Category Archives: preschool

Gloria!

Posted on October 5, 2022 by Jennie

Every year, Gloria comes into the classroom and becomes a beloved friend, someone who understands children.  She represents everything that is kind… yet different, and that is the pathway to acceptance.  Gloria is diversity, and the catalyst to acceptance.  She … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, preschool, wonder | Tagged , , | 78 Comments

Gloria

Posted on September 23, 2022 by Jennie

Gloria has returned from the spa, looking refreshed and happy. She will spend the weekend with me at home, and meet the children at school next week. She is excited! Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Imagination, Kindness, Love, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged | 53 Comments

When Reading-Aloud Grows a Reader

Posted on September 16, 2022 by Jennie

Reading aloud to children is the most important thing I do in my classroom, every single day.  I tell parents this every year. The fundamental constant that gives children the tools to succeed in school is language. The more words … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 66 Comments

Connecting With Children

Posted on September 11, 2022 by Jennie

Week One: Tears.  Fears.  Smiles.  Worries. Then laughing crept in, and hugging.  Children learned the routine and bonded with teachers.  They sang the ‘Days of the Week’ song on their own.  Parent goodbyes became quick. In my ‘gazillion’ years of … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, preschool, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , | 82 Comments

My Summer Pen-Pal

Posted on August 22, 2022 by Jennie

I received an email from Kiansh’s mother in early August.  He was in my preschool class last year, and he misses me. I wanted to share what Kiansh told me before going to bed a couple of days ago.  I … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Gloria, Inspiration, preschool, wonder, young children | Tagged , , | 69 Comments

A Child and His Family Over the Years

Posted on July 23, 2022 by Jennie

Children stick with me long after they have left my preschool class.  Perhaps it’s because I have always stuck with them and supported them. Noah, my former preschooler, was here visiting this past weekend, along with his parents.  He is … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, Learning About the World, preschool, teaching | Tagged , , , , | 88 Comments

A Lost Treasure – Found

Posted on July 6, 2022 by Jennie

The Lufkin Rule Co. Saginaw, Mich. U.S.A. 50 ft. My father had some pretty cool tools.  All hand tools of course, no power tools.  I think my understanding of hands-on learning and how I teach young children stemmed from his … Continue reading →

Posted in history, Inspiration, Math, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 73 Comments

The Final Letter

Posted on June 23, 2022 by Jennie

As soon as the school year is over and the dust has settled, my final letter to families is a reflection of the school year.  It takes families through the highlights so they can relive those moments and classroom experiences … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 74 Comments

Self Portraits

Posted on June 15, 2022 by Jennie

My favorite year-end art project, children drawing a picture of themselves and comparing it to the drawing they made at the start of the school year. Look at how they’ve grown! Jennie

Posted in art, preschool, Teaching young children, Uncategorized, wonder | Tagged , , | 67 Comments

Pen-Pal Explosion

Posted on June 6, 2022 by Jennie

Our Pen-Pal Wall Back in April, when school was celebrating children around the world, it struck me that reaching out to other children would be a wonderful thing to do.  We could write letters, send cards, get to know each … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Learning About the World, literacy, preschool, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , | 45 Comments