Category Archives: storytelling

Halloween

Posted on October 31, 2025 by Jennie

Halloween is exciting for children.  At school we had a ‘Day in the Dark’, using flashlights and glow sticks for light.  Playing with black playdoh on shiny foil, painting with neon paint and using a black light, and playing with … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Halloween, Imagination, Inspiration, jack-o-lanterns, picture books, preschool, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 61 Comments

Storytelling

Posted on September 24, 2025 by Jennie

Storytelling is a staple in my classroom.  It connects teachers with children, especially if those stories are “real.”  It gives children a big dose of language, because storytelling doesn’t include pictures.  They hear the words and make the pictures in … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, preschool, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 77 Comments

Making History Come Alive For Children – Part 2

Posted on July 7, 2025 by Jennie

As I read one of the classic children’s books, The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton, it turned out to be an unexpected history lesson.  This wonderful book begins with a charming little house on a hill, living through days … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, history, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, School, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 63 Comments

Gloria’s Journal Entry

Posted on February 26, 2025 by Jennie

Gloria’s journal is a treasure.  We’re nearing the end of #3.  Yikes!  Photos and stories are rich in experiences.  While the journal’s written words are always full of stories and adventure to accompany photos, her recent weekend with a child … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, storytelling, Writing | Tagged , , | 67 Comments

John Howell’s Trilogy of Books

Posted on February 22, 2025 by Jennie

Look what arrived today! John Howell’s fabulous trilogy. Hubby has demanded ‘first dibs’. Dear John, Thank you for writing great stories, as books are the result of  stories that need to be told – because your heart and mind told … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, Giving thanks, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, reading, storytelling, Writing | Tagged , , , | 145 Comments

Jane Yolen – Happy Birthday and The New Book

Posted on February 17, 2025 by Jennie

Jane Yolen is one of the most esteemed authors of children’s books.  Her dinosaur books are extremely popular and familiar to many. She turned 86 this week, and I was invited to her birthday party! In order to tell you … Continue reading →

Posted in Author interview, Book Review, children's books, Eric Carle Museum, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, museums, picture books, reading aloud, storytelling | Tagged , , , , , | 67 Comments

“The Halloween Story” – A Jennie Story

Posted on October 30, 2024 by Jennie

Every day at lunchtime I tell a story.  Children love a ‘Jennie Story’.  I thought you would enjoy this post from years ago, as ‘The Halloween Story” is always a favorite.  Of course I tell the story with excitement and … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Halloween, Imagination, literacy, storytelling, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 74 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

Reading Aloud Heals Just About Everything – Part 2

Posted on February 20, 2023 by Jennie

My post on ‘Reading Aloud Heals Just About Everything’ gave my readers a chance to reflect and tell their stories. Thank You! “Few days before my father died I was reading to him. I don’t remember what the book was. … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, reading aloud, storytelling | Tagged , , | 28 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