Category Archives: Inspiration

The Pillowcase Event

Posted on June 1, 2019 by Jennie

Did you know that the last words the brain hears before you fall asleep are what ‘sticks’, what the brain remembers?  For children this is most important. Growing up is hard work, and any good words are more than needed. … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Love, preschool, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 64 Comments

A ‘Renaissance Man’ Teacher and a Crossing Guard

Posted on May 29, 2019 by Jennie

Steve the Crossing Guard is an extraordinary teacher.  A ‘Renaissance Man’ teacher.  He is electric.  He thinks outside of the box.  And he truly understands children.  That’s what Jennie says. Wikipedia says: When the term “Renaissance man” is used, it … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, teaching, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 86 Comments

Discovering The Wonders of Spring With Children

Posted on May 21, 2019 by Jennie

This tree on the playground is beside the climbing structure. It is gorgeous. Today we stopped climbing to look. Really look. It was windy, so petals we’re flying everywhere. And children paid attention. They soaked up the wind and flying … Continue reading →

Posted in Imagination, Inspiration, joy, Mother Nature, Nature, preschool, Uncategorized, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , | 62 Comments

A New Quilt – Part 4

Posted on May 19, 2019 by Jennie

In Part 3, we made a giant sketch for the quilt based on what the children felt were important parts of the song and the book, “This Land is Your Land.”  Woody’s guitar, the church from the ‘sad page’, landmarks … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Early Education, history, Imagination, Inspiration, music, patriotism, quilting, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 72 Comments

Words of Wisdom From C. S. Lewis

Posted on May 16, 2019 by Jennie

It takes more wisdom to be a child than to be an adult. C.S. Lewis understood this, but not until he was fifty. “When I was ten, I read fairy tales in secret and would have been ashamed if I … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Inspiration, Quotes, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 75 Comments

Rock and Roll (and Alexa) Save the Day

Posted on May 14, 2019 by Jennie

When there’s something wrong In your neighborhood Who you gonna call?  Alexa! “Alexa, play ‘Shout’ by the Isley Brothers.” Music is the universal language of mankind.  –Henry Wadsworth Longfellow- Jennie

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Inspiration, joy, music, Quotes, Singing, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , | 41 Comments

Mother Nature, and Alberta

Posted on May 12, 2019 by Jennie

It has taken me nearly seven decades to fully appreciate the canvas that Mother Nature paints every day.  And I still have a long way to go.  Often I feel more humbled than appreciative.  I’m working on that.  Because this … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 61 Comments

From One Superhero to Another

Posted on May 10, 2019 by Jennie

Riley and I are the two non-Captain America Superheroes in this photo.  But day in and day out, Riley is the real Superhero, the one who is always brave, helps her friends, and leads the way.  Always.  And with a … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Giving thanks, Inspiration, preschool, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 47 Comments

A New Quilt – Part 3

Posted on May 6, 2019 by Jennie

In Part 2, after the song had become all-consuming for children, I told Naomi about the one time this had happened before, eight years ago.  A song was  beloved to children.  They couldn’t get enough.  And so, we made a quilt.  … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, Diversity, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, Love, preschool, quilting, The Arts, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 58 Comments

A Free ‘Oral Vaccine’ for Literacy

Posted on May 3, 2019 by Jennie

Yes, people would definitely stand in line for days and pay hundreds of dollars.  Yet, it’s all right there, in the words of a book.  Read aloud, go to the library.  Get that free ‘oral vaccine’ for literacy.  Make a … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, picture books, Quotes, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 48 Comments