Category Archives: Inspiration

A Child’s Visit – Fountain Play and a Book

Posted on June 13, 2020 by Jennie

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

Posted on June 9, 2020 by Jennie

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

Posted on June 6, 2020 by Jennie

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

A Teacher’s Story – #1

Posted on June 3, 2020 by Jennie

When I was a new teacher I stumbled across this wonderful story.  I still have my well-worn hard copy, which I read from time to time.  It never gets old, it fills me up. I’ve read that it may not … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Death and dying, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, self esteem, teaching | Tagged , , , , , | 84 Comments

Music and Beauty

Posted on May 17, 2020 by Jennie

“The Hills are Alive With the Sound of Music.” Music fills the soul. When atop a hill, on a farm, surrounded by the glory of nature as far as the eye can see, all is good. Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, geography, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Mother Nature, music, Nature, Singing, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 59 Comments

Making Picture Books Come Alive – With Props at Home

Posted on May 10, 2020 by Jennie

How to Expand Literacy and Reading Picture Books When You are Quarantined at Home One of the mainstays of teaching children is reading aloud books.  Why?  Children are drawn to stories.  They love hearing the words, and for good reason.  … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, picture books, play performances, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 53 Comments

Little Things are Really Big Things

Posted on May 7, 2020 by Jennie

In difficult times, like now, the little things we do for others become most important. They’re really the big things. Yet, it has always been this way. Perhaps we never had the time to truly appreciate those little moments. Now … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 65 Comments

Teachers’ Video Thank You to Parents – Updated

Posted on May 5, 2020 by Jennie

Our teacher video thank you to parents and their children has been updated to a far better song and a more appropriate artist.  Enjoy! Jennie

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, Singing, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 54 Comments

“Gloria” and National Superhero Day

Posted on April 28, 2020 by Jennie

Today is National Superhero Day.  Gloria wanted to celebrate.  She dressed up for the big day.  She wanted to be a Superhero. I had a talk with Gloria.  She needed to know that a real superhero doesn’t need a costume. … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 95 Comments

First Day Out

Posted on April 24, 2020 by Jennie

Today we had a drive-by birthday party for a fellow teacher.  It was the first time ‘out’ except for occasional trips to the grocery store, which are somber and depressing.  The masks and one-way lines and store monitors will one … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, joy, music, Singing, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 82 Comments