Category Archives: preschool

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

Lost and Found!

Posted on November 19, 2024 by Jennie

‘Lost and Found’ is a story that has eclipsed most stories that have happened over the past 40 years.  Milly the Quilter and Gloria remain #1, and I’d be hard pressed to tell a story that is more meaningful than … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Inspiration, preschool, young children | Tagged , , , | 75 Comments

The Playground in Autumn

Posted on October 27, 2024 by Jennie

Autumn in New England is beautiful.  Our playground at school boasts maple trees that burst with color – red, yellow and orange. Children love nature.  They need nature.  That’s how they grow.  Nature is the original and greatest classroom.  Really.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, Learning About the World, Mother Nature, Nature, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 50 Comments

40 Year Bookends

Posted on August 1, 2024 by Jennie

All in a day, I bumped into ‘bookends’, parents of a student in my first class forty years ago, and parents of a child this past year. Michelle was one of my first students.  The local newspaper came to take … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 71 Comments

Three Wonderful Things

Posted on June 15, 2024 by Jennie

The school year has just ended.  I am exhausted and very happy.  It’s the little things that make the big difference, and here are three wonderful things that happened at the end of school: Lissy’s self -portrait Children draw a … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Gloria, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, preschool, self esteem, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , | 70 Comments

Teaching Patriotism – Where it Began

Posted on May 27, 2024 by Jennie

Planting flags in our Memory Garden at school. It all started with our field trip to the Shriners Circus years ago.  This circus is a perfect event for preschoolers as it’s grand but not overwhelming.  My class was seated and … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Death and dying, military, patriotism, preschool, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 67 Comments

March – Spring, Art, and Music

Posted on April 1, 2024 by Jennie

March was busy in my classroom for many reasons.  Spring is desperately trying to emerge.  The bikes are back on the playground, and I got a ride on the double bike.  Whee! We’re in a frenzy in the best of … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Imagination, Inspiration, music, preschool, Teaching young children, The Arts, The Beatles | Tagged , , , | 60 Comments

How To Catch a Leprechaun

Posted on March 17, 2024 by Jennie

Jennie

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, wonder | Tagged , | 47 Comments

Do You See What I See?

Posted on March 10, 2024 by Jennie

Children created the Eiffel Tower using different sticks, from coffee stirrers to craft sticks (popsicle sticks) to ‘build’ a replica of the structure. Tommy carefully criss-crossed his sticks.  He was focused, determined. I’m always understanding and support children’s hard work, … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , | 57 Comments