Category Archives: Inspiration

Talking With Owen, the High School Student

Posted on April 28, 2026 by Jennie

I can’t get the conversation out of my mind. Owen was one of the high school students who interviewed our kindergarteners and wrote their stories, turning them into a book. Today I got a lovely card signed by the students. … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, School, storytelling, teaching | Tagged , , | 60 Comments

The Art Show!

Posted on April 25, 2026 by Jennie

The annual Art Show is up and running.  As always, the art is stellar.  Why?  Because I empower children.  I tell them, “You can do this!”  I show them works of art by the masters – slowly and purposefully.  I … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Heart, Inspiration, School, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 62 Comments

Gloria’s Return From England

Posted on April 19, 2026 by Jennie

Gloria is back home, safe and sound… yet she’s a little different.  Yes, she misses Willow (and Earl and Olivia), but do you see how different her necklace is?  She now wears, with pride, England’s Royal British Legion’s 100th anniversary … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, England, geography, Gloria, Heart, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, School, teaching, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 104 Comments

Madame Katy and Goodnight Moon

Posted on April 12, 2026 by Jennie

Madame Katy is a French teacher, and she visits our kindergarten class every week.  Since we were studying France, we invited her to do “Old MacDonald” in French.  It was wonderful. Then, Madame Katy and I read Goodnight Moon to the children.  … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Singing | Tagged , , , | 72 Comments

Happy Easter From the Ducks in Boston Public Garden

Posted on April 5, 2026 by Jennie

This is a favorite post from Easter many years ago. Photo courtesy Universal Hub Robert McCloskey’s classic story, Make Way for Ducklings, is immortalized in bronze statues in the Public Garden on Boston Common.  Mrs. Mallard and her eight ducklings, Jack, … Continue reading →

Posted in art, books, children's books, Community, Inspiration, picture books, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 69 Comments

More Nan Stories, Thanks to Sally at Smorgasbord

Posted on March 31, 2026 by Jennie

When Sally at Smorgasbord Blog Magazine began her series on ‘Who Has Influenced You The Most In Your Life,’ I knew for me it was my grandmother Nan.  I realized my story, the one she published, was but a part of … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, geography, history, Inspiration, storytelling, trains, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 48 Comments

Storytelling To High Schoolers – Part 2

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Jennie

The work was done.  Well, almost.  High schoolers wrote their stories, turned it into a book, and I returned to listen to them read their stories.  After all, they would be reading the story they wrote about the kindergartner they … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Community, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture stories, reading aloud, School, storytelling, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , | 51 Comments

A Play Performance – Unexpected Surprise

Posted on March 22, 2026 by Jennie

Our local elementary school has a musical play production every spring.  It’s really good, and I always go because I know I’ll see past students.  For me it is wonderful to see the children I remember, flourishing and having fun.  … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Community, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, play performances, Student alumni, teaching, The Arts | Tagged , , | 100 Comments

Gloria Touring London

Posted on March 19, 2026 by Jennie

Gloria spent a full day in London and saw all the sights.  Need I say more?  Thank you, Willow, and thank you, Earl (Gloria’s new buddy.)  This is by far the biggest adventure Gloria has had, and it’s important that … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, geography, Gloria, Inspiration, Learning About the World, wonder | Tagged | 42 Comments

Storytelling to High Schoolers

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Jennie

I was invited to tell stories to our local prep school high schoolers, and help them write stories with a cultural perspective.  They have a winter break, and students sign up for an event.  Many signed up for me, and … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Community, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, preschool, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 47 Comments