Category Archives: Inspiration

Reading Aloud – To You! Part 2

Posted on September 30, 2019 by Jennie

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!

Posted on September 27, 2019 by Jennie

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

Posted on September 25, 2019 by Jennie

“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

Posted on September 23, 2019 by Jennie

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

Posted on September 20, 2019 by Jennie

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

Posted on September 18, 2019 by Jennie

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

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble Turns 50 at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

Posted on September 9, 2019 by Jennie

William Steig is one of my favorite author/illustrators.  I have most of his books.  I’ve been reading his books to children since I started teaching thirty-five years ago.  Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, one of his best, turned 50 years … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading aloud, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 81 Comments

Finding Joy – A Letter to Teachers

Posted on September 2, 2019 by Jennie

This is a re-post of a letter I wrote to teachers on Joy. Joy is the magic word! Dear Teachers, As you start your new school year there is one word that will get you through the uncertainty and the … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, joy, teaching, Teaching young children, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 79 Comments

Mister Rogers and Back-To-School

Posted on August 27, 2019 by Jennie

It’s back-to-school week for teachers.  We’re moving across the street to a new location for one year while our school building will undergo a long overdue renovation.  Moving is hard.  Starting a new school year is hard.  We’re in our … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, geography, Inspiration, Kindness, preschool, Quotes, self esteem, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 84 Comments

When Teachers Tell Their Stories – Part 8

Posted on August 24, 2019 by Jennie

In Part 7, I told the story of the huge tree that almost fell over on our neighbor’s house.  The Fire Chief in his big red fire truck, and the Tree Man in his cherry picker truck added plenty of real … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, storytelling, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 55 Comments