Category Archives: Inspiration

Thanking a Veteran

Posted on November 11, 2024 by Jennie

‘Thank You’ are the all-important words in life. They’re especially important on Veterans Day. Major General Z now retired visited my classroom. We wanted to thank him. Children were in awe. As soon as The General talked with children it … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, military, patriotism | Tagged , , , | 59 Comments

You Belong!

Posted on November 7, 2024 by Jennie

At school, we have a theme song each year.  This year it is “You Belong!”, a perfect song to let children know that – no matter what – we all belong.  It has become our ‘wake-up song’.  When nap is … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Heart, Inspiration, Kindness, Quotes, self esteem, Singing, wonder | Tagged , , , | 72 Comments

The Playground in Autumn

Posted on October 27, 2024 by Jennie

Autumn in New England is beautiful.  Our playground at school boasts maple trees that burst with color – red, yellow and orange. Children love nature.  They need nature.  That’s how they grow.  Nature is the original and greatest classroom.  Really.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, Learning About the World, Mother Nature, Nature, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 50 Comments

Welcome, Gloria!

Posted on October 20, 2024 by Jennie

Gloria made her classroom debut.  We don’t have returning students from last year in the class, so she was all new.  For everyone. You could have heard a pin drop. It was hard to get Gloria to look, much less … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Gloria, Heart, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 70 Comments

A Magical Evening at School

Posted on October 15, 2024 by Jennie

Tonight was magical!  Eating a pizza dinner together was a great way for families to get to know each other in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.  Children played, parents laughed, and teachers smiled.  Thank you, Aqua Room families! When dinner … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Halloween, Inspiration, jack-o-lanterns, wonder | Tagged , , | 54 Comments

Charlotte’s Web – Digging Deeper

Posted on October 9, 2024 by Jennie

This is a post from many years ago.  After writing about reading-aloud Charlotte’s Web, I wanted to share much more about this wonderful book – specifically E.B. White and my personal connection. I read aloud every day in my classroom, … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 65 Comments

Reading Aloud Charlotte’s Web

Posted on October 5, 2024 by Jennie

I am reading aloud Charlotte’s Web to my preschool class.  It’s the first chapter book I read every year.  Yes, a chapter book, with preschoolers.  Picture books are a given, multiple times throughout the day, but why a chapter book with young … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , | 76 Comments

Joy is the Magic Word – For Everyone

Posted on September 18, 2024 by Jennie

This re-post is a letter to teachers.  It’s the foundation of connecting with children, and teaching, and making a difference. Frankly, it is a life lesson.  It’s all about how we see things – our outlook and attitude. Dear Teachers, … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Heart, Inspiration, joy, Love | Tagged , , , | 80 Comments

Best Picture Books This Summer

Posted on September 8, 2024 by Jennie

It’s not often I discover a terrific new picture book. This summer I hit the jackpot. The Yellow Bus, by Loren Long Loren Long is a great author and illustrator.  His book, Otis, about a farm tractor and a cow is … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture books | Tagged , , , , , | 64 Comments

DogTown

Posted on September 7, 2024 by Jennie

I just finished reading one of the best books, DogTown, by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko, and had to share my excitement. It’s friendship, bravery, loss, humor, and heart.  Oh, is it ever heart. “Your heart is a muscle,” I told … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Dogs, Expressing words and feelings, Heart, Inspiration, literacy, Love, reading, robots, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 28 Comments