Category Archives: Inspiration

Gloria Goes To Washington – Part 2

In Part 1, Gloria and Tim visited the Lincoln Memorial. President Lincoln believed in equality for all. Tim and his parents thought Gloria would like that lesson. Part 2 Hey Aqua Room, Gloria had a very busy day yesterday!  First … Continue reading

Posted in America, Diversity, geography, Gloria, history, Inspiration, museums, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , | 47 Comments

Gloria Goes To Washington – Part 1

Gloria has been in Washington D.C. with a classmate (I’ll call him Tim.)  His father sent an email and photos to the class each day about Gloria’s adventures in Washington. Hey Aqua Room, Tim wanted to send a note to … Continue reading

Posted in America, Diversity, Gloria, Inspiration, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 49 Comments

Family

I call my classroom a family.  We are a family.  Children hear me say all the time, “Once an Aqua Roomer, always an Aqua Roomer.”  That means family is always there for you.  Children can take Gloria home long after … Continue reading

Posted in children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, reading aloud, wonder | Tagged , , | 69 Comments

Visiting the Art Show

Last week I took the children and their families to see the Art Show.  It has been two years since we took a field trip.  As you can imagine, the event was eagerly anticipated by families as well as the … Continue reading

Posted in art, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , | 58 Comments

Calm Before the Storm

My favorite intersection for sunsets, appropriately named Sunset Farm. Today a storm was brewing. The view was as beautiful as a sunset. The surprise was a rare hailstorm. “Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder” ~E.B. White~ … Continue reading

Posted in E.B. White, Inspiration, Nature, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 68 Comments

Presenting the Art Show

“Art should make you feel, like music.” ~ Vasilly Kandinski ~ When children’s masterpieces were complete, framed and titled, I showed every work of art- slowly, with Vivaldi playing in the background.  I said nothing except the title of each … Continue reading

Posted in art, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 93 Comments

The Joy of Teaching – Moments

Since we’re learning about France, we sing the ‘Days of the Week’ song in French.  Children are excited to add new words – real words in a foreign language – to a song they already know. The ‘Helper of the … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, School, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 69 Comments

Keep Smiling and Stay Warm – Olaf!

March is going out like a lion, not a lamb. Here’s how to keep smiling and stay warm on the playground at school: Thank goodness for my Olaf hat! Jennie

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

The Compass Rose

                                  “Jennie, what’s that? Those three words are music to my ears, because it means there will be a new journey to discovery.  When … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, geography, Inspiration, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 73 Comments

More Music and Art – and Why I Teach

Music has been a great inspiration, and children have truly created wonderful works of art. When I think of classical music inspiring children I immediately think of the renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma playing for Mr. Rogers. This video clip speaks … Continue reading

Posted in art, Imagination, Inspiration, music, Teaching young children, The Arts, Uncategorized, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 92 Comments