Category Archives: Inspiration

Look Up, Look Down

Posted on July 25, 2020 by Jennie

We can all take a lesson from children.  They notice everything.  They look up, and they look down.  They stop to look, really look, and to wonder.  They remember what they see, and if an adult is around they ask … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Nature, summer camp, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 87 Comments

Thank You to the Eric Carle Museum, and Kate DiCamillo’s New Book.

Posted on July 22, 2020 by Jennie

Just before the pandemic hit, the Eric Carle Museum asked me if they could include in their quarterly newsletter my story, my blog post, about visiting the museum and hearing author Kate DiCamillo speak. Yes!  Of course, yes! They enjoy … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, reading, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 70 Comments

The Purple Snapdragon

Posted on July 14, 2020 by Jennie

Dear Purple Snapdragon, Your stalk grew too tall. You fell over every day. I cradled you and propped you up. Nothing worked.  Nothing helped. Finally I let you go. I put you in the garden to fend for yourself. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, self esteem, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 63 Comments

Quotation on the Importance of Play

Posted on July 12, 2020 by Jennie

Yesterday my post on Kindergarten Means “Garden of Children” inspired many wonderful comments.  In particular, Dan Antion at nofacilities.com said this: We have our entire lives to learn, but the period of time we have to really play keeps getting … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Play, preschool, Quotes, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 47 Comments

Kindergarten Means “Garden of Children”

Posted on July 11, 2020 by Jennie

My garden is a new venture every year.  We bought an older home with an established flower garden in 2002.  When summer arrived I couldn’t wait to see what  would bloom.  It was a joy to discover new flowers.  Since … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, preschool, self esteem, Teaching young children, The Arts, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 96 Comments

Fourth of July

Posted on July 4, 2020 by Jennie

Someone in the family is very talented! Happy Fourth of July! Jennie

Posted in America, American flag, Inspiration | Tagged , , | 48 Comments

Happy Birthday, America

Posted on July 4, 2020 by Jennie

Happy Birthday, America. This flag was flown over the Navy Memorial in Washington DC. Proud to be an American, one nation, one people, with freedoms I will never take for granted. Jennie

Posted in America, American flag, Expressing words and feelings, geography, history, Inspiration, military, patriotism | Tagged , , , | 52 Comments

Underground Library Society

Posted on July 3, 2020 by Jennie

What would you do if a beloved book, rich in meaning and literature, were to be banned, gone forever? Would you vow to memorize the book in order to save it? I would. When Charles French, a professor of English … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Diversity, E.B. White, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Learning About the World, Nature, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 89 Comments

Locked On

Posted on June 28, 2020 by Jennie

Look at our eyes. The words I’m reading are terrific. Landon is hearing every word. I can’t say enough, and he can’t hear enough. We’re locked on. Reading aloud is powerful, in the best of ways. Jennie

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 52 Comments

End of the School Year

Posted on June 26, 2020 by Jennie

The end of the school year is always fast, furious, and fun. Emotions run wild, both with children and teachers. The week started with visits to every child’s house. Really. How cool is that, to have your teacher come to … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Family, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, preschool, teaching, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 68 Comments