Category Archives: Inspiration

The Tree, The Moon, and The Rainbow

Posted on December 11, 2019 by Jennie

Leaving school this evening I was greeted by a full moon and a glistening tree. Together. They were one. They spoke to each other. They spoke to me. This tree is a giver, at least to me. Last fall it … Continue reading →

Posted in E.B. White, Giving, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 60 Comments

Why the Need for Art, Stories, Poems, and Music?

Posted on December 3, 2019 by Jennie

“Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play. “ Wise words from Philip Pullman, who received the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in 2005: Children need art and … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, music, Poetry, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, storytelling, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 75 Comments

A Golden Bridge in the Dark

Posted on November 25, 2019 by Jennie

Driving at night. Headed to see family far away.  A golden bridge lights the way. Happy Thanksgiving. Jennie

Posted in Family, geography, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Thanksgiving | Tagged , , , , | 52 Comments

Real Heroes

Posted on November 25, 2019 by Jennie

There are sad events in life that turn into goodness for others.  Gabi’s Bears is a case in point.  It started as a local fundraiser in a small Massachusetts town, after cancer had taken Gabi away.  Buy a bear to … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Early Education, Giving, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, young children | Tagged , , , , | 57 Comments

The White Feather

Posted on November 20, 2019 by Jennie

Eagles, specifically the bald eagle, is our unit of study. The live video cam was on.  We watched a mother eagle in her nest taking care of two eggs. A child said, “Jennie, you have a white feather in your … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 60 Comments

Storytelling… and Ellis

Posted on November 19, 2019 by Jennie

Interestingly, my storytelling to children often happens in the bathroom.  While that might sound strange, it really isn’t.  It’s me, sitting on the bench with three or four children, squished in close.  It feels good.  We’re waiting for the child … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, preschool, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 68 Comments

Thanking a Veteran and Astronaut

Posted on November 10, 2019 by Jennie

As soon as the leaves begin to fall, I start teaching children patriotic songs.  I have my Big Book Atlas handy to look at and talk about America.  Of course the American flag hangs in my classroom. All of this … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Early Education, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, military, patriotism, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 66 Comments

Read For The Record

Posted on November 7, 2019 by Jennie

Today is the big day.  Teachers all across the world read aloud the same book on the same day to children.  The magnificence of children all over the world hearing the words and seeing the illustrations of the same story … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Family, Giving thanks, Inspiration, picture books, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 56 Comments

Reading Aloud – To You! Part 7, the Final Chapters

Posted on November 3, 2019 by Jennie

I am reading aloud the final two chapters of The Poet’s Dog, by Patricia MacLachlan.  Chapter twelve is 2:44 and chapter thirteen is 6:24.  I know you will love the ending.  Many surprises come into play.  Ellie comes to rescue … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, Dogs, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Leo Lionni, Particia MacLachlan, preschool, reading aloud, Teaching young children, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 54 Comments

Reading Aloud – To You! Part 6

Posted on October 29, 2019 by Jennie

My reading aloud The Poet’s Dog by Patricia MacLachlan continues with chapters ten and eleven.  Chapter ten is 5:25 and chapter eleven is 3:49. Everything is coming to a head.  The storm is over, and… well, you’ll see (and hear.)  Much happens … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Dogs, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Love, Particia MacLachlan, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 46 Comments