Category Archives: Kindness

Snow Swim Challenge

Up until yesterday I had never participated in a challenge, such as the Ice Bucket Challenge, to raise awareness for illnesses.  The father of a young child at our school has been diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer.  Vann Ly … Continue reading

Posted in Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Inspiration, Kindness, Love | Tagged , , , , , , | 46 Comments

Those Two Short, Precious Years

When our daughter took piano lessons with Nancy, I would sit and wait in the living room of her big old house, along with our young son.  We had an hour together.  An hour that didn’t have the distraction of … Continue reading

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 50 Comments

How Not to Become a Troubled School Shooter

Make Friends Be Kind Share Play Read Books, Together Laugh Know That Crying Lets The Hurt Come Out Tell Stories, Real and Make Believe Tell your Mom When You Feel Angry Say Please and Thank You Ask For Help Accept … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Kindness, Love, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 69 Comments

The Power of “Yet”

“Yet” has quickly become one of our favorite words this year.  It’s the most powerful word in my classroom.  As children learn and grow, it is a constant process of trying, over and over again.  Saying “Practice makes perfect” can … Continue reading

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, music, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 51 Comments

Then and Now

I was invited to a high school hockey game by one of my former preschoolers.  Lucky me, and what a special treat.  She’s on the team.  It turns out that the hockey team has many more of my preschoolers. Look … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, history, Kindness, Love, self esteem, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 48 Comments

1-800-Help!

Perhaps it was the ice storm that left the playground like a skating rink nestled among trees.  Or perhaps it was the freezing temperatures day after day, because we have not been outside at school.  Whatever the reason, today was … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Kindness, picture books, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 73 Comments

Olivia and Linda, a Happy New Year

I have only one photo of children in my class beside my computer.  One. Meet, left to right, Maddy, Allison, Olivia, Sophie, and Sarah.  These children are now in college, and still it is my favorite photo.  I have a … Continue reading

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness | Tagged , , , , , | 52 Comments

My Legend of the Sticky Buns

Over twenty years ago there were two little girls in my preschool class, Michelle and Nicole.  Sisters.  Michelle was full of heart.  She cried at The Runaway Bunny.  She was always the star in our plays.  I think her most … Continue reading

Posted in Family, Giving, Giving thanks, Kindness, Love | Tagged , , , , , | 44 Comments

When Nothing Goes Right, There’s Mister Rogers

Mister Rogers Nothing went right yesterday at school.  I should check to see if there was a full moon. Grumpy was the mood of the day for children.  At our Morning Meeting Allie, Gloria’s BFF, stood with her arms crossed.  … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Kindness, Love | Tagged , , , , , | 57 Comments

Gloria and Allie

Everyone adores Gloria, and I do mean everyone.  After all, she is the nice one, the good friend.  She gives children unconditional love.  Do you know that Gloria has a journal?  It is well-worn from love.  When children take Gloria … Continue reading

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Giving, Gloria, Kindness, Love, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 37 Comments