Category Archives: picture books

Reading Aloud “The Giving Tree”

Posted on October 9, 2020 by Jennie

My post yesterday about The Giving Tree was well received.  Only one thing was missing – reading the story aloud.  Thank you John Howell at Fiction Favorites for his comment: Darn.  I settled in and thought you were going to read the … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, picture books, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , | 44 Comments

The Giving Tree

Posted on October 8, 2020 by Jennie

There is a tree on the playground that is old and big.  Its branches dip down.  Each one seems to have a mind of its own.  The boughs sway and reach, and children look up. I wonder if the tree … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, Kindness, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 104 Comments

Books, Reading, and Puzzles

Posted on September 11, 2020 by Jennie

I can’t say enough to the families of the children I teach, about books and reading. The more they know and understand, the better it is for their child. This is a newsletter I sent to families yesterday: Hi Families, … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, picture books, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 68 Comments

My Summer of Books – Part 2

Posted on August 27, 2020 by Jennie

In  Part 1 I talked about many of the picture books in this photo, which shows all the children’s books I read this summer. Part 2 continues with the picture books, and bridges to older children’s books. Pigs in the Mud in … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Particia MacLachlan, picture books, reading | Tagged , , , , , | 79 Comments

My Summer of Books – Part 1

Posted on August 23, 2020 by Jennie

My summer has been filled with reading children’s books, from new picture books to books for older children, and classics.  Every one has been satisfying and thrilling, yet in different ways.  Some books are funny, some are filled with history, … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, picture books, reading | Tagged , , , , , | 78 Comments

More at The Carle, the Art of Maira Kalman, and “Fireboat”

Posted on July 31, 2020 by Jennie

After visiting the Angels exhibition at the Eric Carle Museum, I viewed the art of Maira Kalman. I knew this dog, at least I thought I did.  While there was something familiar here, I had to admit I don’t really … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 52 Comments

“Blue Sky, White Stars”, the New Book about America and our Flag

Posted on May 24, 2020 by Jennie

How do you teach children about America – past and also present? How do you teach about our flag? How do you smile a deep down smile, with childhood memories? How and what do you you remember? Blue Sky, White … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, books, children's books, Early Education, history, patriotism, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 51 Comments

Children and “The Star-Spangled Banner” – Including a Video

Posted on May 21, 2020 by Jennie

This is a repost, and I have included a video of me reading aloud this important book, singing the words, and talking about our American flag and National Anthem. Bringing our National Anthem to Life Few books have the power … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Book Review, children's books, Early Education, history, military, patriotism, picture books, reading aloud, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 33 Comments

My 70th Birthday

Posted on May 15, 2020 by Jennie

There were the many cards and the emails, texts and phone calls, to wish me a happy birthday today.  70 is weird, because when I was young 70 was old, and I’m still the queen of rock and roll (at … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Giving thanks, Kindness, picture books, reading | Tagged , , , , , | 123 Comments

Making Picture Books Come Alive – With Props at Home

Posted on May 10, 2020 by Jennie

How to Expand Literacy and Reading Picture Books When You are Quarantined at Home One of the mainstays of teaching children is reading aloud books.  Why?  Children are drawn to stories.  They love hearing the words, and for good reason.  … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, picture books, play performances, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 53 Comments