Category Archives: Teaching young children

Day One at School – Reading Aloud Charlotte’s Web

Posted on September 2, 2025 by Jennie

Today was Day One at school.  I always worry that I won’t remember children’s names, but I remembered.  Children arrived teary, excited, shy, and everything in between.  We played, got to know each other, sang, and began the routines of … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 87 Comments

My Favorite Picture Books of the Summer

Posted on September 1, 2025 by Jennie

  Norman and the Smell of Adventure, By Ryan T. Higgins Norman has a best friend – Mildred.  She’s a tree.  While they have favorite things they do every day, Norman is getting bored.  He wants to do something new, … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, reading, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 69 Comments

Making History Come Alive For Children – Part 3

Posted on July 14, 2025 by Jennie

History is an abstract concept for children, so if I can link something tangible – like me – to history, perhaps they can have an understanding. At the end of the school year we read non-fiction chapter books.  Little House on … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, Early Education, Family, Gloria, history, Inspiration, literacy, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 46 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

4th of July

Posted on July 4, 2025 by Jennie

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

Why Goodnight Moon?

Posted on June 29, 2025 by Jennie

Why do I read aloud GoodNight Moon to my preschoolers every day? Yes, every day, right before chapter reading. It has the words that paint images in the minds of young children.  It has rhyming that sways.  The words feel … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Heart, history, Inspiration, Library, literacy, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 75 Comments

Why We Write Picture Stories

Posted on June 9, 2025 by Jennie

Children have more ideas and thoughts in their heads than we realize.  Their brains are gigantic sponges; they see it all and hear it all.  The last part to develop, and the most important, is verbalizing everything that is in … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 59 Comments

My Library Reading Group, and Kate DiCamillo

Posted on June 6, 2025 by Jennie

I’ve been reading to children at our public library for years.  Lucky me.  One of my first readers is the robot in the photo below. His two siblings (the cowgirl and the cowboy) followed suit.  Here they are with me … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Library, literacy, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 55 Comments

Outdoor Play – Child Inspired – Including the Memory Garden

Posted on May 30, 2025 by Jennie

Sometimes play is not what I expected, yet turns into something wonderful. Last month was one of those days.  When we went outside, class photos were being taken under the tree, so we couldn’t use the playground. We had to … Continue reading →

Posted in Imagination, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Play, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 70 Comments

A Memorial Day Remembrance at School

Posted on May 25, 2025 by Jennie

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