Category Archives: literacy

The Story of Emma (and ‘Ariel’)

Posted on February 6, 2024 by Jennie

Some students stick with you, and some stick with you like glue.  That would be Emma.  This is the story of Emma, a child who thrived in the Aqua Room, and returned on occasion to visit.  Her journey is heartwarming … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Giving thanks, Gloria, Inspiration, literacy, music, play performances, reading aloud, Singing, Student alumni, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 96 Comments

A Letter From My Pen Pal

Posted on January 29, 2024 by Jennie

Dear Friends, You can imagine what it was like for me to get this letter in the mail. I hope you get goosebumps, or get teary, or have a lump in your throat when you read this. Dear Jennie, Happy … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, literacy, Love, Writing, young children | Tagged , , , | 68 Comments

Things Happen in Threes

Posted on January 22, 2024 by Jennie

Things often happen in threes.  They certainly did at school! #1 We had day after day of bitter cold weather.  That meant the children could not go outside.  By day three we had to be creative, so we had a … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, joy, literacy, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, robots, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 51 Comments

I Was There!

Posted on September 27, 2023 by Jennie

I was at the library the same day he was. It was his birthday, six years old at last, which means he can get his very own library card. He did! Look at his enormous smile. I was his preschool … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Inspiration, literacy, reading, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 74 Comments

Summer Reading

Posted on September 5, 2023 by Jennie

As I was starting a blog post on the books I have read this summer, a parent sent me this photo: Two former students, one reading to the other – while at the pool! This photo is far more important … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, literacy, preschool, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, teaching, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 52 Comments

Letter From a Parent

Posted on August 11, 2023 by Jennie

A letter from a parent is always special.  When the parent is my pen-pal and former student’s mom, it’s very special.  When she bought a book I had recommended on this blog, that was the frosting on the cake.  I … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, literacy | Tagged , , , | 56 Comments

Reading Again – At Last!

Posted on August 4, 2023 by Jennie

He has been unable to read for two years. The words and pages ‘move’ with his eye problems. As a result, he stopped reading books. He gave it another try. Seeing him reading again is a joy. I think he … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, literacy, reading | Tagged , , , | 49 Comments

Amanda!

Posted on July 27, 2023 by Jennie

Reading a book is perfect. Reading by the pool is more perfect. Reading Amanda books is most perfect. I just finished the book! I don’t get to read as much as I want to.  Summer is my window, and I … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, geography, Learning About the World, literacy, reading | Tagged , , , | 104 Comments

Book Bears, Library Reading, and a Pleading Letter

Posted on June 25, 2023 by Jennie

My public library Book Bears group and Read Aloud group have finished for the school year.  Book Bears read a book each month, and we discuss the book the following month.  The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes and Stella … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, literacy, reading aloud, reading aloud, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 45 Comments

Chapter Reading Throughout the School Year

Posted on June 9, 2023 by Jennie

Here is my annual end of school year letter to parents: Chapter Reading June 9, 2023 Chapter reading is one of our treasured moments of the day.  We bring to life the imagination, the world, and the past.  The anticipation … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , | 58 Comments