Category Archives: joy

Charli Mills, Bobo, and “The Poet’s Dog”

Posted on February 12, 2020 by Jennie

Charli Mills over at Carrot Ranch Literary Community posted her new flash fiction challenge.  She always starts with an incredible prologue, a personal writing that paints a deeper picture of the challenge.  I love what she writes. Charli makes me … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, books, children's books, Death and dying, Dogs, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Particia MacLachlan, self esteem, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 89 Comments

Gloria’s Necklace, Part 1

Posted on January 22, 2020 by Jennie

Today was not a good day.  Everything broke.  It started with the key to our favorite game, Cranium Cariboo.  We call it “The Ball Game”.  It is THE game, and of course it’s no longer made.  The purple key to … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Giving, Gloria, Inspiration, joy, preschool, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 64 Comments

Best Buddy

Posted on January 16, 2020 by Jennie

Here is a photo of me and my Best Buddy, fifteen years ago. Yes, Best Buddy.  That’s what we called each other. As the years went on, we saw each other occasionally, and we always called each other Best Buddy. … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, music, preschool, Singing, Student alumni | Tagged , , , , , | 58 Comments

Early Morning Dad

Posted on January 7, 2020 by Jennie

Bright and early, Dad and his son arrive at school to play in my classroom before classes begin. No morning rush. Putting a puzzle together for a short while is far more important. I long to go back in time … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 74 Comments

“Starry Night” Continues

Posted on December 31, 2019 by Jennie

The walls in my classroom are mostly filled with children’s art, as it should be.  Gone are the flashy colors and cute teacher decorations.  I learned long ago they are more of a distraction than anything else to children.  My … Continue reading →

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

Joy, at the End of the Day

Posted on December 14, 2019 by Jennie

It’s Friday at 5:00 PM.  We’ve had a full day (and week) at school.  In the last hour we painted a gigantic box that will become a lunar module next week and fly to the moon. Yesterday was the Cold … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, joy, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 77 Comments

Reading Aloud – To You! Part 2

Posted on September 30, 2019 by Jennie

Dogs speak words But only poets And children Hear ~Patricia MacLachlan~ I continue reading aloud The Poet’s Dog, by Patricia MacLachlan, with chapters two and three.  Chapter two is 6:48 and chapter three is 1:44. In chapter one you met Teddy … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Particia MacLachlan, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 65 Comments

Happiness

Posted on September 25, 2019 by Jennie

“People should take time to be happy.” –Grandma Moses- Thank you, Naomi, for bringing happiness to the children every day. ❤️ Jennie

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, preschool, Quotes, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 38 Comments

Finding Joy – A Letter to Teachers

Posted on September 2, 2019 by Jennie

This is a re-post of a letter I wrote to teachers on Joy. Joy is the magic word! Dear Teachers, As you start your new school year there is one word that will get you through the uncertainty and the … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, joy, teaching, Teaching young children, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 79 Comments

My Summer Children

Posted on August 12, 2019 by Jennie

Children are a wonder. Nature is a wonder, too. Both grow, with the help of loving adults. I take care of my ‘summer children.’ My eyes are witness to life, and sometimes death.  I see beauty, and I am humbled … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 51 Comments