Category Archives: Inspiration

The Art Show!

Posted on April 12, 2018 by Jennie

“It took me a lifetime to learn to draw like a child.” –Pablo Picasso– “I would like to paint the way a bird sings.” –Claude Monet– “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” –Vincent van … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, self esteem, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 76 Comments

Little House in the Big Woods

Posted on April 7, 2018 by Jennie

I began reading aloud a new chapter reading book, Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  In thirty minutes, I had read only four pages.  Four!  There was so much happening in the story, we had to stop … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 82 Comments

“The Scream”, Round 2

Posted on April 2, 2018 by Jennie

Alex liked his painting of “The Scream.”  He called it “The Yeller Who Was Lost”, because he couldn’t remember scream, and he knew the painting had been lost.  Actually, Alex liked the original art by Edvard Munch far more than … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 78 Comments

Snow Swim Challenge

Posted on March 31, 2018 by Jennie

Up until yesterday I had never participated in a challenge, such as the Ice Bucket Challenge, to raise awareness for illnesses.  The father of a young child at our school has been diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer.  Vann Ly … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Inspiration, Kindness, Love | Tagged , , , , , , | 46 Comments

Those Two Short, Precious Years

Posted on March 28, 2018 by Jennie

When our daughter took piano lessons with Nancy, I would sit and wait in the living room of her big old house, along with our young son.  We had an hour together.  An hour that didn’t have the distraction of … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 50 Comments

Music Begins to Inspire Our Art.

Posted on March 25, 2018 by Jennie

“The music goes into your ears and into your brain.  Then, as you listen to the notes and sounds, it goes into your heart and shoots out of your fingers.  Like a million stars.  It’s magic.” Those are the words … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Inspiration, music, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 103 Comments

School Spirit Day

Posted on March 23, 2018 by Jennie

“I’ve got spirit.  Yes I do.  I’ve got spirit.  How about YOU.” Children love singing and cheering, and rooting for their school.  Every March our school has a giant pep rally. We parade with pom-poms, sing our school song, holler … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Love, Peace, self esteem, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 33 Comments

Meeting Jane Yolen at the Eric Carle Museum

Posted on March 12, 2018 by Jennie

Jane Yolen spoke to teachers, librarians and writers yesterday at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts.  She has just published her 365th book.  Really.  Sold out event.  I knew I had to be there because … Continue reading →

Posted in Author interview, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 59 Comments

From “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” to Dr. Seuss

Posted on March 3, 2018 by Jennie

This week began with National Fairy Tale Day and ended with Dr. Seuss’s birthday.  I was in my glory.  So were the children. We voted on our favorite fairy tale.  The Three Billy Goats Gruff won, hands-down.  This was a … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, picture books, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 69 Comments

The Power of “Yet”

Posted on March 1, 2018 by Jennie

“Yet” has quickly become one of our favorite words this year.  It’s the most powerful word in my classroom.  As children learn and grow, it is a constant process of trying, over and over again.  Saying “Practice makes perfect” can … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, music, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 51 Comments