Category Archives: Inspiration

Play

Posted on May 23, 2021 by Jennie

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” ~Mr. Rogers~ The dinosaurs are congregating. They don’t look happy. “They need … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 83 Comments

Our Wish Tree

Posted on May 13, 2021 by Jennie

What is a Wish Tree? Wikipedia says: A wish tree is an individual tree, usually distinguished by species, position or appearance, which is used as an object of wishes and offerings.  Such trees are identified as possessing a special spiritual … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, Love, Nature, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 82 Comments

Reading Aloud & Reading – There’s a Big Difference.

Posted on May 9, 2021 by Jennie

My greatest passion is reading aloud to children.  I thought it was time to talk about the difference between reading and reading aloud, as I often post about good children’s books.  While reading is the goal, the dream- reading aloud … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Early Education, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 99 Comments

My Sweet Children

Posted on May 5, 2021 by Jennie

This could be me… My wonderful students said ‘thank you’ for Teacher Appreciation Week. Coffee, cookies, flowers, and a card that made me cry. I am touched, and so very lucky. Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, preschool | Tagged , , , , | 102 Comments

Flowers and Children

Posted on April 24, 2021 by Jennie

Spring Flowers are blooming. Children are, too. A blossom is a smile, a warm hug, the feeling of goodness, a garden of children. Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, Nature, young children | Tagged , , , | 88 Comments

Seeds of Generosity

Posted on April 23, 2021 by Jennie

Charli Mills over at the Carrot Ranch posted her flash fiction challenge: Seeds of Generosity Spreading the seeds of generosity from one story to the next. April 15, 2021, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 50 Comments

The Real Beginning of ‘Gloria’

Posted on April 22, 2021 by Jennie

Last year at this time all of my teaching was done remotely.  It was hard, and I reached out in so many ways to make things fun and keep a connection with my preschoolers. Here is what I did, in … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, Student alumni, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 85 Comments

The Barn in “Charlotte’s Web” and My Porch

Posted on April 19, 2021 by Jennie

E.B. White on the infamous rope swing in his barn. Today I was ‘in the barn’ when we opened the doors to our porch.  E.B. White wrote about opening the barn doors at springtime in “Charlotte’s Web”. Then came a … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Inspiration, Nature, Quotes, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 53 Comments

Week of the Young Child

Posted on April 18, 2021 by Jennie

This is ‘Week of the Young Child’, celebrated nationally by early childhood programs, accredited by NAEYC – National Association for the Education of Young Children.  It’s a big deal! We celebrated by ‘filling buckets’, literally and figuratively.  Children filled pails … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Diversity, Early Education, Giving, Inspiration, Kindness, Learning About the World, picture books, preschool, School, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 65 Comments

The Art Show – Part 3 Finale

Posted on April 12, 2021 by Jennie

Every child is an artist. ~Pablo Picasso~ I dream my painting and then paint my dream. ~Vincent van Gogh~ Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt. ~Leonardo da Vinci~ Great art picks up where nature ends. ~Marc Chagall~ It … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Quotes, Teaching young children, The Arts, Uncategorized, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 78 Comments