Category Archives: Inspiration

Thanksgiving Travel – Bridges and Gold

Posted on November 21, 2018 by Jennie

“Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder.” –E.B. White- Traveling across the new Tapen Zee Bridge in New York Opened wide a doorway to new adventures.  Bridges do that.  The sky was excited.  I felt it, too. … Continue reading →

Posted in E.B. White, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, Quotes, Thanksgiving, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 49 Comments

Two Preschool Generations

Posted on November 16, 2018 by Jennie

Thirty years ago Nurse Eamonn was in my preschool class.  He was adorable (but don’t tell him I said that.)  In high school he did his internship in my classroom.  Ah, he had the touch.  I knew there was a … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Inspiration, preschool, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 51 Comments

Language, Literacy, and Storytelling – Part 5 – The Conclusion

Posted on October 30, 2018 by Jennie

In Part 4, I shared my storytelling at school.  In the bathroom I use rhyming words and tell make-believe stories.  I incorporate children’s names into the story.  I add complex vocabulary words.  At lunchtime, I tell Jennie Stories, true stories of … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Death and dying, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, Kindness, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, storytelling, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 42 Comments

E.B. White’s Grandniece – In My Classroom

Posted on October 27, 2018 by Jennie

It happened like this: And as you know, those are the beginning words to a really good story.  So, hold on to your hat. Last spring I learned that E.B. White’s grandniece was giving a presentation at my local library.  … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 89 Comments

The Letter, With Love

Posted on October 22, 2018 by Jennie

            Thank you for the lovely letter, Rowan.  Seeing your smiling face and getting a great big hug was the best.  You were proud and confident, eager to show me your letter.  I miss you, … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, Student alumni, Writing, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 65 Comments

Language, Literacy, and Storytelling – Part 4

Posted on October 20, 2018 by Jennie

In Part 3, I shared proof of the powerful and positive effects of storytelling, through the story of Cuban cigars and their high quality – thanks to la lectura.  I am also happy to report that the 12th grade English teacher from … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, storytelling, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 52 Comments

Meeting A Favorite Author, Kate DiCamillo

Posted on October 17, 2018 by Jennie

If I taught third grade, I’d be reading aloud to children Because of Winn-Dixie.  If I taught fourth grade, I’d be reading aloud The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.  If I taught fifth grade I’d be reading aloud Flora and Ulysses.  The … Continue reading →

Posted in Author interview, Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 52 Comments

“Ravioli” and Goodnight Moon

Posted on October 13, 2018 by Jennie

One of our favorite times of the day at school is chapter reading.  It is intimate.  We feel snuggled together.  Much like being in sleeping bags while camping, with nothing but words to hear, we look forward to that time. … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 56 Comments

Language, Literacy, and Storytelling – Part 3

Posted on October 10, 2018 by Jennie

In Part 2, I shared worrisome statistics about children who enter school excited to learn to read, and the dramatic drop-off when they are not exposed to books and hearing words.  I talked about the next step, engaging children in both … Continue reading →

Posted in history, Imagination, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 64 Comments

Evening Sky

Posted on September 30, 2018 by Jennie

Thank you, Mother Nature. Your evening sky is glorious. Tomorrow I will show the children in my class. We will count your colors and talk about the sky. I wonder what the questions and stories will be. Jennie

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Imagination, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 35 Comments