Category Archives: Inspiration

The Most Important Things in Life

Posted on September 22, 2021 by Jennie

Bottom line = times have changed, but children have not.  What they need and want is the same as it has always been.  Academics are one thing, but in order to get there, children have to be grounded in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, self esteem, teaching, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 115 Comments

Starting the School Year Reading Charlotte’s Web

Posted on September 16, 2021 by Jennie

Every year I start chapter reading with my preschool class on ‘day one’.  And, the first book I read is Charlotte’s Web.  We have barely had three weeks of school and children are totally hooked.  They adore Wilbur and laugh at … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Learning About the World, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 72 Comments

9/11 and Kindness Peace and Love Day at School

Posted on September 11, 2021 by Jennie

Honoring 9/11 at school is Kindness, Peace, and Love Day.  It has been twenty years since that tragic day in September, and for children it is a day to remember the heroes.  How do we help young children honor the … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, music, Peace | Tagged , , , | 64 Comments

The Start of a New Year at School – Part 2

Posted on September 8, 2021 by Jennie

In Part 1, I talked about welcoming children to a new year at school. Part 2 This is the really important piece – The Teacher.  What a teacher brings to children and the classroom makes all the difference in the world.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, School, teaching, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 85 Comments

The Start of a New Year at School – Part 1

Posted on September 5, 2021 by Jennie

When children come to school next week, they will be greeted at the front entrance by this hand painted dove.  I can’t imagine anything more welcoming for children than walking across this threshold to start their day at school. This … Continue reading →

Posted in art, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 109 Comments

History Through a Classic Picture Book – The Little House

Posted on August 27, 2021 by Jennie

Last night as the sun was setting, the house next door was getting sleepy.  Just look at those window eyes closing and getting ready to say goodnight.  They reminded me of a favorite picture book, “The Little House” by Virginia … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, history, Inspiration, picture books, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 87 Comments

My New Books Arrived

Posted on August 24, 2021 by Jennie

Look what just arrived in the mail today! Jennie

Posted in books, Giving thanks, Inspiration, reading | Tagged , , , | 58 Comments

Dinosaurs Are Not Extinct

Posted on August 22, 2021 by Jennie

Dinosaurs are not extinct.  Way back in ‘95, a dinosaur was born.  He was lovingly painted, stuffed with paper, and tied with string.  Don’t you love the big, toothy smile? That year was a happy year for this dinosaur, hanging … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, picture books, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 57 Comments

An Eric Carle Trilogy

Posted on August 19, 2021 by Jennie

Surely, The Very Hungry Caterpillar was here.   Words to live by.   The sun – Eric Carle’s most immortalized art. Jennie

Posted in art, children's books, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Nature, Quotes, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 61 Comments

Wordless – at the Eric Carle Museum

Posted on August 17, 2021 by Jennie

The new exhibit at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is: Speechless: The Art of Wordless Picture Books Wordless books?  How can that be?  How can you read a wordless book to a child?  I’ll tell you just … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Author interview, Book Review, children's books, David Wiesner, Early Education, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading aloud, reading aloud, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 52 Comments