Category Archives: Kindness

Outdoor Play – Child Inspired – Including the Memory Garden

Sometimes play is not what I expected, yet turns into something wonderful. Last month was one of those days.  When we went outside, class photos were being taken under the tree, so we couldn’t use the playground. We had to … Continue reading

Posted in Imagination, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Play, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 70 Comments

Happy Birthday!

The children surprised me with a balloon, a plant, and singing “Happy Birthday.” We celebrated with ice cream. When they asked me how old I am I held up my birthday card so they could read the number. “57!” Well, … Continue reading

Posted in Giving, Giving thanks, Heart, Kindness, Love, preschool, School | Tagged , , | 114 Comments

Gloria Goes to Missouri – Part 2

Awww…just look at that smile! Gloria arrived back home with much fanfare.  There’s nothing like welcoming a best friend after a long trip.  We learned that Missouri has cows.  Lots of cows.  So, included in Gloria’s welcome home box was … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, geography, Giving thanks, Gloria, history, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, School, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 61 Comments

Gloria Goes to Missouri – Part 1

Gloria has been visiting Zeb the zebra in Missouri.  Back in January, Zeb came to visit Gloria in Massachusetts.  Both were lonely, and together their friendship blossomed – thanks to the children. Children – that’s the magic word.  It was … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Diversity, geography, Gloria, Heart, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, Play, School, teaching | Tagged , , , , | 78 Comments

Real Connections With Children – From a Carpet Sweeper to a Princess Phone

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

11 Years – Wow

I never realized back then, 11 years ago, that my fellow bloggers would become my community – true friends. I am forever thankful for all of you.  You are my family. Happy Anniversary with WordPress.com! You registered on WordPress.com 11 … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness | Tagged , | 86 Comments

The Poet’s Dog – Reading it Again

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

Gloria and Zeb to the Rescue

Gloria has been a bit lonely this year.  The children love her, yet she spends much of her days sitting on the couch.  I see her smiling at the children.  I wonder how her heart feels. We’re learning about Africa.  … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, geography, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 107 Comments

Remembering the Little Things

The little things are the big things in life although we often don’t see it at the moment. You never know when the things you do will be meaningful or important to others. Goodness always carries the right message. My … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Giving thanks, Heart, Inspiration, Kindness, Student alumni | Tagged , | 64 Comments

Happy New Year, Gloria!

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