Category Archives: Kindness

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

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving Children spread happiness, naturally and genuinely. It’s a reminder for us. This post from a few years ago says it all. Our gigantic turkey From my school to your house, may you enjoy a turkey dinner with family … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, preschool, Thanksgiving | Tagged , , | 69 Comments

You Belong!

At school, we have a theme song each year.  This year it is “You Belong!”, a perfect song to let children know that – no matter what – we all belong.  It has become our ‘wake-up song’.  When nap is … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Heart, Inspiration, Kindness, Quotes, self esteem, Singing, wonder | Tagged , , , | 72 Comments

Welcome, Gloria!

Gloria made her classroom debut.  We don’t have returning students from last year in the class, so she was all new.  For everyone. You could have heard a pin drop. It was hard to get Gloria to look, much less … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Gloria, Heart, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 70 Comments

Giving Thanks – Teacher to Teacher, Blogger to Blogger, Friend to Friend

Let me tell you about my friend Pete Springer- fellow blogger, teacher, and dear friend.  He is a retired teacher with all the ‘right stuff’ when it comes to understanding children.  He visited my classroom a few years ago (which … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, teaching | Tagged , , , | 147 Comments