Category Archives: play performances

“The” Invitation From a Former Student

Posted on June 19, 2022 by Jennie

I got an invitation most every teacher dreams about.  But first I need to tell you about this student: I remember my students.  I love them.  Some stick with me more than others, and Colin was one of those students.  … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Love, music, play performances, Singing, Student alumni, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 107 Comments

India

Posted on February 11, 2022 by Jennie

Whenever my preschool curriculum is focused on a country, it always explodes in the best of ways.  Children are captivated as soon as we open our Big Book Atlas and view our satellite map.  We sing the ‘Days of the … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Diversity, Early Education, geography, Inspiration, Learning About the World, picture books, play performances, preschool, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 70 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

“Ladeez and Gentlemen, Children of All Ages…”

Posted on June 13, 2021 by Jennie

The circus came to town!  Children were excited to perform for their families on Zoom.  It was a grand finalé to a month of learning about animals, what happens behind the scenes in a real circus, and writing circus picture … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, picture books, picture stories, Play, play performances | Tagged , , , , , , , | 75 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

“The Story of Little Babaji” – a Classic Children’s Book

Posted on March 27, 2020 by Jennie

This week I read aloud one of the children’s favorite books on YouTube.  In order to understand the book and its popularity, first let me back up – a long time ago. I vividly remember the book Little Black Sambo … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, picture books, play performances, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 81 Comments

A Walk Down Memory Lane – Photos Tell the Stories

Posted on January 27, 2020 by Jennie

I have been plugging away at deleting photos from my media library, because I am close to using up my available space.  I know, it’s only a photo, but as I scroll through the photos, every one has been a … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, Author interview, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, history, Inspiration, military, Nature, picture books, play performances, preschool, quilting, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 103 Comments

When Teachers Tell Their Stories – Part 1

Posted on June 30, 2019 by Jennie

I remember the first story I told to children.  It happened at lunchtime.  That’s not surprising as lunchtime is perhaps our most intimate time of the day.  It is where teachers and children bond.  One day at lunch, we had … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, play performances, preschool, storytelling, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 46 Comments

When Children Have the Freedom To “Be”

Posted on January 4, 2019 by Jennie

While this is a post I wrote about play performances with children, it is really about far more.  Oh, yes!  It is about believing and taking risks.  It is about freedom and encouragement.  It’s my philosophy of teaching.  Paying attention … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, Love, play performances, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 92 Comments

Katie and Miles, The Circle of Life in Reading

Posted on April 25, 2018 by Jennie

The more that you read, the more things you will know.  The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.  –Dr. Seuss- I remember Katie von Campe like it was yesterday.  She was a “Mighty, Mighty Mustang” in my … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, play performances, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, self esteem, Student alumni, summer camp, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 54 Comments