Category Archives: Inspiration

Day One at School – Reading Aloud Charlotte’s Web

Posted on September 2, 2025 by Jennie

Today was Day One at school.  I always worry that I won’t remember children’s names, but I remembered.  Children arrived teary, excited, shy, and everything in between.  We played, got to know each other, sang, and began the routines of … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 87 Comments

My Favorite Picture Books of the Summer

Posted on September 1, 2025 by Jennie

  Norman and the Smell of Adventure, By Ryan T. Higgins Norman has a best friend – Mildred.  She’s a tree.  While they have favorite things they do every day, Norman is getting bored.  He wants to do something new, … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, reading, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 69 Comments

Summer at the Eric Carle Museum

Posted on August 25, 2025 by Jennie

A trip to the Eric Carle Museum is my ray of sunshine, my inspiration.  Seeing original art illustrations and finding new children’s books gives me joy.  This summer visit was wonderful of course, and filled with new discoveries. The lobby … Continue reading →

Posted in art, children's books, Diversity, Eric Carle, Eric Carle Museum, Inspiration, picture books, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , | 84 Comments

Juliana’s Surprise Visit

Posted on August 20, 2025 by Jennie

When school ends. most children enjoy school’s Summer Camp. Many teachers become Camp Counselors. I have summers off… which is hard for children. They miss me. Juliana popped over to my house unexpectedly. She missed me and wanted to see … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, summer camp, young children | Tagged , , , , | 59 Comments

Dogs – They Make the Best Books

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Jennie

Dogs really do make the best books, because children love dogs.  Well, most everyone loves dogs.  When the dog in a book is more human than dog, the storyline is like a glistening taffy pull. Katherine Applegate has done her … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Dogs, Expressing words and feelings, Heart, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, literacy, robots, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 67 Comments

Amanda

Posted on August 3, 2025 by Jennie

Hubby snapped this picture of me, completely engrossed in reading Amanda in Scotland The Standing Stones. Thank goodness for Amanda.  This weekend I’m busy with an annual writer’s conference on line.  I’m exhausted.  There was an hour window of a … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Giving thanks, Inspiration, literacy, reading | Tagged , , , | 71 Comments

MacDowell – An Artist’s Dream

Posted on July 30, 2025 by Jennie

MacDowell For all the artists out there; writers, painters, musicians, sculptures, film makers and more – there is an artist retreat open for you.  Really! It all began in 1907, founded by composer Edward MacDowell and his wife, pianist Marian … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Inspiration, literacy, wonder, Writing | Tagged , , , | 88 Comments

Cloud Watching – Messages

Posted on July 24, 2025 by Jennie

This cloud appeared late afternoon. It was one bright streak coming out of a gloomy gray cloud. What does that say? Nature always gives us messages in their art, telling us to look and to think. So I looked, and … Continue reading →

Posted in E.B. White, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 72 Comments

Gloria in the Heat Wave

Posted on July 20, 2025 by Jennie

Our neighbors came over for a swim after dinner.  Things had started to cool down and the sun was behind the trees.  Their children love us, and of course follow me everywhere.  6 and 4 year olds do that (thank … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, Love, young children | Tagged , , | 91 Comments

Heat Wave

Posted on July 17, 2025 by Jennie

What do you do in a heat wave? Eat dinner in the pool, of course. And sing and dance to “Heat Wave.”   Stay cool.  Listen to your inner child.  Always! Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Love, Mother Nature, music, Nature, Singing | Tagged , , , , | 80 Comments