Category Archives: Inspiration

Quotation on the Importance of Play

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”

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

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

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

Happy Birthday, America

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

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

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

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

A Child’s Visit – Fountain Play and a Book

Backyard neighbors strolled over for a distance visit. The baby loves all the hanging fish and wind socks. And then she discovered the fountain And climbed right in. We played, picked flowers, all at a distance. Children bring joy! Then … Continue reading

Posted in children's books, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Love, Play, reading aloud, reading aloud, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 69 Comments

A Teacher’s Story – #3

Never underestimate the difference you can make for another person.  We all know that a smile can make someone else’s day.  If you are a teacher, and things are falling apart in the classroom, follow your instinct and do what … Continue reading

Posted in Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, military, teaching | Tagged , , , , | 80 Comments

A Teacher’s Story – #2

I don’t think people know who my hero is.  I doubt my own children even know; they would say my it’s my grandmother, Nan.  And, so would most people close to me.  Nan was the best grandmother, and what I … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, teaching, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 76 Comments