Category Archives: Inspiration

Robots…Again!

Posted on October 26, 2022 by Jennie

Over the past two years children in my class have loved Boston Dynamics’ robots.  Well, that’s actually an understatement.  Children have been over the moon, and they have embraced every video from dancing to technology. A new year just began.  … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 61 Comments

Magic at School

Posted on October 22, 2022 by Jennie

The most important part of school is making connections.  When teachers connect with children, and when children connect with each other, the school year begins.  It turns on ‘the light’, and that light enables learning, and is deep inside everyone.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Halloween, Inspiration, jack-o-lanterns, preschool | Tagged , , | 70 Comments

Fall and Nature’s Red Fingertips

Posted on October 14, 2022 by Jennie

Fall in New England is beautiful.  Spectacular might be a better word.  Every year is a marvel for children on the playground at school.  We have maple trees.  They turn bright red and orange.  This year was different.  The bright … Continue reading →

Posted in E.B. White, Inspiration, Nature, Quotes, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , | 78 Comments

The New Groton Hill Music Center

Posted on October 9, 2022 by Jennie

A new music venue is in Groton.  The design, acoustics, and architecture are world class, with multiple concert halls and studios.  One opens like an airplane hanger so people can enjoy the concert outside.  This will rival anything outside of … Continue reading →

Posted in Giving thanks, Inspiration, music, Singing, The Arts | Tagged , , | 80 Comments

Gloria!

Posted on October 5, 2022 by Jennie

Every year, Gloria comes into the classroom and becomes a beloved friend, someone who understands children.  She represents everything that is kind… yet different, and that is the pathway to acceptance.  Gloria is diversity, and the catalyst to acceptance.  She … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, preschool, wonder | Tagged , , | 78 Comments

When Reading-Aloud Grows a Reader

Posted on September 16, 2022 by Jennie

Reading aloud to children is the most important thing I do in my classroom, every single day.  I tell parents this every year. The fundamental constant that gives children the tools to succeed in school is language. The more words … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 66 Comments

Connecting With Children

Posted on September 11, 2022 by Jennie

Week One: Tears.  Fears.  Smiles.  Worries. Then laughing crept in, and hugging.  Children learned the routine and bonded with teachers.  They sang the ‘Days of the Week’ song on their own.  Parent goodbyes became quick. In my ‘gazillion’ years of … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, preschool, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , | 82 Comments

The Hawk and Peace

Posted on September 4, 2022 by Jennie

The last day of school for teachers before children arrive to start the new year, a young hawk perched atop our Peace Pole. He stayed for a long time, looking at the world and at teachers. It was a good … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , | 93 Comments

My Preschooler, Then and Now

Posted on September 2, 2022 by Jennie

Then Now I love all my students.  Sometimes students ‘stick’ with me for a while, returning to visit and be a guest reader.  Sometimes students stick around for a long time, visiting the classroom, and then including me in their … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 105 Comments

Reflections

Posted on August 29, 2022 by Jennie

Jennie

Posted in Imagination, Inspiration, Mindfulness, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , | 63 Comments