Category Archives: preschool

Art and Music and Italy – Part 3

In Part 1, children began to learn about Italy through maps and a big atlas. First we ‘travelled’, then we learned fun facts (pretzels were invented in Italy, pasta was not).  We learned that opera is from Italy, and children … Continue reading

Posted in art, Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, music, picture books, preschool, The Arts, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 71 Comments

Best Job Ever

Friday was a rainy day.  I played the autoharp, and children sang and danced their hearts out.  I love rainy days.  I love music.  More importantly, children love music.  A child came up to me in the middle of the … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, music, preschool, The Arts, The Beatles | Tagged , , , , , , | 111 Comments

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Gloria and the Leprechaun. Jennie

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Gloria, Imagination, preschool, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , | 43 Comments

Children and Art

Today we begin our month-long journey of creating masterpieces for our annual Art Show. “It took me a lifetime to learn to draw like a child.” -Picasso- “I would like to paint the way a bird sings.” -Monet- “Great things are done … Continue reading

Posted in art, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, preschool, Quotes, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 61 Comments

Steve the Crossing Guard

There are teachers, and there are remarkable teachers.  Steve the Crossing Guard is one of the remarkable teachers, and he doesn’t teach in a classroom. He teaches on the street at a school crossing.  The children at his crossing will … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, history, Inspiration, preschool, Quotes, storytelling, Teaching young children, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 73 Comments

The Wisdom of Mister Rogers – Part 3

In Part 2, I shared some of Mister Rogers’ words of wisdom from my treasured book, The World According to Mister Rogers.  Important Things to Remember.  I also included the words to one of Mister Rogers’ best songs, “It’s You I Like.” … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Peace, preschool, Quotes, self esteem, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 40 Comments

Gifting Books to New Families

Books.  A big bucket of books.  A big bucket of excellent books. Sunday is my school’s annual Open House for new families, and for parents looking to enroll their child in our school.  As they walk through the front door, … Continue reading

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, picture books, preschool, reading, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 59 Comments

Talking Death and Dying with Children – Part 2

In Part 1, I opened the doors to talking with young children about death and dying. Finding a dead bunny on the playground was the opportunity I needed.  Children are often angry when a pet or loved one dies.  I shared … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Death and dying, Dogs, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 55 Comments

Talking Death and Dying with Children – Part 1

“Jennie, come quick!  You need to come right now!” Vivian was wide-eyed and worried.  I knew this was serious.  I sprinted with her over to the bushes and around to the backside.  There lay a bunny.  It looked to be … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Death and dying, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Nature, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 92 Comments

Nature Indoors and Outdoors

Our creeping lily classroom plant rarely blooms. When it does, the blossom only lasts one day. Today we discovered three blossoms. Outdoors was a winter wonderland of ice on the trees. It shimmered and glistened. We felt like we were … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Einstein, joy, Mindfulness, Mother Nature, Nature, preschool, Quotes, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 47 Comments