Category Archives: Student alumni

My Preschooler, Then and Now

Then Now I love all my students.  Sometimes students ‘stick’ with me for a while, returning to visit and be a guest reader.  Sometimes students stick around for a long time, visiting the classroom, and then including me in their … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 105 Comments

“The” Invitation From a Former Student

I got an invitation most every teacher dreams about.  But first I need to tell you about this student: I remember my students.  I love them.  Some stick with me more than others, and Colin was one of those students.  … Continue reading

Posted in art, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Love, music, play performances, Singing, Student alumni, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 107 Comments

Memories of Romana

This was my New Year’s gift from Romana, seven years ago.  She made this bracelet for me from paper, tape and jewels.  I was invited to her house, and I was thunderstruck by the gift. It is a treasure, and … Continue reading

Posted in Death and dying, Family, Giving, Inspiration, preschool, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 76 Comments

Sam and Alex, Then and Now

When children return to school to visit, it is always a treat for teachers.  When children return to give back, it becomes a whole new chapter.  I am the one filled with wonder, the children are just eager. Sam and … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Gloria, Inspiration, preschool, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 85 Comments

The Real Beginning of ‘Gloria’

Last year at this time all of my teaching was done remotely.  It was hard, and I reached out in so many ways to make things fun and keep a connection with my preschoolers. Here is what I did, in … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, Student alumni, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 85 Comments

Halloween, Then and Now at School

Our classroom family event, a few years ago. Halloween is quite different this year.  There’s no trick-or-treating.  Children will be wearing pajamas to school today for ‘PJ Day’, and ‘A Day in the Dark’.  These are fun alternatives to costumes, … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Halloween, Inspiration, jack-o-lanterns, preschool, Singing, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 67 Comments

The Student’s Letter…and More

Roshan visiting four years ago. I am always surprised when I hear from a former student.  This letter from Roshan made my day: Dear Ms. Jennie, How are you doing? This is Roshan. I am currently in 12th grade this … Continue reading

Posted in America, art, Early Education, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, Math, military, music, patriotism, preschool, Quotes, Student alumni, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , | 72 Comments

“You”

Sophia stopped by school to say hello.  It’s always a treat to see children I have taught.  I made a fuss, told her how big and grown up and beautiful she was. Making a fuss is my favorite thing to … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, preschool, Quotes, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 77 Comments

The Hundred Little Things

I have a handwritten list of posts I want to write, things that are important.  There is one that has been screaming at me for a long time, with yellow highlighter and a post-it note: “The Hundred Little Things.”  It … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, preschool, reading aloud, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 109 Comments

Best Buddy

Here is a photo of me and my Best Buddy, fifteen years ago. Yes, Best Buddy.  That’s what we called each other. As the years went on, we saw each other occasionally, and we always called each other Best Buddy. … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, music, preschool, Singing, Student alumni | Tagged , , , , , | 58 Comments