Category Archives: Inspiration

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

A Tale of Two Dale Chihuly’s – Part 1

Posted on February 17, 2021 by Jennie

Dale Chihuly’s glass art is magnificent.  I have been fortunate to see two of his blown glass sculptures, each with a different story that inspired me in unexpected ways. “It happened like this…” The first Chihuly I saw was at … Continue reading →

Posted in art, books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, museums, Peace, Poetry, preschool, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 77 Comments

“Love Bugs” All Over Town

Posted on February 14, 2021 by Jennie

My wonderful co-teacher, Heidi, worked with the children to make “Love Bugs” and deliver them all over town.  Children loved spreading kindness and love for Valentine’s Day.  Here is what we wrote to families, along with photos.  Look at those … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, Love | 86 Comments