Category Archives: joy

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

The Poet’s Dog – Reading it Again

Posted on February 10, 2025 by Jennie

When The Poet’s Dog was hot off the press nearly ten years ago. I was eager to read the book.  I loved Patricia MacLachlan Sarah, Plain and Tall, yet I never expected to be so moved by this book.  I … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, Dogs, Heart, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, literacy, Particia MacLachlan, reading aloud, wonder | Tagged , , , | 68 Comments

Family Photo Collages

Posted on January 6, 2025 by Jennie

Our first parent event at school is Back-To-School Night.  We have a meet-and-greet, parents connect with each other and with teachers, and we talk about our philosophy and curriculum. Then, parents make a family photo collage for their child.  It … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, joy, Love, picture books, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 69 Comments

Happy New Year, Gloria!

Posted on December 30, 2024 by Jennie

Hubby:  “Jennie, did Gloria have Christmas with an Aqua Roomer?” Me:  “No, she did not.” Long pause… Hubby:  “And you didn’t bring her home to have Christmas with us?” He was right.  I felt terrible.  Gloria was alone at school. … Continue reading →

Posted in Gloria, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, reading aloud | Tagged , | 65 Comments

The Best Christmas Ad – My Favorite

Posted on December 24, 2024 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, Inspiration, joy, Love, music, wonder | Tagged , , | 74 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

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

40 Words, 40 Years

Posted on April 10, 2024 by Jennie

This is my 40th year teaching preschool at my wonderful school.  It feels like 10 or maybe 20 years.  40 is, well, a big deal…at least my school thinks so.  At our monthly staff meetings, they have often surprised me … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Poetry, School, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , | 111 Comments

Gloria and the Leprechaun

Posted on March 16, 2024 by Jennie

Gloria, what are you doing?  Are you okay? I’m fine.  Lucky came by last night. Lucky? Yes, Lucky the Leprechaun. I see.  Gloria, do you know how hard the Aqua Roomers worked on making that trap? It took them three … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 56 Comments