Category Archives: Inspiration

Summer Reading

Posted on September 5, 2023 by Jennie

As I was starting a blog post on the books I have read this summer, a parent sent me this photo: Two former students, one reading to the other – while at the pool! This photo is far more important … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, literacy, preschool, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, teaching, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 52 Comments

New Exhibits (and More) at the Eric Carle Museum

Posted on August 26, 2023 by Jennie

It finally struck me – while art museums hold beautiful collections of art, there is a big difference when it comes to the art and exhibits at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art – they tell a story. … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Eric Carle, Inspiration, museums, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 60 Comments

My Song Follow-Up Story

Posted on August 23, 2023 by Jennie

In my last blog post, I included a favorite song I sing with children, “The Sun and the Rain Make a Rainbow.”  I searched through YouTube to find the song- nothing.  So, I just sang it myself.  Fellow blogger Debby … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, preschool, Singing, Teaching young children, young children | Tagged , , | 73 Comments

The Sun and the Rain Make a Rainbow

Posted on August 19, 2023 by Jennie

Today’s weather was everything in dramatic fashion.  The morning brought torrential rains, including five tornadoes here in Massachusetts.  Tornadoes are rare up here.  Then, the sun came out.  Next, billowing thunderclouds began to form. We had to run errands, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, music, Nature, preschool, Quotes, wonder | Tagged , , | 78 Comments

Clouds

Posted on August 16, 2023 by Jennie

I’ve always loved looking at clouds, even as a child.  When we moved to New England I appreciated clouds even more.  Were they different or more beautiful?  No, I think it was me, especially the preschool teacher in me.  I … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , | 66 Comments

Reading Again – At Last!

Posted on August 4, 2023 by Jennie

He has been unable to read for two years. The words and pages ‘move’ with his eye problems. As a result, he stopped reading books. He gave it another try. Seeing him reading again is a joy. I think he … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, literacy, reading | Tagged , , , | 49 Comments

More by the Pool – Bravery

Posted on July 31, 2023 by Jennie

Did you ever eat dinner in the pool? Not by the pool, in the pool. It happened like this… The children had been brave all afternoon, jumping onto rafts without adult hands, mastering super soakers, and playing in the deep … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, wonder, young children | Tagged , , | 51 Comments

Plato and Music

Posted on July 22, 2023 by Jennie

“Music is a moral law. it gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” ~ Plato ~ For more wonderful quotations at the end of great … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, history, Inspiration, music, Quotes, wonder | Tagged , , | 46 Comments

God Bless America – Twelve Years Later

Posted on July 18, 2023 by Jennie

I stopped by school last week, which is currently in Summer Camp mode.  High school volunteers are a welcome and fun part of the group.  What happened was delightful: First I was mobbed by children (always wonderful), then Jess, a … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Expressing words and feelings, history, Inspiration, museums, music, patriotism, quilting, School, Student alumni, summer camp, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 50 Comments

My Dog

Posted on July 8, 2023 by Jennie

My friend and fellow blogger, John Howell @ Fiction Favorites  posted a terrific story last month on his Friday Good News post about a little dog who went after a coyote and saved the life of his dog pal. Dogs saves … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 107 Comments