Category Archives: Inspiration

Milly the Quilter Story – Part 2

Posted on June 25, 2026 by Jennie

In Part 1, I discovered a Peace Portal at a museum and recreated it in my classroom.  Peace became a big deal and very real to children.  When I saw quilts that were murals, I knew I had to make … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Community, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, Peace, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , | 48 Comments

Milly the Quilter Story – Part 1

Posted on June 22, 2026 by Jennie

This is Part 1 in perhaps the best thing I ever did in teaching.  Really.  Some of my old bloggers will remember this gripping story.  There are 1o parts, and the story is absolutely wonderful.  Hang on for a great … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, Peace, preschool, quilting, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , | 72 Comments

Remembering Jane Yolen

Posted on June 19, 2026 by Jennie

Children’s book author Jane Yolen has passed away.  She was a gifted author, and her books are well known.  She made a huge difference in the lives of children – and me.  I want to honor Jane with my memories … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Death and dying, Early Education, Eric Carle Museum, Giving thanks, Heart, Inspiration, joy, literacy, picture books, preschool, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 62 Comments

Our Wish Tree at the Library

Posted on June 13, 2026 by Jennie

After reading Wishtree to my library group, I knew I had to do more.  When a really good book sticks with children, and they’re not ready to let go, it’s up to me to make something meaningful happen.  I can’t leave … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Community, Expressing words and feelings, Heart, Inspiration, Library, literacy, Teaching young children, wonder, Writing | Tagged , , , | 82 Comments

Childhood Anxiety is Real

Posted on June 1, 2026 by Jennie

Out of the blue a former Aqua Roomer popped in to visit.  It was Lizzie. Lizzie visiting in 2018 My goodness, it was so good to see her.  Lizzie is now Hadrian, a they, but with the same smile and … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, Love, School, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 61 Comments

Talking Death With Children

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Jennie

Death is the dreaded “D” word when talking with children, but it doesn’t have to be.  It can be an open door to a much needed conversation.  Here’s what happened at school: Our Memory Garden at school is visited by … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, Kindness, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , | 63 Comments

Wishtree, by Kathrine Applegate – Then and Now

Posted on May 9, 2026 by Jennie

When I visit with the grandchildren, a beloved ritual is reading a story before bedtime. The musicality of words floating into the ear and going into the mind becomes an arrow that pierces the heart.  It always happens that way. … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, Community, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Heart, Imagination, Inspiration, Library, literacy, reading, reading aloud | Tagged , , | 85 Comments

Welcoming Gloria Back to the Classroom – Katy!

Posted on May 4, 2026 by Jennie

Gloria, we missed you!  You made a friend from England?  Yes, and her name is Katy.  She brought you into the classroom.  The children were thrilled.  She wore an English hat, a boa, and long white gloves. Katy is famous … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, Diversity, England, Family, geography, Gloria, Inspiration, Learning About the World, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 62 Comments

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 , , , , , , , , | 65 Comments