Category Archives: Learning About the World

“How Much Wood Could a Woodchuck Chuck…?”

Posted on January 13, 2018 by Jennie

Thank you, Steve, for being a role model for engaging children in learning and fun.  They will remember you!  I am honored that you dedicated this post to me.  It is a terrific read! “How Much Wood Could A Woodchuck Chuck…?” … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Learning About the World, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 43 Comments

Penguins, God, Spectacles, the Atlas, and Reading Aloud.

Posted on December 13, 2017 by Jennie

The classroom was dark except for a few strings of twinkling lights.  It was time for chapter reading before rest time.  We started a new chapter reading book, Mr. Popper’s Penguins.  Day one is always thrilling, and I show children … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Learning About the World, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 35 Comments

Children Talking Death and Dying… It’s Good

Posted on December 4, 2017 by Jennie

Recently on the playground I watched children happily engaged in play.  The important part to them was someone dying.  It may sound grim, but it was really a happy game of imaginary play.  The characters were a mom and a … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Early Education, Learning About the World | Tagged , , , | 58 Comments

Making “The Star-Spangled Banner” Come Alive

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Jennie

Every year I make our country’s National Anthem ‘come alive’ for my preschoolers.  This is a hard song to sing, especially for children.  They know the tune, and thanks to baseball on television and sporting events, “The Star-Spangled Banner” is … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Learning About the World, military, patriotism, Peace, picture books, reading, Singing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 41 Comments

Graduations, and My Role Model

Posted on June 27, 2017 by Jennie

Graduations are over, and it’s a time that I reflect.  The school year has ended and children move on.  Actually, they move forward.  I know they do.  Because they come back and tell me wonderful things that are happening in their lives.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Kindness, Learning About the World, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 51 Comments

Beyond Telling a Story

Posted on April 28, 2017 by Jennie

I tell stories.  It began many years ago during lunchtime in my classroom with my preschoolers.  I told a story about my childhood, The Peanut Man, which has become a classic story that children beg for, along with at least fourteen … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Learning About the World, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 64 Comments

Chickens Don’t Sweat

Posted on April 20, 2017 by Jennie

Chickens don’t sweat.  Really, this is absolutely true.  I was behind a chicken truck driving along the Eastern Shore yesterday. The moment I saw this truck (I was driving) I yelled at my husband, “It’s a chicken truck!  Get the … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, Learning About the World, storytelling | Tagged , , , , | 44 Comments

Thank You, Sergeant Curran, Our Pen-Pal

Posted on March 9, 2017 by Jennie

“Thank you.”  Those are the most fundamental words, next to “please”, that shape children’s character.  It is far more than manners; saying the words is one thing, doing the words is another. My class is thanking Sergeant Curran, stationed in Afghanistan.  We’re doing … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Kindness, Learning About the World, patriotism, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 48 Comments

Geography, Africa, and Preschool Immersion

Posted on February 11, 2017 by Jennie

One of our most treasured and well-used classroom books is the Big Book of the World.  We love to look through the book as it shows not only physical maps of the world, continents and countries, but also animals, agriculture, … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, geography, Imagination, Learning About the World, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 32 Comments