Category Archives: Teaching young children

A Play Performance

Posted on February 13, 2018 by Jennie

A play performance with preschoolers?  Where children pick parts, make props, and decide on what to say?  You bet.  Instead of telling children what to do, I ask them what they want to do. That’s empowering. We learned about the Southwest, … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, play performances, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 46 Comments

1-800-Help!

Posted on February 9, 2018 by Jennie

Perhaps it was the ice storm that left the playground like a skating rink nestled among trees.  Or perhaps it was the freezing temperatures day after day, because we have not been outside at school.  Whatever the reason, today was … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Kindness, picture books, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 73 Comments

Mr. Popper’s Penguins and Calling 911

Posted on February 4, 2018 by Jennie

Every day of chapter reading is an adventure; a roller coaster of wonder, laughter, and even sadness.  Reading the words aloud to children without any pictures means that we stop to talk and ask questions. As children hear the words, … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 88 Comments

Einstein, and Why He is My Hero

Posted on January 29, 2018 by Jennie

Jim Trelease sent me Einstein’s quote, “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”  Jim knew this would strike me, and it did.  All that I do in teaching is centered on creativity.  And of course fun is essential in order to make … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Einstein, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, music, Quotes, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 72 Comments

Book Bears, and Reading Aloud

Posted on January 17, 2018 by Jennie

My library reading group is Book Bears.  We read a book each month, and I host the discussion.  These are mostly second graders, eager to read.  We have a full and lively house, until…  Let me back up.  Many things … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 73 Comments

“How Much Wood Could a Woodchuck Chuck…?”

Posted on January 13, 2018 by Jennie

Thank you, Steve, for being a role model for engaging children in learning and fun.  They will remember you!  I am honored that you dedicated this post to me.  It is a terrific read! “How Much Wood Could A Woodchuck Chuck…?” … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Learning About the World, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 43 Comments

A Letter From Her Majesty the Queen

Posted on January 8, 2018 by Jennie

Letter writing is alive and well in my classroom.  We wrote a letter to Queen Elizabeth, and we received a reply.  Children were beyond thrilled.  Everyone heard the sound of the letter opener tearing the envelope.  Anticipation! And there it … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 99 Comments

Noah, Music, and Children

Posted on January 4, 2018 by Jennie

Look what came in the mail for Noah, along with a pair of socks! It reads, “Dear Noah, You knocked our socks off by taking your love of music and turning it into a music program for preschool kids!  Awesome … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, music, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 62 Comments

A Gift To Me From My “Family”

Posted on December 20, 2017 by Jennie

Today our Room Parents arrived with gifts for the teachers, from all the families in our class.  Children were excited to watch their teachers tear open paper and uncover a gift.  Rarely am I at a loss for words.  I … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Family, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 70 Comments

Penguins, God, Spectacles, the Atlas, and Reading Aloud.

Posted on December 13, 2017 by Jennie

The classroom was dark except for a few strings of twinkling lights.  It was time for chapter reading before rest time.  We started a new chapter reading book, Mr. Popper’s Penguins.  Day one is always thrilling, and I show children … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Learning About the World, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 35 Comments