Category Archives: Inspiration

E.B. White’s Letter to the Library Children

Early-1971, in an effort to attract as many youngsters to the premises as possible, Marguerite Hart — children’s librarian at the newly-opened public library in Troy, Michigan — wrote to a number of notable people with a request: to reply … Continue reading

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, reading | Tagged , , , , , | 57 Comments

What Do Children Think?

It’s the last hurrah.  Fall is hanging on to its beautiful colors like a child playing in piles of leaves, or carefully making a bouquet of bright colored leaves.  That’s what children do when they are struck by wonder.  And, … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 115 Comments

Gloria Trick-Or-Treating Through the Years

After Halloween and trick-or-treat, children need to reminisce.  Of course they do!  They write picture stories about their adventures on Halloween night.  We talk about costumes and candy.  Remembering the good times is important. When a child talked about being … Continue reading

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Halloween, Inspiration, preschool, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , | 66 Comments

Pink Baby Shark

Pink Baby Shark arrived at our back door. She was trick-or-treating for the very first time. And she came here. Mom and Dad are looking on. Hubby is in the doorway. Everyone is smiling. This is precious.  Never forget the … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Halloween, Inspiration | Tagged , , | 59 Comments

E.B. White Book Signing

This weekend was special for me. E.B. White’s grandniece hosted a book signing. She signed my two copies of “Charlotte’s Web”.   Her first edition copy, gifted to her by E.B (Uncle Andy) was on display. Also on display was … Continue reading

Posted in books, children's books, Death and dying, E.B. White, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, reading, reading aloud, Writing | Tagged , , , | 74 Comments

Reading Aloud – a Trilogy.

I love this cartoon. A child sees the sign in the library “Read To Them!  They’ll Remember Forever.” She joins story time at the library. The librarian is reading, “Stories For Children.” The child then reads aloud to her stuffed … Continue reading

Posted in books, chapter reading, Early Education, Inspiration, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 46 Comments

Gloria – Today

Gloria is an important member of the Aqua Room… well, that’s an understatement.  Every year she is ‘the one’.  Somehow she brings more kindness and understanding to children than anyone does.  She’s been around for over twenty years.  Today was … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 74 Comments

The Flights To and From LA – Book Stories

My flight to LA to appear on the Kelly Clarkson Show was packed.  I was in the three-seat section along with a nice young couple.  After a few hours in the air, it was apparent that she was pregnant.  He … Continue reading

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, literacy, music, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, School | Tagged , , , , , , , | 77 Comments

The Kelly Clarkson Show – And Me

Everything people say is true.  Kelly Clarkson is genuine.  She’s as nice as the day is long.  She is all about others (not herself), and so much fun. I know.  I am on her show tomorrow- in person with Kelly. … Continue reading

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, literacy, reading aloud, reading aloud, School | Tagged , , , , , | 142 Comments

1-800-Viola Swamp

Over the past few days, many bloggers have been reading an older post, one of my favorites.  Every day in the classroom is not always a good day.  Humor to the rescue.  I hope you enjoy reading this post as … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 55 Comments