Category Archives: preschool

Summer Reading

Posted on September 5, 2023 by Jennie

As I was starting a blog post on the books I have read this summer, a parent sent me this photo: Two former students, one reading to the other – while at the pool! This photo is far more important … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, literacy, preschool, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, teaching, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 52 Comments

My Song Follow-Up Story

Posted on August 23, 2023 by Jennie

In my last blog post, I included a favorite song I sing with children, “The Sun and the Rain Make a Rainbow.”  I searched through YouTube to find the song- nothing.  So, I just sang it myself.  Fellow blogger Debby … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, preschool, Singing, Teaching young children, young children | Tagged , , | 73 Comments

The Sun and the Rain Make a Rainbow

Posted on August 19, 2023 by Jennie

Today’s weather was everything in dramatic fashion.  The morning brought torrential rains, including five tornadoes here in Massachusetts.  Tornadoes are rare up here.  Then, the sun came out.  Next, billowing thunderclouds began to form. We had to run errands, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, music, Nature, preschool, Quotes, wonder | Tagged , , | 78 Comments

Reflections on a Wonderful Year at School

Posted on June 14, 2023 by Jennie

Today was the last day of school for children. There were tears, hugs, resistance, and a multitude of emotions from children and families. It’s hard to say good-bye and thank you, all at the same time. Two families thanked me … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Inspiration, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , | 54 Comments

Happy Birthday, Gloria!

Posted on April 30, 2023 by Jennie

After all these years, Gloria had a real Birthday Party. Children were excited to plan the event. They were giving, and children love to give. They decorated a big Birthday Party invitation. The invitation went to Gloria’s old friend, Rosie, … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 66 Comments

Dan (the Tool Man) Antion Visits the Aqua Room

Posted on April 26, 2023 by Jennie

Fellow blogger Dan Antion at No Facilities visited my classroom.  YES!  Meeting a favorite blogger is a big deal.  We connected like we’ve been friends for years. Well, yes we have.  Lucky me. Dan is the guy with tools who … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Gloria, Inspiration, preschool, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , | 149 Comments

The Art Show – the Very Beginning

Posted on April 17, 2023 by Jennie

I told this story long ago, and it needs to be told again, with photos.  There are moments in teaching that make a big difference for the student and also for the the teacher.  This is one I will never … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Inspiration, museums, Peace, preschool, quilting, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , | 54 Comments

Just Another Day in the Classroom… Oh, Boy!

Posted on April 6, 2023 by Jennie

photo from Pixabay  I often write about the great moments in the classroom, when a spark ignites and learning explodes, or when goodness, laughter, and discovery happen. Every day is not like that.  Today was was one of those ‘not … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, music, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 64 Comments

The Art of Disguise, “Swimmy” and Snow Geese

Posted on April 3, 2023 by Jennie

Cindy Knoke’s photography cindyknoke.com is nothing short of stunning.  From birds to wildlife to nature, she captures it all in breathtaking detail.  When I saw her recent photo of snow geese flying from a predator, I nearly jumped out of … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Leo Lionni, literacy, Nature, picture stories, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , | 53 Comments

Gloria, Elephant & Piggie, and the Leprechaun

Posted on March 17, 2023 by Jennie

Saint Patrick’s Day in the classroom We tried SO hard to catch that leprechaun.  It took three days to make a trap.  First we painted a box green, then we made rainbow ladders out of popsicle sticks and tunnels out … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Gloria, Imagination, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 59 Comments