Category Archives: Teaching young children

1-800-Viola Swamp

Posted on June 3, 2017 by Jennie

Kate brought her mother’s beloved old book in to school this week.  Miss Nelson is Missing is a classic.  I love that book!  My children loved it.  Over the years I must have read it hundreds of times. The story is … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 53 Comments

Memorial Day With Children

Posted on May 28, 2017 by Jennie

There’s nothing like greeting a soldier in dress uniform.  For young children, they are in awe.  That presence naturally commands respect.  I hosted our school’s Memorial Day Remembrance on Friday, with Army Sergeant First Class John as our guest speaker.  As John looked at … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, military, patriotism, picture books, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 39 Comments

Our Memory Garden

Posted on May 24, 2017 by Jennie

As Memorial Day approaches, I think of our Memory Garden at school.  It is a place to host our Memorial Day Remembrance for children and families, and a place to celebrate the hero in all of us on Kindness Peace … Continue reading →

Posted in patriotism, Peace, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 47 Comments

Look What Happened!

Posted on May 20, 2017 by Jennie

Independent reading.  SSR.  Call it what you like.  It is crossing over from learning to read words, to learning to read.  Parents and teachers alike take a deep breath and clasp their hands together when this happens.  There are no words … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, Early Education, Imagination, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 57 Comments

Isabelle’s Story

Posted on May 6, 2017 by Jennie

I read-aloud at the library; great literature and a captive audience of children. Isabelle is part of my book group that includes first and second graders.  As the year has progressed she has grown from shy and quiet to relaxed and chatty.  … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, Early Education, reading, reading aloud, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 63 Comments

The Best of Jim Trelease

Posted on May 3, 2017 by Jennie

I love a good story, especially one that involves reading aloud and the stunning difference it makes with children.  Here is a favorite story of mine, from the million-copy best selling book, The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease: “During his … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, Early Education, Jim Trelease, picture books, reading, reading aloud, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Beyond Telling a Story

Posted on April 28, 2017 by Jennie

I tell stories.  It began many years ago during lunchtime in my classroom with my preschoolers.  I told a story about my childhood, The Peanut Man, which has become a classic story that children beg for, along with at least fourteen … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Learning About the World, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 64 Comments

More Than An Outstanding Book!

Posted on April 24, 2017 by Jennie

When a writer can deliver a message in few words, while leaving a lasting impression on both children and adults (including me), I buy the book.  The Lion And The Bird, by Marianne Dubuc is that book. The book has far … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, Kindness, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 43 Comments

Lightening Strikes Twice

Posted on April 16, 2017 by Jennie

The first bolt of lightening:       One year ago this week, I was recognized as one of seven Early Childhood Educators in Massachusetts.  It was an honor, and a celebratory event.  I stood among top educators and also the … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, Kindness, Peace, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 57 Comments

The Art Show

Posted on April 14, 2017 by Jennie

“It took me a lifetime to learn to draw like a child.” -Pablo Picasso- When I brought the children to see the Art Show this week, the first words were from a child, Allie.  She said, “This is beautiful!”  She … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Imagination, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 38 Comments