Category Archives: preschool

Why We Write Picture Stories

Posted on June 9, 2025 by Jennie

Children have more ideas and thoughts in their heads than we realize.  Their brains are gigantic sponges; they see it all and hear it all.  The last part to develop, and the most important, is verbalizing everything that is in … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 59 Comments

Happy Birthday!

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Jennie

The children surprised me with a balloon, a plant, and singing “Happy Birthday.” We celebrated with ice cream. When they asked me how old I am I held up my birthday card so they could read the number. “57!” Well, … Continue reading →

Posted in Giving, Giving thanks, Heart, Kindness, Love, preschool, School | Tagged , , | 114 Comments

Real Connections With Children – From a Carpet Sweeper to a Princess Phone

Posted on April 16, 2025 by Jennie

Teachers need to connect with children.  That’s a given.  The smiles, hugs, and laughing are always the foundation for developing relationships with children. While these positive interactions are the most common, sometimes unexpected moments – bad moments – can become … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Mindfulness, preschool, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 76 Comments

The Art Show

Posted on April 10, 2025 by Jennie

My art palette pin.  I wear it every year.  I introduce art for the Art Show step-by-step, easy to difficult.  Since we studied Italy in March, our first art was ‘spaghetti art’.  Children stood on a table (that was exciting), … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 99 Comments

More on Music

Posted on April 2, 2025 by Jennie

Yes, we have been playing music on my old record player to inspire art for the Art Show, mostly musicals which the children thoroughly enjoy.  My record albums are well loved, slightly yellowed and musty – much like a good … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Inspiration, music, preschool, Singing, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 61 Comments

Music Inspires Art

Posted on March 30, 2025 by Jennie

Music plays a huge role in preschool.  It fills the hearts of children and inspires them to ‘be’, to open up and express their feelings.  They dance to music and soak up the feeling it gives them.  While young children … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, music, preschool, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 78 Comments

Gloria and Zeb to the Rescue

Posted on January 20, 2025 by Jennie

Gloria has been a bit lonely this year.  The children love her, yet she spends much of her days sitting on the couch.  I see her smiling at the children.  I wonder how her heart feels. We’re learning about Africa.  … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, geography, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 107 Comments

Family Photo Collages

Posted on January 6, 2025 by Jennie

Our first parent event at school is Back-To-School Night.  We have a meet-and-greet, parents connect with each other and with teachers, and we talk about our philosophy and curriculum. Then, parents make a family photo collage for their child.  It … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, joy, Love, picture books, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 69 Comments

Mr. Rogers and Play – the Job of a Child – My Letter to Families

Posted on December 7, 2024 by Jennie

In the words of Mr. Rogers, a child’s job is to play.  It’s the basis for learning, ‘Life-101’ for young children.  Because play is so important, and complex, I needed to communicate this to my preschool families: This is the … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Play, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 60 Comments

Thanksgiving

Posted on November 28, 2024 by Jennie

Happy Thanksgiving Children spread happiness, naturally and genuinely. It’s a reminder for us. This post from a few years ago says it all. Our gigantic turkey From my school to your house, may you enjoy a turkey dinner with family … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, preschool, Thanksgiving | Tagged , , | 69 Comments