Category Archives: Nature

Four Seasons of the Wishtree – Photos Framed

Posted on March 17, 2022 by Jennie

At last, photos of our Wishtree in every season are framed and gifted to school. Spring was the beginning.  The wishes are bright and new against a bare tree. Summer’s deep foliage cannot hide the wishes. Fall’s colors are beautiful, … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Nature, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 39 Comments

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

Posted on January 29, 2022 by Jennie

Yesterday A scary weather forecast Today High winds and lots of snow Tomorrow Playing in the snow with the children Reading “Katy and the Big Snow” Jennie  

Posted in children's books, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, picture books, wonder | Tagged , , , | 84 Comments

Sunset in Cold January – Hope

Posted on January 27, 2022 by Jennie

Every drive home from school I come to this intersection. Tonight I saw hope. Days are now longer. Sunsets are more brilliant, hanging onto their color until the end. Silhouettes of barns and trees make me want to stop and … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , | 78 Comments

There Are Never Enough Sunsets

Posted on January 14, 2022 by Jennie

In New England, winter sunsets happen around 4:30 PM.  This is today’s sunset at school.  Typically we are outside on the playground at this time.  Today we were inside.  When I saw the sunset’s pink and yellow colors, looking out … Continue reading →

Posted in Mother Nature, Nature, preschool, wonder | Tagged , , | 72 Comments

The Morning After the Snow- Memories of “Katy and the Big Snow”, a Classic Children’s Book

Posted on January 8, 2022 by Jennie

At last the sun appeared, shining brightly. Yesterday’s first snow was in full glory. The first thing that popped into my head was, of course, a children’s book.  I wrote this post years ago, and it is as poignant today … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, geography, Inspiration, Math, Nature, picture books, preschool, reading, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 101 Comments

First Snow

Posted on January 7, 2022 by Jennie

The sun is setting on the new fallen snow Large pines rest their snow laden boughs, ready for a winter’s night. Night falls and the young trees gleam, wearing snow like children who were sledding and playing outside today. First … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, preschool, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , | 63 Comments

Fire and Ice

Posted on December 26, 2021 by Jennie

Ice storm on Christmas Day It lasted…and lasted. The only thing to do was start a fire. Fire and Ice, Football, and Leftovers. Life is Good. Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , | 65 Comments

Best Children’s Christmas Books – and a New One

Posted on December 21, 2021 by Jennie

Red and Lulu, by Matt Tavares is the story of two cardinals who live in a mighty evergreen tree.  They love their home, their tree.  Best of all, they love it when winter arrives and Christmas carolers sing close by.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Giving thanks, Inspiration, literacy, Nature, picture books, preschool, reading, young children | Tagged , , | 64 Comments

An Arcing Contrail Against a Full Moon

Posted on December 20, 2021 by Jennie

At school, December has been a month of learning about the planets, stars, and light.  We have watched a video of the Atlantis Space Shuttle launch in 1985, and hoped to see the new James Webb telescope launch into space.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, Learning About the World, Nature, Quotes, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , | 48 Comments

Terrific Children’s Books – #5

Posted on December 15, 2021 by Jennie

Children’s Books #1 – #4 have been about the all-important things that children need – kindness, giving, empathy… those social and emotional skills.  #5 is two books that I discovered at the Eric Carle Museum last month.  I always find great books … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, Early Education, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, literacy, Nature, picture books, reading, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 38 Comments