Category Archives: Teaching young children

Gloria

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

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

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 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

Big Papi

Congratulations to David Ortiz, better known as Big Papi, for his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame – one of only three designated hitters, DH, to receive that honor. I was glued to the television when the Red Sox … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 33 Comments

A Lost Treasure – Found

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

Music Makes the 4th of July

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 learning. The 4th of … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Giving thanks, Inspiration, music, patriotism, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 51 Comments

My Summer Children

My garden is my summer children.  I take care of the flowers just like I take care of children.  Every year the flowers are different, and I don’t know why.  Mother Nature has her own agenda.  Every year children are … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 99 Comments

The Final Letter

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

‘Donut Party’ and Much More

We had our year-end event with families this week.  It was the first time in two years that families, children, and teachers were all together.  It was wonderful.  Children called it the ‘Donut Party’, because they knew doughnuts would be … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, Love, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 78 Comments