Category Archives: Inspiration

Robots! Part 2

Posted on March 27, 2021 by Jennie

    Back in January, I stumbled across a video of dancing robots, from Boston Dynamics.  Not only did the children in my classroom fall in love with robots and music, they have since then begged to watch this video … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Math, music, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 75 Comments

Hope, and a Wish Tree

Posted on March 19, 2021 by Jennie

This is a year of Hope.  Children need it.   Adults need it.  When they find Hope, it carries them along.  Far.  Wish Trees are beacons of hope, where people give their most important and sacred wishes.  They have been … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, Nature, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 106 Comments

Gloria Enjoying St. Patrick’s Day

Posted on March 17, 2021 by Jennie

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Gloria! Jennie

Posted in Diversity, Gloria, Inspiration, joy | Tagged , | 49 Comments

Humpty Dumpty – What Happened After His Fall?

Posted on March 15, 2021 by Jennie

“All the king’s horses and all the king’s men couldn’t put Humpty together again.” So, what  really happened to Humpty after his fall? “After the Fall” by Dan Santat tells the story.  It is one of the most innovative children’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, self esteem | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 65 Comments

Hope

Posted on March 11, 2021 by Jennie

At the end of the road on my way home from work this is what I see. A silhouette against the setting sun. Dark against light. A daily reminder of life and hope. There is always hope. Always. Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 108 Comments

Sue Vincent, the Wordsmith and Giver

Posted on March 1, 2021 by Jennie

A true wordsmith can pack a punch into few words that leaves the reader feeling as if s/he has been given a golden key to questioning and understanding. A wordsmith who is also a giver leaves the reader feeling that … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Giving thanks, Inspiration, reading, storytelling, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 77 Comments

A Tale of Two Dale Chihuly’s – Part 3

Posted on February 28, 2021 by Jennie

In Part 1, I discovered my first Dale Chihuly at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia.  In Part 2, I read aloud the poetry book my classroom wrote, inspired by the museum. A recent update: the museum is planning a new Peace exhibit … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Inspiration, museums, preschool, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , | 57 Comments

“Life Begins When You Get Back Up” – a Memorable Day at School

Posted on February 24, 2021 by Jennie

 Music brings joy to children. Books bring questions and thinking. Teachers bring love and answers. Today at school was a day I’ll always remember.  So will the children.  Emotions ran high.  In Dickens’ words, “It was the best of times, … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, music, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, School, Singing, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , | 91 Comments

Nature + Art = Beauty

Posted on February 23, 2021 by Jennie

Nature + Art = Beauty This is my car windshield this morning. Thank goodness I paid attention. Jennie

Posted in art, Inspiration, Nature | Tagged , , | 100 Comments

A Tale of Two Dale Chihuly’s – Part 2

Posted on February 20, 2021 by Jennie

In Part 1, I discovered a magnificent Dale Chihuly work of art at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia.  The glass structure is 21 feet tall and titled “Flame of Liberty”.  In the same museum is a Peace Portal, a structure with … Continue reading →

Posted in art, books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, museums, Peace, picture books, Poetry, reading aloud, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , | 64 Comments