Category Archives: Teaching young children

The Legacy of Milly, Part 6

Posted on July 21, 2018 by Jennie

In Part 5, the children were over the moon singing “God Bless America” at every opportunity.  We sang for soldiers, and made our own God Bless America book for families, writing and illustrating all the words to the song.  Children still … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Giving, history, Imagination, Inspiration, military, museums, patriotism, quilting, Singing, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 72 Comments

The Legacy of Milly, Part 5

Posted on July 17, 2018 by Jennie

In Part 4 the Peace Quilt became part of the permanent collection at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, and Milly became an important part of my classroom.  Children adored her.  She loved singing, and Milly’s favorite song was our favorite … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, geography, history, Imagination, Inspiration, military, museums, patriotism, quilting, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 68 Comments

Boston Pops, 4th of July, and Music

Posted on July 4, 2018 by Jennie

I moved to Massachusetts in 1984.  Since then, I have faithfully watched the Boston Pops perform every Fourth of July.  Back then, John Williams was the conductor.  He was the man who wrote the music for my favorite movies, “ET”, … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, music, patriotism, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 47 Comments

Gloria and Lucca, ‘Livin’ the Dream’

Posted on June 28, 2018 by Jennie

Everybody loves Gloria! Gloria’s social life and adventures with children are a natural result of what happens when good friends connect.  Children beg to take Gloria home for the weekend.  Her journal is packed with wonderful stories and photos of … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 50 Comments

E.B. White, A Personal Invitation, and Charlotte’s Web

Posted on June 23, 2018 by Jennie

I read aloud every day in my classroom, and weekly at the library.  Picture books are a mainstay, yet reading aloud chapter books can move the world.  Are you surprised?  Don’t be.  Thirty years of reading Charlotte’s Web is proof, … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 112 Comments

“Jennie, Look!”

Posted on June 20, 2018 by Jennie

We were on the playground today, and children saw this beauty across the way.  “It’s a rainbow!” It isn’t an arc, and it hasn’t rained, so it cannot be a rainbow.  Mother Nature was smiling with colors and saying hello. … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Mother Nature, Nature, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 44 Comments

A Note Of Thanks

Posted on June 11, 2018 by Jennie

Dear Allie, Yes, we have had two wonderful years together. You have a gigantic heart. You are Gloria’s BFF.  You adore chapter reading. I love you. Jennie

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

What Happens at Chapter Reading, Part II

Posted on June 8, 2018 by Jennie

Our final chapter reading book this year at school is Little House on the Prairie, by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  The last chapter that we read, ‘Indians in the House’, sparked intense questions and conversations about Indians and people who are … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Death and dying, Early Education, Family, history, reading aloud, reading aloud, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 38 Comments

What Happens at Chapter Reading

Posted on June 4, 2018 by Jennie

My copy of Little House on the Prairie is so well-loved that two entire sections of the book have fallen out.  No matter; the words are all there.  I wouldn’t trade that book for anything.  When I finish reading each … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, history, Kindness, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 65 Comments

A Memorial Day Remembrance

Posted on May 27, 2018 by Jennie

We have a Memory Garden at school on the playground, and it is oh so lovely. Children often stop to look, or just “be”.  Somehow they understand that it is a special place. Classroom pets who have died are buried … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, Early Education, Giving, Kindness, military, patriotism, Peace, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 73 Comments