Category Archives: Kindness

Language, Literacy, and Storytelling – Part 5 – The Conclusion

In Part 4, I shared my storytelling at school.  In the bathroom I use rhyming words and tell make-believe stories.  I incorporate children’s names into the story.  I add complex vocabulary words.  At lunchtime, I tell Jennie Stories, true stories of … Continue reading

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Death and dying, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, Kindness, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, storytelling, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 42 Comments

The Letter, With Love

            Thank you for the lovely letter, Rowan.  Seeing your smiling face and getting a great big hug was the best.  You were proud and confident, eager to show me your letter.  I miss you, … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, Student alumni, Writing, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 65 Comments

9/11 – Kindness Peace and Love Day

9/11 at school is Kindness, Peace, and Love Day.  How do we help young children honor the brave people on 9/11?  By remembering and celebrating how people were united in brotherhood and came together to help each other.  We talk … Continue reading

Posted in American flag, books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Peace, preschool, Singing, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 39 Comments

The Autoharp

I had just met the children.  The classroom was overflowing with eager parents and not-so-eager children.  New + big + different = scary. For fifteen minutes we looked at each other, me smiling and children with big worried eyes.  The … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, music, preschool, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 69 Comments

The Legacy of Milly, Part 10 – The Final Curtain

In Part 9, Milly continued her visits to school.  The children and Gloria were always thrilled when it was a ‘Milly day’.  At last, after years of quilts that went away to places of honor, Milly made a quilt, “Our Towns” … Continue reading

Posted in art, books, Death and dying, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Peace, quilting, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 98 Comments

The Legacy of Milly, Part 9

In Part 8, Milly and the children were guests of honor at the one-year anniversary of the Boston Fisher House.  With a full crowd in attendance, including members of the Fisher family, we presented the God Bless America quilt.  And, a … Continue reading

Posted in art, Early Education, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Peace, quilting, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 58 Comments

His Memory Corner For Milly

A “Memory Corner” made for Milly from a child who adored her. A favorite birthday photo of them together, laughing and wearing a silly hat. Tiny treasures carefully and lovingly arranged, and a note that reads: “Dear Milly, I hope … Continue reading

Posted in Death and dying, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, young children | Tagged , , , , | 72 Comments

Gloria and Lucca, ‘Livin’ the Dream’

Everybody loves Gloria! Gloria’s social life and adventures with children are a natural result of what happens when good friends connect.  Children beg to take Gloria home for the weekend.  Her journal is packed with wonderful stories and photos of … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 50 Comments

What Happens at Chapter Reading

My copy of Little House on the Prairie is so well-loved that two entire sections of the book have fallen out.  No matter; the words are all there.  I wouldn’t trade that book for anything.  When I finish reading each … Continue reading

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, history, Kindness, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 65 Comments

A Memorial Day Remembrance

We have a Memory Garden at school on the playground, and it is oh so lovely. Children often stop to look, or just “be”.  Somehow they understand that it is a special place. Classroom pets who have died are buried … Continue reading

Posted in American flag, Early Education, Giving, Kindness, military, patriotism, Peace, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 73 Comments