Category Archives: Kindness

‘Life is Good’ – It’s More Than T-shirts

The Healing Power of Optimism Well, that caught my attention.  I know those words to be true.  I’m a preschool teacher; optimism and healing are in my pockets, and in my heart.  It’s what I do with children. That was … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 59 Comments

We Got Mail!

Our pen pals in Michigan loved our valentines, and they wrote back.  That’s what pen pals do. They’re the MAC PACK.  How cool is that? Dear friends in the Aqua Room, Thank you for our Valentines.  We are so happy … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Kindness, literacy, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 51 Comments

My Mini Love Note

Big things come in little packages, and my mini love note couldn’t have made my heart any bigger. Happy Valentine’s Day! “Some people care too much, I think it’s called love.” ~Winnie the Pooh~ Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, preschool, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , | 63 Comments

Pen Pal Valentines

Valentines for our pen pals who live far away in England and Michigan, love and friendship made by hand. Jennie

Posted in art, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Writing | Tagged , , | 37 Comments

Gloria – How She Came to Be

So, how did Gloria the puppet become Gloria the person? I know puppets help teach preschoolers.  Any good teacher knows that.  When I first realized that a puppet in the classroom would be a great teaching tool, I had no … Continue reading

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 62 Comments

The True Story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

As the holiday season of 1938 came to Chicago, Bob May wasn’t feeling much comfort or joy. A 34-year-old ad writer for Montgomery Ward, May was exhausted and nearly broke. His wife, Evelyn, was bedridden, on the losing end of … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, picture books, self esteem, wonder | Tagged , , | 67 Comments

Gloria’s Weekend

Gloria had her first weekend visit with a child this year. Year after year, Gloria becomes a well-loved member of the classroom.  Why?  Because children naturally want to be loving.  They need a platform to do that outside of their … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 85 Comments

Gloria!

Every year, Gloria comes into the classroom and becomes a beloved friend, someone who understands children.  She represents everything that is kind… yet different, and that is the pathway to acceptance.  Gloria is diversity, and the catalyst to acceptance.  She … Continue reading

Posted in Diversity, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, preschool, wonder | Tagged , , | 78 Comments

Gloria

Gloria has returned from the spa, looking refreshed and happy. She will spend the weekend with me at home, and meet the children at school next week. She is excited! Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Imagination, Kindness, Love, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged | 53 Comments

The Last Day, and She Won’t Go Home

Today was the last day of school for children.  There were floods of tears from children, and also parents.  Hugs were like the jaws of life.  Pick-up on the playground at the end of the day was emotional for everyone. … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Kindness, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 82 Comments