Category Archives: preschool

Singing With a Child on YouTube

Posted on February 24, 2024 by Jennie

It Happened Like This… While grocery shopping a few weeks ago, I listened to the music piped in over their intercom.  It was Faith Hill singing “This Kiss.”  I had a lightbulb teacher moment (which happens to me frequently.) The … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, Love, music, preschool, Singing, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , | 87 Comments

Things Happen in Threes

Posted on January 22, 2024 by Jennie

Things often happen in threes.  They certainly did at school! #1 We had day after day of bitter cold weather.  That meant the children could not go outside.  By day three we had to be creative, so we had a … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, joy, literacy, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, robots, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 51 Comments

Robots!

Posted on January 7, 2024 by Jennie

Meet Curiosity Atlas, our classroom robot.  He is mounted on a scooter board so children can pull him everywhere.  Oh, they do.  He is beloved.  Of course there is a story behind Curiosity Atlas. We were learning about robots.  Children … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, preschool, robots, School, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , | 79 Comments

All You Need is Love

Posted on December 23, 2023 by Jennie

The last day of school before Christmas. Pajama Day! Everyone is excited. A child rushed up to give me a big hug. “I love you, Jennie.” “I love you, too.” The ‘I Love You Rush’ began. I knew exactly what … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, Love, music, picture books, preschool, Singing, Teaching young children, The Beatles, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 69 Comments

Teachers, You Can Transform Lives. Really!

Posted on December 4, 2023 by Jennie

Barb Taub shares stories of Polly, the ‘best’ teacher her children had, the one who made a difference, and transformed their lives.  Polly had one classroom of children from age 4 to first grade.  Thank you, Barb. Barb Taub My … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 34 Comments

Love

Posted on December 3, 2023 by Jennie

I wore this heart pin to school today.  I needed to wear it, and I knew what would happen.  Children asked me about the pin. “Jennie, I love your heart.” “Thank you.  I  do, too.  Do you know why I … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, Love, preschool, Singing, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 82 Comments

When You Read Aloud…

Posted on November 28, 2023 by Jennie

 This is what happens when teachers read aloud: It begins with a child, grows into groups of children, and then the children ‘take over’, reading on their own. Reading one-on-one Reading in groups The more I read aloud, the more … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Leo Lionni, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 98 Comments

Veterans Day

Posted on November 11, 2023 by Jennie

Freedom is not free. Veterans are heroes. Today is the day to say ‘thank you’. At school we thanked a retired Air Force Master Sergeant. He talked with the children. They were in awe. They hugged him. They sang “God … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Giving thanks, Inspiration, military, patriotism, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 61 Comments

Play + Nature and “The Giving Tree”

Posted on November 7, 2023 by Jennie

When play occurs outdoors in natural elements, it draws children in.  It whispers, “Come and play, I have everything to give you.” The leaves were bursting with color. Ladybugs were everywhere. Sticks and rocks are great for building. The playground … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Nature, Play, preschool, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 63 Comments

The Importance of Play

Posted on November 4, 2023 by Jennie

Play = Life Skills. Children who play can better attend at school. Children who play have greater academic success. Children who play make friends. Children who play develop kindness, heart. Children who play are problem solvers. (This is just the … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Play, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 65 Comments