Category Archives: picture books

1-800-Viola Swamp

Posted on October 1, 2021 by Jennie

Over the past few days, many bloggers have been reading an older post, one of my favorites.  Every day in the classroom is not always a good day.  Humor to the rescue.  I hope you enjoy reading this post as … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 53 Comments

The Start of a New Year at School – Part 1

Posted on September 5, 2021 by Jennie

When children come to school next week, they will be greeted at the front entrance by this hand painted dove.  I can’t imagine anything more welcoming for children than walking across this threshold to start their day at school. This … Continue reading →

Posted in art, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 109 Comments

History Through a Classic Picture Book – The Little House

Posted on August 27, 2021 by Jennie

Last night as the sun was setting, the house next door was getting sleepy.  Just look at those window eyes closing and getting ready to say goodnight.  They reminded me of a favorite picture book, “The Little House” by Virginia … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, history, Inspiration, picture books, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 87 Comments

Dinosaurs Are Not Extinct

Posted on August 22, 2021 by Jennie

Dinosaurs are not extinct.  Way back in ‘95, a dinosaur was born.  He was lovingly painted, stuffed with paper, and tied with string.  Don’t you love the big, toothy smile? That year was a happy year for this dinosaur, hanging … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, picture books, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 57 Comments

Wordless – at the Eric Carle Museum

Posted on August 17, 2021 by Jennie

The new exhibit at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is: Speechless: The Art of Wordless Picture Books Wordless books?  How can that be?  How can you read a wordless book to a child?  I’ll tell you just … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Author interview, Book Review, children's books, David Wiesner, Early Education, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading aloud, reading aloud, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 52 Comments

Moments #2

Posted on August 6, 2021 by Jennie

Moments #1 happened in my backyard on a beautiful day.  I paid attention to the world around me, up high and down low.  Moments #2 (below) goes far deeper into the importance of little things, and how they really become … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, geography, Inspiration, joy, Learning About the World, Nature, patriotism, picture books, play performances, preschool, quilting, summer camp, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 87 Comments

Reading Aloud

Posted on August 1, 2021 by Jennie

A picture is worth a thousand words. A good friend sent me this photo reading to her grandchild. It is never too early to read aloud to a child. A child is never too young to hear words while seeing … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, picture books, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 79 Comments

The Real Start of Teaching the Fourth of July – Part 4

Posted on July 10, 2021 by Jennie

In Part 3, we made a giant sketch for the quilt based on what the children felt were important parts of the song and the book, “This Land is Your Land.”  Woody’s guitar, the church from the ‘sad page’, landmarks … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, picture books, preschool, quilting, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 67 Comments

The Real Start of Teaching the Fourth of July – Part 2

Posted on July 5, 2021 by Jennie

This piece is actually about the last quilt my class made. Bloggers have asked me to ‘finish the story’. Here is Part 2, with two more to follow. Over the summer I will go back to the beginning, how it … Continue reading →

Posted in America, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, geography, Gloria, Inspiration, music, picture books, quilting, Singing, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 51 Comments

The Real Start of Teaching the Fourth of July

Posted on July 3, 2021 by Jennie

The Fourth of July – America’s declaration of independence.  I teach children about the American flag, and patriotism.  It’s important.  Best of all, children often lead the way.  Their interests are the springboard for the best learning. The Fourth of … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Early Education, geography, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, music, patriotism, picture books, preschool, quilting, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 72 Comments