Category Archives: Teaching young children

More Valentines For Gloria

Posted on February 14, 2020 by Jennie

The Valentine cards for Gloria kept coming. The plan was to make and decorate cards for our families, Yet children made cards for Gloria – first. All on their own. We watched the magic of giving happen. ”No act of … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Quotes, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 36 Comments

Children’s Book Trilogy – Highly Recommended

Posted on February 10, 2020 by Jennie

At long last, the third book in this trilogy, written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Scott Magoon, was published this week. The first book is Spoon, published in 2009.  I was immediately captivated by the clever story of a … Continue reading →

Posted in Author interview, Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, picture books, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 73 Comments

“You”

Posted on February 8, 2020 by Jennie

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

Posted on February 5, 2020 by Jennie

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

A Walk Down Memory Lane – Photos Tell the Stories

Posted on January 27, 2020 by Jennie

I have been plugging away at deleting photos from my media library, because I am close to using up my available space.  I know, it’s only a photo, but as I scroll through the photos, every one has been a … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, Author interview, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, history, Inspiration, military, Nature, picture books, play performances, preschool, quilting, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 103 Comments

Gloria’s Necklace, Part 2

Posted on January 23, 2020 by Jennie

Yesterday’s tragedy of breaking Gloria’s beloved necklace, the one Milly gave her years ago, was a lesson in a whole lot of things – from how do you fix a problem, to doing the right thing, and caring for others.  … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Gloria, Inspiration, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 72 Comments

Gloria’s Necklace, Part 1

Posted on January 22, 2020 by Jennie

Today was not a good day.  Everything broke.  It started with the key to our favorite game, Cranium Cariboo.  We call it “The Ball Game”.  It is THE game, and of course it’s no longer made.  The purple key to … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Giving, Gloria, Inspiration, joy, preschool, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 64 Comments

Roots

Posted on January 19, 2020 by Jennie

My artist friend at Mountain Roots Studio in Asheville, North Carolina, makes trees out of twisted wire.  Her trees have deep, pronounced roots.  I’ve always liked that.  Roots.  That’s where it all begins.  Without roots we have nothing. I liken … Continue reading →

Posted in art, behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, preschool, self esteem, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 67 Comments

A Free ‘Oral Vaccine’ for Literacy

Posted on January 12, 2020 by Jennie

Yes, there really is a free oral vaccine for literacy.  It is reading aloud.  No, not reading.  Reading aloud.  Because, in order to become a reader (and a lifelong reader) you have to hear the words – first – over … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Jim Trelease, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 67 Comments

Early Morning Dad

Posted on January 7, 2020 by Jennie

Bright and early, Dad and his son arrive at school to play in my classroom before classes begin. No morning rush. Putting a puzzle together for a short while is far more important. I long to go back in time … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 74 Comments