Category Archives: Inspiration

“Gloria” and National Superhero Day

Today is National Superhero Day.  Gloria wanted to celebrate.  She dressed up for the big day.  She wanted to be a Superhero. I had a talk with Gloria.  She needed to know that a real superhero doesn’t need a costume. … Continue reading

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 95 Comments

First Day Out

Today we had a drive-by birthday party for a fellow teacher.  It was the first time ‘out’ except for occasional trips to the grocery store, which are somber and depressing.  The masks and one-way lines and store monitors will one … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, joy, music, Singing, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 82 Comments

Earth Day – “What a Wonderful World”

Earth Day is the day to give back to our earth, our world. When we take care of our earth, the earth takes care of us, and we have a wonderful world. “What a Wonderful World” I read the book … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, Learning About the World, Mother Nature, music, reading aloud, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 36 Comments

Shining Stars

I looked at the stars tonight. I thought about the children in my class. I wasn’t sad, because children are shining stars. Jennie

Posted in art, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 51 Comments

The Past Two (and more) Weeks – School Then and Now, Part 3

In Part 2, I detailed our annual Art Show over the years, with stories of children and major works of art.  I also described how music played a major role in helping children feel inspired to create masterpieces.  The magnitude … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Gloria, Inspiration, Mindfulness, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 82 Comments

My Words To a Parent

To all parents out there, worried about their young child, and trying to keep school and learning going at home – here are my words to a parent who was concerned that her child often wanted to play: “When you … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Play, preschool, Quotes, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 90 Comments

Making Lemonade Today Out of Lemons – Birthday Parade

Today was Amelia’s birthday.  It turned out to be a grand event.  Life has given us lemons recently.  It has given everyone lemons, and we made the finest lemonade. We had a Birthday Party Car Parade! I arrived at Amelia’s … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, preschool, young children | Tagged , , , , , | 77 Comments

The Past Two Weeks – School Then and Now, Part 2

In Part 1, I immediately addressed how much I miss the children.  They miss me, too.  We had started learning about France, with a big atlas and twenty wide-eyed children who were eager to ‘travel’ to a new country.  Getting sidetracked … Continue reading

Posted in art, Early Education, Inspiration, music, preschool, self esteem, The Arts, The Beatles | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 83 Comments

The Past Two Weeks – School Then and Now, Part 1

I am missing the children.  I know they are missing me.  Learning will always happen, these tender moments won’t.  In the past two weeks our class has completely changed.  Yet, change can be a good thing.  Resilience is born.  Let … Continue reading

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, geography, Inspiration, Learning About the World, music, preschool, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 81 Comments

Cyber Dinner is Socializing

How can we socialize today?  This is so engrained in our everyday life.  During this pandemic we need to find meaningful ways to connect with each other.  I am connecting with my students every day on YouTube and email, and … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, Love, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 93 Comments