Category Archives: Inspiration

Poolside Visitor

Posted on July 6, 2021 by Jennie

There he was, on the stairs, so very tiny. He wasn’t afraid. I reached out my fingers, And he climbed right on. His black eyes have a gold circle. His chin line is bright yellow. He’s really beautiful. I told … Continue reading →

Posted in Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, Learning About the World, Nature, Quotes, wonder | Tagged , , , | 80 Comments

The Real Start of Teaching the Fourth of July – Part 2

Posted on July 5, 2021 by Jennie

This piece is actually about the last quilt my class made. Bloggers have asked me to ‘finish the story’. Here is Part 2, with two more to follow. Over the summer I will go back to the beginning, how it … Continue reading →

Posted in America, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, geography, Gloria, Inspiration, music, picture books, quilting, Singing, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 51 Comments

The Real Start of Teaching the Fourth of July

Posted on July 3, 2021 by Jennie

The Fourth of July – America’s declaration of independence.  I teach children about the American flag, and patriotism.  It’s important.  Best of all, children often lead the way.  Their interests are the springboard for the best learning. The Fourth of … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Early Education, geography, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, music, patriotism, picture books, preschool, quilting, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 72 Comments

Poolside Dinner

Posted on June 30, 2021 by Jennie

When a heat wave hits, a poolside dinner is in order. No need to get out of the water to eat pizza and veggies. Life is good. Jennie

Posted in Family, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, Nature | Tagged , | 63 Comments

Reflections

Posted on June 29, 2021 by Jennie

The great outdoors is a window for reflection. We just have to stop and look. I was sitting by my pool long after dinner time. Do you see the many reflections in the pool? They’re telling me to pay attention, … Continue reading →

Posted in E.B. White, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, preschool, Quotes, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 123 Comments

Almost Heaven

Posted on June 25, 2021 by Jennie

I went back home last weekend to West Virginia.  Yes, it is ‘almost heaven’.  Do you see the wall of trees behind the welcome sign?  That is what I saw for days of driving.  Nothing but hills and trees and … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, geography, Inspiration, Love | Tagged , , , , , | 156 Comments

Summer Solstice Sun

Posted on June 21, 2021 by Jennie

There’s nothing better than an Eric Carle sun to welcome the Summer Solstice. Happy Summer! Jennie

Posted in art, Eric Carle, Inspiration, Nature | Tagged , , | 54 Comments

End of the School Year, a Family Event

Posted on June 20, 2021 by Jennie

“Gloria, we’re going to a castle. It’s a party for the Aqua Room families. You’re in charge of the picnic basket.” “Are you having a fun ride in the wagon? It’s a long ride up the hill.” “Whoa!  What is … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Gloria, Inspiration, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 74 Comments

Chapter Reading Newsletter to Families

Posted on June 17, 2021 by Jennie

My final newsletter to families at school, telling them how important reading aloud chapter books is to their children.  Hopefully this opens the door for them. Chapter Reading June 16, 2021 Chapter reading is one of our treasured moments of … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, reading aloud, reading aloud, School | Tagged , , , , , , , | 71 Comments

“Ladeez and Gentlemen, Children of All Ages…”

Posted on June 13, 2021 by Jennie

The circus came to town!  Children were excited to perform for their families on Zoom.  It was a grand finalé to a month of learning about animals, what happens behind the scenes in a real circus, and writing circus picture … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, picture books, picture stories, Play, play performances | Tagged , , , , , , , | 75 Comments