Category Archives: Love

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

Family Photo Collages

Our first parent event at school is Back-To-School Night.  We have a meet-and-greet, parents connect with each other and with teachers, and we talk about our philosophy and curriculum. Then, parents make a family photo collage for their child.  It … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, joy, Love, picture books, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 69 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

The Best Christmas Ad – My Favorite

I will share this Christmas ad every year, because… it’s that good. Christmas is about family and friends. It’s a time to smile and remember. Yes, remember. Because in the end, it’s our memories that stick with us. That’s what … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, joy, Love, music, wonder | Tagged , , | 74 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

Joy is the Magic Word – For Everyone

This re-post is a letter to teachers.  It’s the foundation of connecting with children, and teaching, and making a difference. Frankly, it is a life lesson.  It’s all about how we see things – our outlook and attitude. Dear Teachers, … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Heart, Inspiration, joy, Love | Tagged , , , | 80 Comments

DogTown

I just finished reading one of the best books, DogTown, by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko, and had to share my excitement. It’s friendship, bravery, loss, humor, and heart.  Oh, is it ever heart. “Your heart is a muscle,” I told … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Dogs, Expressing words and feelings, Heart, Inspiration, literacy, Love, reading, robots, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 28 Comments

Singing With a Child on YouTube

It Happened Like This… While grocery shopping a few weeks ago, I listened to the music piped in over their intercom.  It was Faith Hill singing “This Kiss.”  I had a lightbulb teacher moment (which happens to me frequently.) The … Continue reading

Posted in America, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, Love, music, preschool, Singing, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , | 87 Comments

A Letter From My Pen Pal

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

All You Need is Love

The last day of school before Christmas. Pajama Day! Everyone is excited. A child rushed up to give me a big hug. “I love you, Jennie.” “I love you, too.” The ‘I Love You Rush’ began. I knew exactly what … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, Love, music, picture books, preschool, Singing, Teaching young children, The Beatles, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 69 Comments