Category Archives: Inspiration

Nature + Art = Beauty

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

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

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

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

Valentines and Love

~Valentines~ A gift, a symbol of love. I received many today. Gloria did, too. In the words of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, “All You Need is Love.” Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, music, picture books, Quotes, Singing, The Arts, The Beatles | Tagged , , , , , , , | 60 Comments

A Children’s Book, Especially For Today – by Maya Angelou

My Painted House, My Friendly Chicken, and Me Did you know that Maya Angelou wrote a children’s book?  She did, back in 1994.  I have been reading her book to my preschoolers long before I really knew of her. I … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, picture books, Quotes, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 85 Comments

Snow Smiles

Children and teachers discovered smiles in the snow overhanging the roof.  No one knows who made it.  We were the first to play on the playground and delight in the deep new snow.  Thank you to the mystery artist and … Continue reading

Posted in art, Giving, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 67 Comments

Sue Vincent, “A Child’s Tale”

I am reposting Sue Vincent’s outstanding blog post on children, reading, writing, and the depth of meaning that only Sue can truly understand and express.  Her timeless wisdom compares to C.S. Lewis.  Thank you, Sue.  You have touched me and … Continue reading

Posted in books, children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, reading, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 60 Comments

“Amanda in Holland: Missing in Action”

Look what arrived today! Amanda in Holland: Missing in Action by Darlene Foster Just the book I’ve been wanting to read. And, what a perfect day to curl up with a new book. It’s snowing to beat the band outside. … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Inspiration, reading | Tagged , , , | 46 Comments

Robots! An Unexpected S.T.E.M. Moment in Preschool

S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is ‘on the list’ for educators.  America has been playing catch-up. Preschoolers?  Yes, they love science and exploring.  Yes, they love their devices.  Yes, they love building and figuring it out.  Yes, they love … Continue reading

Posted in Dogs, Inspiration, Math, music, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 84 Comments