Category Archives: Inspiration

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

A Breakthrough, from the ‘Curbside Classroom’

Posted on April 30, 2019 by Jennie

Steve the crossing guard sent me this new story.  Sit back, read, and enjoy one of the best stories from his ‘Curbside Classroom’.  Steve is a remarkable teacher who makes a difference – no classroom needed.  He’s my role model.  … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, self esteem | Tagged , , , , , , , | 62 Comments

A New Quilt – Part 2

Posted on April 28, 2019 by Jennie

In Part 1, children embraced the song “This Land is Your Land” as their own.  They sang the song every day, multiple times a day.  By the time winter arrived, they had ‘taken over’, and constantly used the book This Land … Continue reading →

Posted in America, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, music, patriotism, Peace, picture books, quilting, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 59 Comments

Alumnus Visit

Posted on April 24, 2019 by Jennie

A senior in high school, “too soon too old” After his trip to Italy, Wesley came bearing gifts- a Pinocchio for each child and a large Pinocchio for the class.  We learned that the story and character are from northern … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, preschool, Quotes, Student alumni, young children | Tagged , , , | 56 Comments

Wonder

Posted on April 17, 2019 by Jennie

Wonder definition – a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable. Last night’s view from dinner, Gibbet Hill, Groton, Massachusetts. Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder. -E.B. White- Jennie

Posted in E.B. White, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, Quotes, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 53 Comments

How To Have a Beautiful Life

Posted on April 13, 2019 by Jennie

Jennie

Posted in Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Quotes, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 58 Comments

A Field Trip to the Art Show

Posted on April 11, 2019 by Jennie

Children and families and teachers went on a field trip to see the Art Show. Seeing is believing. It’s also loving, and empowering.  In the words of fellow blogger  Laura Bruno Lilly, these children are ‘heartists’ – artists with heart. … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, Quotes, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 45 Comments

Art and Music and Italy – Part 4 – the Finale

Posted on April 7, 2019 by Jennie

Weeks of hard work + joy = great satisfaction and achievement.  That is the perfect equation, exactly how my preschoolers felt when they finally saw their art, their hard work, their masterpieces, mounted and framed. You would think after a … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 69 Comments