Category Archives: Nature

Trees

Posted on October 26, 2020 by Jennie

This autumn has been gorgeous.  The trees are brilliant in a variety of colors.  They make me look up.  They make me stop to really look. Summer was dry, so it is surprising that our autumn is especially colorful.  I like to … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Einstein, Imagination, Mother Nature, Nature, picture books, Quotes, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 65 Comments

The Old Burying Ground

Posted on October 18, 2020 by Jennie

I love history.  It’s the stories, and understanding life way back when, that is deeply important – to me.  When those lives are on hallowed ground, in the beauty of fall, history comes alive. Groton’s Old Burying Ground is simply … Continue reading →

Posted in America, art, Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, geography, history, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 100 Comments

October in My New England Town

Posted on October 12, 2020 by Jennie

The poetry of Robert Frost is a perfect accompaniment to October photos in my small town.  These images and scenes are much the same as what Robert Frost would have seen.  Surely he was inspired to write poetry in order … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, Poetry, The Arts | Tagged , , , , | 65 Comments

When Children Uncover the Learning

Posted on September 30, 2020 by Jennie

There is a teacher term, ‘Emergent Curriculum’, which simply means that a teacher pays attention and follows the interests of children in order for real learning to happen.  It means stopping to listen to what children have to say, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, music, Nature, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 80 Comments

My Morning Greeting, a Frosty Heart

Posted on September 27, 2020 by Jennie

When summer turns to fall and nights become cold, the mornings are frosty. I am greeted with a heart, every morning. People tell me it is a message from above. I think about that.  I also think of Nan, my … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Love, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 68 Comments

Music and Movement – The Brain and the Body

Posted on September 25, 2020 by Jennie

We are spending more time outdoors with children at school.  That includes music and movement.  I take my autoharp to the hill or the Woodland Grove, and we sing and dance and move.  Music is at the heart of children’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, joy, Math, Mindfulness, music, Nature, preschool, Singing, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 82 Comments

Nature is the Greatest Teacher for Children

Posted on September 17, 2020 by Jennie

Covid-19 has actually made teachers rethink how to best teach young children.  At school, we decided that spending more time outside is better for children.  We teachers all know the benefits of nature, yet the demands of what children need … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, Nature, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 117 Comments

School, the End of Summer, and My Porch

Posted on September 4, 2020 by Jennie

Back to school is hard. I feel like the children do, apprehensive and unsure. Summer is ending. The crickets are telling me so. During this transition, the place that grounds me is my porch. On my porch, I’m still part … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, teaching, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 70 Comments

The Day Before School… Ice Cream!

Posted on August 31, 2020 by Jennie

School starts tomorrow for teachers.  Today I drove out to a farm, in the country. It was a picture perfect day.  The farm is a dairy farm.  That means ice cream. New England + dairy farms = the best ice … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Nature | Tagged , , , | 81 Comments

Little Sundrop

Posted on August 21, 2020 by Jennie

Little sundrop, where were you when you family bloomed in June? They grew, as a big happy family. They were in full glory on the Fourth of July. The days of August have put them to rest, yet here you … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , | 51 Comments