Category Archives: Inspiration

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

Two Moons, Two Jane Yolen Books

Posted on August 16, 2019 by Jennie

The year was 1987.  I had been teaching preschool for three years.  I was immersed in children’s books, reading the great ones and the new ones.  That was the year I became picky about books, because what I read aloud … Continue reading →

Posted in Author interview, Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Inspiration, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 81 Comments

My Summer Children

Posted on August 12, 2019 by Jennie

Children are a wonder. Nature is a wonder, too. Both grow, with the help of loving adults. I take care of my ‘summer children.’ My eyes are witness to life, and sometimes death.  I see beauty, and I am humbled … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 51 Comments

Wish Tree

Posted on August 6, 2019 by Jennie

Have you ever seen  a Wish Tree? Walking along a beach on Cape Cod with friends, we rounded a bend along the sand where it meets the shore.  This was a remote stretch of the beach, quite a distance from … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Nature, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 83 Comments

Bridges, Old and New, Returning Home

Posted on July 29, 2019 by Jennie

Every bridge along the Merritt Parkway in Connecticut is 1930’s Art Deco.  Each bridge is different, and a piece of art.  I had my iPhone on the dashboard of the car, hoping to capture some beauties. Winged Victory is a … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, geography, history, Inspiration, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 51 Comments

The Eagle Scout and the Castle

Posted on July 22, 2019 by Jennie

Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout Attending an award ceremony for an Eagle Scout is a complete experience.  The event is full of tradition, with Boy Scouts as flag bearers and candle lighters, reciting the oath and honoring their fellow … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Student alumni, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 102 Comments

Bridges, Old and New

Posted on July 20, 2019 by Jennie

Bridges Along the Merritt Parkway in Connecticut where every bridge is different, and old. Art Deco at its best. The Tappan Zee bridge over the Hudson River in New York. Newly constructed. Modern architecture at its best. Being surrounded by … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Inspiration, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 49 Comments

Last Night

Posted on July 16, 2019 by Jennie

The Last Night Jennie

Posted in geography, Inspiration, joy, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , | 46 Comments

When Teachers Tell Their Stories – Part 3

Posted on July 12, 2019 by Jennie

In Part 2, I talked about language and words, and how the more words a child hears, the better s/he will do in school – in all subject areas.  I told my first-ever story, “The Peanut Man Story”, and how … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Nature, storytelling, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 53 Comments

Mason and the Rainbow Song

Posted on July 9, 2019 by Jennie

Yesterday I filled-in at my school’s summer camp.  When I arrived at noon, children were at lunch.  After all the hugs and hollers, they begged for a ‘Jennie Story’, especially Mason. Interestingly, Mason has never been in my class. He … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, self esteem, Singing, summer camp, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 69 Comments