Category Archives: self esteem

A Children’s Book, Especially For Today – by Maya Angelou

Posted on February 11, 2021 by Jennie

My Painted House, My Friendly Chicken, and Me Did you know that Maya Angelou wrote a children’s book?  She did, back in 1994.  I have been reading her book to my preschoolers long before I really knew of her. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, picture books, Quotes, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 82 Comments

Ahead of His Time

Posted on August 18, 2020 by Jennie

“Anyone who does anything to help a child in his life is a hero.” ~Fred Rogers~ Jennie

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Quotes, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 56 Comments

The Purple Snapdragon

Posted on July 14, 2020 by Jennie

Dear Purple Snapdragon, Your stalk grew too tall. You fell over every day. I cradled you and propped you up. Nothing worked.  Nothing helped. Finally I let you go. I put you in the garden to fend for yourself. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, self esteem, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 63 Comments

Kindergarten Means “Garden of Children”

Posted on July 11, 2020 by Jennie

My garden is a new venture every year.  We bought an older home with an established flower garden in 2002.  When summer arrived I couldn’t wait to see what  would bloom.  It was a joy to discover new flowers.  Since … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, preschool, self esteem, Teaching young children, The Arts, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 94 Comments

A Teacher’s Story – #1

Posted on June 3, 2020 by Jennie

When I was a new teacher I stumbled across this wonderful story.  I still have my well-worn hard copy, which I read from time to time.  It never gets old, it fills me up. I’ve read that it may not … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Death and dying, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, self esteem, teaching | Tagged , , , , , | 78 Comments

The Past Two Weeks – School Then and Now, Part 2

Posted on April 2, 2020 by Jennie

In Part 1, I immediately addressed how much I miss the children.  They miss me, too.  We had started learning about France, with a big atlas and twenty wide-eyed children who were eager to ‘travel’ to a new country.  Getting sidetracked … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Inspiration, music, preschool, self esteem, The Arts, The Beatles | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 83 Comments

Miracle On Ice

Posted on February 20, 2020 by Jennie

Today is the 40th anniversary of ‘Miracle on Ice’, when Team USA beat the Soviet Union in the medal round in ice hockey at the 1980 Olympics. This is not a sports story.  This is a story of what can … Continue reading →

Posted in America, behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, history, Inspiration, patriotism, preschool, self esteem, Teaching young children | 40 Comments

Charli Mills, Bobo, and “The Poet’s Dog”

Posted on February 12, 2020 by Jennie

Charli Mills over at Carrot Ranch Literary Community posted her new flash fiction challenge.  She always starts with an incredible prologue, a personal writing that paints a deeper picture of the challenge.  I love what she writes. Charli makes me … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, books, children's books, Death and dying, Dogs, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Particia MacLachlan, self esteem, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 89 Comments

Roots

Posted on January 19, 2020 by Jennie

My artist friend at Mountain Roots Studio in Asheville, North Carolina, makes trees out of twisted wire.  Her trees have deep, pronounced roots.  I’ve always liked that.  Roots.  That’s where it all begins.  Without roots we have nothing. I liken … Continue reading →

Posted in art, behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, preschool, self esteem, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 67 Comments

Mister Rogers and Back-To-School

Posted on August 27, 2019 by Jennie

It’s back-to-school week for teachers.  We’re moving across the street to a new location for one year while our school building will undergo a long overdue renovation.  Moving is hard.  Starting a new school year is hard.  We’re in our … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, geography, Inspiration, Kindness, preschool, Quotes, self esteem, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 84 Comments