Category Archives: Inspiration

Saying Goodbye

We said our goodbyes to Ella the Fella.  Since Ella’s birthday is in December, children decided to sing “Happy Birthday.” Next, they wanted to sing “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” Flowers were placed alongside Ella’s marker. Miles told us, “There’s an … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Death and dying, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, Quotes, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 62 Comments

Gloria’s Excellent Adventure

Gloria often goes home with a child on the weekend.  She has a bag, a quilt, and a journal. She is ready for anything, from graduations to soccer games, to holiday celebrations.  It didn’t used to be that way, until … Continue reading

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 64 Comments

The Apollo, the Eagle, and an Astronaut

“With courage, imagination, and the will to explore, nothing is impossible.” -Neil Armstrong- Those were the words that stuck with me when I visited the Kennedy Space Center in Florida last week.  I will make a banner of Armstrong’s quote … Continue reading

Posted in America, Early Education, geography, history, Inspiration, Learning About the World, military, patriotism, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 68 Comments

Reading Aloud – To You! Part 3

I continue reading aloud The Poet’s Dog, by Patricia MacLachlan, with chapters four and five.  Chapter four is 4:22 and chapter five is 4:32. In chapters two and three, Teddy took the children to the cabin.  We learned about Sylvan.  … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Dogs, Inspiration, Particia MacLachlan, Poetry, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , | 30 Comments

Reading Aloud – To You! Part 2

Dogs speak words But only poets And children Hear ~Patricia MacLachlan~ I continue reading aloud The Poet’s Dog, by Patricia MacLachlan, with chapters two and three.  Chapter two is 6:48 and chapter three is 1:44. In chapter one you met Teddy … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Particia MacLachlan, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 65 Comments

Reading Aloud – to You!

Darlene Foster, a fellow blogger, friend, and a wonderful author, asked me to read aloud to her, and to you.  She wanted me to read The Poet’s Dog, by Patricia MacLachlan.  I am touched, Darlene.  Thank you!  Here I am, … Continue reading

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Dogs, Inspiration, Particia MacLachlan, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , | 89 Comments

Happiness

“People should take time to be happy.” –Grandma Moses- Thank you, Naomi, for bringing happiness to the children every day. ❤️ Jennie

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, preschool, Quotes, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 38 Comments

Reading Aloud to My Preschooler – Thirty Years Later

My first read-aloud for the library this year was scheduled early.  It was only a few days after Labor Day.  I was excited. It was going to be the year of dog books, as I planned to read The Poet’s … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, Early Education, Inspiration, Particia MacLachlan, reading aloud, Student alumni | Tagged , , , , , , , | 53 Comments

Life Lessons – 101

A few years after I got my feet wet teaching, I read Robert Fulghum’s book, All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten.  That had a profound influence on my career.  His opening essay seemed to take all … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, preschool, Quotes, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 71 Comments

The Story of Romana

Romana was  from Romania.  She was the kindest little girl.  She spoke very little English, yet she clearly enjoyed school.  She is the child on the far right with the biggest smile. I remember the day I took this photo. … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Death and dying, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, preschool, Student alumni | Tagged , , , | 85 Comments