Category Archives: preschool

When I Became a ‘Real’ Teacher

 ‘TheHundred Little Things’ The hundred little things- that’s what it’s all about, in teaching and in life.  It took me many years as a teacher to figure this out.  Thank goodness I had a ‘lightbulb moment’. As a teacher, I … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Love, museums, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 125 Comments

Goodnight Moon – There’s More!

My recent post on Goodnight Moon, a classic book and certainly a staple in my classroom, was well received. Fellow blogger Beth I didn’t have my glasses on… has her school’s Spanish teacher read the book aloud to her Pre-K … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 50 Comments

Goodnight Moon – A Staple, Every Year

Before children learn to read, first they must hear the words.  It’s developmental, like learning to crawl before learning to walk.  The auditory piece, including singing, hits both the brain and the soul in learning.  In my preschool class, reading … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, literacy, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 84 Comments

Words and Moments of Endearment – They Last a Lifetime

When children leave my class and move on to Pre-K or Kindergarten, we often see each other in the hallway.  A wave, a smile, and sometimes a big hug, comes naturally.  Those moments are genuine.  You can’t make children feel … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Love, preschool, Quotes, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 65 Comments

There Are Never Enough Sunsets

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

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

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

Memories of Romana

This was my New Year’s gift from Romana, seven years ago.  She made this bracelet for me from paper, tape and jewels.  I was invited to her house, and I was thunderstruck by the gift. It is a treasure, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Family, Giving, Inspiration, preschool, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 76 Comments

Memories of Mac

This Christmas card arrived from Mac and his family.  Oh, the memories and stories I have to tell.  He is quite ‘old’ in this photo, so I have to go back four years to tell you about Mac. “Oh Jennie, … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, geography, Gloria, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, preschool, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 86 Comments

Best Children’s Christmas Books – and a New One

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