Category Archives: Inspiration

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

When Gloria Was Away…

In case you were wondering where Gloria was and what she was doing during our big school move and also our holiday break; she was with a child and his family.  They sent me this email today: Hey Jennie, We … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, preschool | Tagged , , , , , | 58 Comments

Welcome Back, Gloria

Gloria is back in the classroom.  She has a new stool, which she loves.  She is close to the children and all the action.  She can look out of the windows when we’re on the playground.  Of course the children … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Gloria, Inspiration, joy, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 71 Comments

The New School Opening… Part 3

Emmett painted this picture of walking into school on the first day. Do you see the sun?  That came straight from Emmett’s heart. Yes, there was even more that happened over the first days of school.  On our science table … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, picture books, preschool, School, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 71 Comments

Today… the New School Opening

My previous post was ‘the night before’ opening school in our newly renovated building.  Here is what happened : First things first- we opened ‘the box’, the one children packed up with their treasures so they could be part of … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, preschool, reading, Singing, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 77 Comments