Category Archives: Singing

Writing With Children Makes a Difference

Language is the key to literacy, and literacy is the key to writing and reading.  That’s the pattern, how it develops.  So, what do I do in school to make this happen? I sing.  Singing cements words.  I sing “The … Continue reading

Posted in Inspiration, literacy, reading aloud, Singing, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 58 Comments

My Eric Carle Museum Visit

I love this picture! I visited the Eric Carle Museum, and as always, was surprised and delighted by what I saw and what I learned. Author and illustrator Astrid Sheckels read aloud her new book, Flora and the Jazzers, to … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Eric Carle, Eric Carle Museum, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading aloud, Singing, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 76 Comments

A Magical Evening at School

Tonight was a magical evening.  Pizza dinner at school is pretty cool; yet carving a pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern with your family is a memory builder.  We so enjoyed all the activity and excitement with each family.  As the sun … Continue reading

Posted in Halloween, Imagination, Inspiration, jack-o-lanterns, Nature, Singing, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 64 Comments

Heat Wave

What do you do in a heat wave? Eat dinner in the pool, of course. And sing and dance to “Heat Wave.”   Stay cool.  Listen to your inner child.  Always! Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Love, Mother Nature, music, Nature, Singing | Tagged , , , , | 80 Comments

4th of July

This is a repost. The 4th of July – America’s declaration of independence.  I teach children about the American flag, and patriotism.  It’s important.  Best of all, children often lead the way.  Their interests are the springboard for the best … Continue reading

Posted in America, American flag, Inspiration, military, music, patriotism, School, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 43 Comments

Making History Come Alive For Children – Part 1

I am the schoolmarm for third graders at the end of the school year, in the old New England schoolhouse in town.  The year I bring to life for children is 1833.  I ring the bell to welcome ‘scholars’ as … Continue reading

Posted in America, Early Education, history, Inspiration, literacy, Math, music, patriotism, reading aloud, School, Singing | Tagged , , , | 95 Comments

A Memorial Day Remembrance at School

American flags blowing in the breeze planted by children in the Memory Garden, where beloved classroom pets are buried along with markers for deceased parents and children. A perfect place for a school-wide Memorial Day Remembrance. Mike, a retired Air … Continue reading

Posted in America, American flag, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, military, patriotism, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 56 Comments

More on Music

Yes, we have been playing music on my old record player to inspire art for the Art Show, mostly musicals which the children thoroughly enjoy.  My record albums are well loved, slightly yellowed and musty – much like a good … Continue reading

Posted in art, Inspiration, music, preschool, Singing, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 61 Comments

You Belong!

At school, we have a theme song each year.  This year it is “You Belong!”, a perfect song to let children know that – no matter what – we all belong.  It has become our ‘wake-up song’.  When nap is … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Heart, Inspiration, Kindness, Quotes, self esteem, Singing, wonder | Tagged , , , | 72 Comments

Teaching Patriotism – Where it Began

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