Category Archives: preschool

Halloween at School

Halloween at school is Pajama Day!  Everyone wears PJs, teachers included.  Of course there’s a (wonderful) method behind our madness.  Costumes can be scary for some children, and how cool is it to wear your pajamas to school! We also … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Halloween, Imagination, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 37 Comments

‘Friday Night Lights’ With My Preschooler

Thank you, Wesley.  I was thrilled to come to your high school football game. Children are precious.  I’m the lucky one when they come into my class.  And when they leave, they never really leave, because they are a part … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, preschool, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 25 Comments

Language, Literacy, and Storytelling – Part 4

In Part 3, I shared proof of the powerful and positive effects of storytelling, through the story of Cuban cigars and their high quality – thanks to la lectura.  I am also happy to report that the 12th grade English teacher from … Continue reading

Posted in books, chapter reading, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, storytelling, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 52 Comments

Making Memories at School

There is something exciting, magical about this time of year.  When the sun goes down and children are helping their families to carve a pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern, memories are made.  Imagine being three and four years old, at school … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Halloween, Imagination, jack-o-lanterns, preschool, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 35 Comments

Nature on the Playground

The last flowers of summer, strong and tall. A playground in itself for butterflies and bees. A wonder of discovery for children. Nature is the greatest teacher. Every day the playground at school is chocked full of something to be … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, joy, Mother Nature, Nature, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 68 Comments

Language, Literacy, and Storytelling – Part 2

In Part 1, I talked about growing readers, reading aloud, and chapter reading.  I talked about how language, and the number of words a child hears is critical to academic success in school.  And I took language to the next … Continue reading

Posted in chapter reading, Early Education, picture stories, preschool, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 65 Comments

A New Year of Reading Charlotte’s Web

Every year I start chapter reading with my preschool class on ‘day one’.  And, the first book I read is Charlotte’s Web.  We have barely had three weeks of school and children are totally hooked.  They adore Wilbur and laugh at … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Learning About the World, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 56 Comments

A Snapshot in My Classroom This Week

Teachers read aloud to children – all the time. Children model what they see. Reading is pleasure. Jennie

Posted in behavior, books, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, picture books, preschool, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 46 Comments

The Man Himself, Eric Carle

I was tenth on the waiting list to hear Eric Carle – the man himself – speak to a packed audience.  It is the 50th anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.  Can you imagine this childhood favorite book has been in … Continue reading

Posted in art, books, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, picture books, preschool, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 96 Comments

9/11 – Kindness Peace and Love Day

9/11 at school is Kindness, Peace, and Love Day.  How do we help young children honor the brave people on 9/11?  By remembering and celebrating how people were united in brotherhood and came together to help each other.  We talk … Continue reading

Posted in American flag, books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Peace, preschool, Singing, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 39 Comments