preschool, Teaching young children, The Arts, The Beatles | Tagged , , , | 60 Comments

Children’s Books: Old and New

Posted on March 25, 2024 by Jennie

I’m always excited to search for new books that eventually become favorites, scan titles, and recognize the best of newly published books. Nothing beats reading-aloud and turning the pages of a book. Yet, I would be remiss if I didn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Imagination, Inspiration, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 79 Comments

How To Catch a Leprechaun

Posted on March 17, 2024 by Jennie

Jennie

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, wonder | Tagged , | 47 Comments

Gloria and the Leprechaun

Posted on March 16, 2024 by Jennie

Gloria, what are you doing?  Are you okay? I’m fine.  Lucky came by last night. Lucky? Yes, Lucky the Leprechaun. I see.  Gloria, do you know how hard the Aqua Roomers worked on making that trap? It took them three … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 56 Comments

Do You See What I See?

Posted on March 10, 2024 by Jennie

Children created the Eiffel Tower using different sticks, from coffee stirrers to craft sticks (popsicle sticks) to ‘build’ a replica of the structure. Tommy carefully criss-crossed his sticks.  He was focused, determined. I’m always understanding and support children’s hard work, … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , | 57 Comments

Robot Finale and Real Learning

Posted on March 4, 2024 by Jennie

My classroom, the Aqua Room, is ‘crushing’ robots this year.  Every day a child talks about Curiosity on Mars.  Every day we watch the Boston Dynamics robots.  Back in December we wrote a giant letter to NASA, and to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, robots, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 81 Comments

Gloria is Celebrating Other Countries

Posted on March 2, 2024 by Jennie

My preschool class loves learning about other countries.  Geography, our Big Book Atlas, food, traditional costumes, and singing our ‘Days of the Week’ song in a new language are favorites.  Every year. Gloria has decided she wants to be part … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, geography, Gloria, Inspiration, Learning About the World, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 73 Comments