Category Archives: joy

Gloria’s Surprise Santa Gift

Posted on December 28, 2025 by Jennie

Gloria is spending Christmas and the holidays with me and my Hubby.  She is very happy!  On Christmas Eve I asked her if she wanted to write a letter to Santa.  Yes, and no.  She felt awkward telling me that … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Gloria, Heart, Imagination, joy, Kindness, Love, Play, preschool, School | Tagged , , , , | 68 Comments

The Best Christmas Ad – My Favorite

Posted on December 23, 2025 by Jennie

I will share this Christmas ad every year, because… it’s that good. Christmas is about family and friends. It’s a time to smile and remember. Yes, remember. Because in the end, it’s our memories that stick with us. That’s what … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Heart, Inspiration, joy, Love | Tagged , | 94 Comments

My Name is Red

Posted on October 24, 2025 by Jennie

Red is my favorite color. Can you tell? Last month I was green. Next month I’ll be brown. But now I’m red, and I’m in my glory. The sun and the wind like to play with me. Children want to … Continue reading →

Posted in Giving, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, Nature, Poetry, young children | Tagged , , , , | 70 Comments

Cloud Watching – Messages

Posted on July 24, 2025 by Jennie

This cloud appeared late afternoon. It was one bright streak coming out of a gloomy gray cloud. What does that say? Nature always gives us messages in their art, telling us to look and to think. So I looked, and … Continue reading →

Posted in E.B. White, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 72 Comments

Gifting a Book to the Public Library

Posted on June 16, 2025 by Jennie

Discovering a great new book is one thing. Reading the book to children, over and over again, is another thing. Gifting that book to the public library is the icing on the cake.   The Little Red Chair, by Cathy … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, Library, literacy, picture books, reading | Tagged , , | 83 Comments

Outdoor Play – Child Inspired – Including the Memory Garden

Posted on May 30, 2025 by Jennie

Sometimes play is not what I expected, yet turns into something wonderful. Last month was one of those days.  When we went outside, class photos were being taken under the tree, so we couldn’t use the playground. We had to … Continue reading →

Posted in Imagination, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Play, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 70 Comments

Gloria Goes to Missouri – Part 2

Posted on May 11, 2025 by Jennie

Awww…just look at that smile! Gloria arrived back home with much fanfare.  There’s nothing like welcoming a best friend after a long trip.  We learned that Missouri has cows.  Lots of cows.  So, included in Gloria’s welcome home box was … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, geography, Giving thanks, Gloria, history, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, School, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 61 Comments

Gloria Goes to Missouri – Part 1

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Jennie

Gloria has been visiting Zeb the zebra in Missouri.  Back in January, Zeb came to visit Gloria in Massachusetts.  Both were lonely, and together their friendship blossomed – thanks to the children. Children – that’s the magic word.  It was … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, geography, Gloria, Heart, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, Play, School, teaching | Tagged , , , , | 78 Comments

Real Connections With Children – From a Carpet Sweeper to a Princess Phone

Posted on April 16, 2025 by Jennie

Teachers need to connect with children.  That’s a given.  The smiles, hugs, and laughing are always the foundation for developing relationships with children. While these positive interactions are the most common, sometimes unexpected moments – bad moments – can become … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Mindfulness, preschool, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 76 Comments

Music Inspires Art

Posted on March 30, 2025 by Jennie

Music plays a huge role in preschool.  It fills the hearts of children and inspires them to ‘be’, to open up and express their feelings.  They dance to music and soak up the feeling it gives them.  While young children … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, music, preschool, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 78 Comments