Category Archives: Teaching young children

More at The Carle, the Art of Maira Kalman, and “Fireboat”

After visiting the Angels exhibition at the Eric Carle Museum, I viewed the art of Maira Kalman. I knew this dog, at least I thought I did.  While there was something familiar here, I had to admit I don’t really … Continue reading

Posted in art, Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 52 Comments

Thank You to the Eric Carle Museum, and Kate DiCamillo’s New Book.

Just before the pandemic hit, the Eric Carle Museum asked me if they could include in their quarterly newsletter my story, my blog post, about visiting the museum and hearing author Kate DiCamillo speak. Yes!  Of course, yes! They enjoy … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, reading, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 70 Comments

Quotation on the Importance of Play

Yesterday my post on Kindergarten Means “Garden of Children” inspired many wonderful comments.  In particular, Dan Antion at nofacilities.com said this: We have our entire lives to learn, but the period of time we have to really play keeps getting … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Play, preschool, Quotes, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 47 Comments

Kindergarten Means “Garden of Children”

My garden is a new venture every year.  We bought an older home with an established flower garden in 2002.  When summer arrived I couldn’t wait to see what  would bloom.  It was a joy to discover new flowers.  Since … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, preschool, self esteem, Teaching young children, The Arts, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 96 Comments

Underground Library Society

What would you do if a beloved book, rich in meaning and literature, were to be banned, gone forever? Would you vow to memorize the book in order to save it? I would. When Charles French, a professor of English … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Diversity, E.B. White, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Learning About the World, Nature, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 89 Comments

Locked On

Look at our eyes. The words I’m reading are terrific. Landon is hearing every word. I can’t say enough, and he can’t hear enough. We’re locked on. Reading aloud is powerful, in the best of ways. Jennie

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 52 Comments

End of the School Year

The end of the school year is always fast, furious, and fun. Emotions run wild, both with children and teachers. The week started with visits to every child’s house. Really. How cool is that, to have your teacher come to … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Family, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, preschool, teaching, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 68 Comments

Chapter Reading Summary at School

As a teacher, I write about many things I do with young children.  I will tell you that the most important thing I do is reading aloud.  I know this is #1.  I also chapter read, which is uncommon in … Continue reading

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Jim Trelease, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 70 Comments

A Teacher’s Story – #2

I don’t think people know who my hero is.  I doubt my own children even know; they would say my it’s my grandmother, Nan.  And, so would most people close to me.  Nan was the best grandmother, and what I … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, teaching, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 76 Comments

“Blue Sky, White Stars”, the New Book about America and our Flag

How do you teach children about America – past and also present? How do you teach about our flag? How do you smile a deep down smile, with childhood memories? How and what do you you remember? Blue Sky, White … Continue reading

Posted in America, American flag, books, children's books, Early Education, history, patriotism, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 51 Comments