Category Archives: Inspiration

Still Getting Cards From Students

Posted on January 1, 2023 by Jennie

As I go through my holiday cards today, my greatest joy is reading, touching, and re-reading the collection of cards from former students: Amanda, age 16, now in California Sophie, age 15, still in town Mac, age 8, now in … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, E.B. White, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, literacy, reading, Teaching young children | Tagged , | 73 Comments

“Devotion” – The (Personal) Backstory

Posted on December 30, 2022 by Jennie

Current movie, “Devotion” The story of Jesse Brown and Tom Hudner in the movie is true.  There’s much more to the story, which involves me and my family.  Really. It happened like this… 1972.  Hubby is an Ensign in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, military, patriotism | Tagged , , , , | 50 Comments

A Message

Posted on December 28, 2022 by Jennie

Surely there is a message here. This must be a sign. I’m excited! Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, wonder | Tagged , , | 43 Comments

The True Story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Posted on December 23, 2022 by Jennie

As the holiday season of 1938 came to Chicago, Bob May wasn’t feeling much comfort or joy. A 34-year-old ad writer for Montgomery Ward, May was exhausted and nearly broke. His wife, Evelyn, was bedridden, on the losing end of … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, picture books, self esteem, wonder | Tagged , , | 67 Comments

My Favorite Christmas Ad – Repost

Posted on December 21, 2022 by Jennie

My favorite Christmas Ad, every year. The Spirit of Christmas That’s what it’s really about. This is the year we need to keep that spirit alive. This is the year we need to find happiness. If we are happy, it … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, joy, Love, wonder | Tagged , , , | 70 Comments

Best Children’s Christmas Books – Annual Post

Posted on December 18, 2022 by Jennie

Christmas books are often more meaningful to read to a child after the holiday, once a child has experienced the joy of Christmas.      Red and Lulu, by Matt Tavares is the story of two cardinals who live in … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Family, Inspiration, joy, picture books, reading aloud, wonder | Tagged , | 50 Comments

Grandma Moses

Posted on December 14, 2022 by Jennie

THEGUARDIAN.COM Queen of Christmas: the wondrous snowy landscapes that made Grandma Moses as big as Jackson Pollock. As soon as I saw this article, shared by the Bennington Museum in Bennington, VT, I knew I needed to tell her story, … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, quilting, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , | 72 Comments

Army Navy

Posted on December 10, 2022 by Jennie

This is a post from last year’s Army/Navy game.  I couldn’t say it better, and it bears repeating.  Today’s game was equally exciting.  I must add that next year’s Army/Navy game will be held at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro.  Yes, … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, Learning About the World, military | Tagged , , | 43 Comments

Rainbows

Posted on December 2, 2022 by Jennie

 “Jennie!  Come quick!  There’s a rainbow in the bathroom.” What a surprise. Everyone clamored into the bathroom for a look, to put their hands onto the rainbow. The rainbow miraculously appeared on little hands. Sometimes wonder needs no words. The … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Inspiration, Nature, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , | 67 Comments

My Teacher Lightbulb Moment – Part 2

Posted on November 27, 2022 by Jennie

In Part 1 I wrote about the moment a child and I smiled together, and how that was the start of my becoming a ‘real teacher’. Part 2 is how I continued, and how my teaching grew. I became ‘one’ … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, joy, Love, preschool, quilting, reading aloud, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 104 Comments