Category Archives: literacy

Charlotte’s Web – The Backstory and My E.B. White Connection

Posted on September 8, 2025 by Jennie

This is a repost from 2018, and tells an important story.  Can you believe I have typed on E.B. White’s Underwood typewriter?  Read on!  You will discover who is really Wilbur and Charlotte.  That’s something I will never forget.  Never. … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Library, literacy, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 76 Comments

Day One at School – Reading Aloud Charlotte’s Web

Posted on September 2, 2025 by Jennie

Today was Day One at school.  I always worry that I won’t remember children’s names, but I remembered.  Children arrived teary, excited, shy, and everything in between.  We played, got to know each other, sang, and began the routines of … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 87 Comments

My Favorite Picture Books of the Summer

Posted on September 1, 2025 by Jennie

  Norman and the Smell of Adventure, By Ryan T. Higgins Norman has a best friend – Mildred.  She’s a tree.  While they have favorite things they do every day, Norman is getting bored.  He wants to do something new, … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, reading, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 69 Comments

Dogs – They Make the Best Books

Posted on August 8, 2025 by Jennie

Dogs really do make the best books, because children love dogs.  Well, most everyone loves dogs.  When the dog in a book is more human than dog, the storyline is like a glistening taffy pull. Katherine Applegate has done her … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Dogs, Expressing words and feelings, Heart, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, literacy, robots, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 67 Comments

Amanda

Posted on August 3, 2025 by Jennie

Hubby snapped this picture of me, completely engrossed in reading Amanda in Scotland The Standing Stones. Thank goodness for Amanda.  This weekend I’m busy with an annual writer’s conference on line.  I’m exhausted.  There was an hour window of a … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Giving thanks, Inspiration, literacy, reading | Tagged , , , | 71 Comments

MacDowell – An Artist’s Dream

Posted on July 30, 2025 by Jennie

MacDowell For all the artists out there; writers, painters, musicians, sculptures, film makers and more – there is an artist retreat open for you.  Really! It all began in 1907, founded by composer Edward MacDowell and his wife, pianist Marian … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Inspiration, literacy, wonder, Writing | Tagged , , , | 88 Comments

Making History Come Alive For Children – Part 3

Posted on July 14, 2025 by Jennie

History is an abstract concept for children, so if I can link something tangible – like me – to history, perhaps they can have an understanding. At the end of the school year we read non-fiction chapter books.  Little House on … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, Early Education, Family, Gloria, history, Inspiration, literacy, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 46 Comments

I’ve Lost Hubby

Posted on July 11, 2025 by Jennie

I’ve lost hubby to Dan and Willow’s new book, Poetic Justice. Isn’t that wonderful? Jennie

Posted in Book Review, books, Giving thanks, literacy, reading | Tagged , , , | 77 Comments

Making History Come Alive For Children – Part 2

Posted on July 7, 2025 by Jennie

As I read one of the classic children’s books, The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton, it turned out to be an unexpected history lesson.  This wonderful book begins with a charming little house on a hill, living through days … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, history, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, School, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 63 Comments

Why Goodnight Moon?

Posted on June 29, 2025 by Jennie

Why do I read aloud GoodNight Moon to my preschoolers every day? Yes, every day, right before chapter reading. It has the words that paint images in the minds of young children.  It has rhyming that sways.  The words feel … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Heart, history, Inspiration, Library, literacy, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 75 Comments