Category Archives: Teaching young children

Why Write Letters and Picture Stories?

Posted on October 29, 2017 by Jennie

Learning begins with language, building words upon words.  The more words children hear, the more they learn, and the better they do in school.  All of this leads up to reading readiness.  So, if I can give children hundreds and … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, picture stories, reading, reading aloud, storytelling, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 70 Comments

England, and the Beatles

Posted on October 19, 2017 by Jennie

My preschool class is learning about England.  Our loft has been transformed into Buckingham Palace.  The Union Jack flies overhead along with a picture of Queen Elizabeth.  We made a red phone booth out of a big box, and we … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, England, music, Singing, Teaching young children, The Beatles | Tagged , , , , , , , | 68 Comments

Gloria

Posted on October 14, 2017 by Jennie

Gloria joined the classroom this week, and oh what a homecoming it was.  I doubt Santa Claus would receive such a welcome.  After all these years I am still amazed at the difference Gloria makes and how children are drawn … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Imagination, Kindness, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 65 Comments

The Diorama that Changed a Child

Posted on October 11, 2017 by Jennie

Jared is part of my Book Bears library group.  He is a great kid; he was in my preschool class years ago. I loved Jared (and still do).  No child has a bigger heart.  Teachers just have to see that.  … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, reading aloud, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 33 Comments

Always Go With The Flow- Books and Singing

Posted on October 4, 2017 by Jennie

From books, to mending, to singing… I have so many books in my classroom for children to access all the time.  Books are the doorway to learning.  If they’re available for children at all times, reading becomes exciting.  It certainly … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Early Education, music, picture books, reading aloud, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 71 Comments

Understanding Art and Heart

Posted on September 28, 2017 by Jennie

In September, I send large folders home to children and their families to decorate, together.  Throughout the year, these folders are used to transport their child’s art work each time we send it home.  It’s our Art Pony Express, delivering … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Quotes, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 44 Comments

Stillness

Posted on September 24, 2017 by Jennie

Evening tonight is stillness.  Quiet and beauty.  Nothing else.  No birds or dragonflies.  No wind.  Somehow the silence brings out all the important things.  Mother Nature is the greatest teacher of all. She gives children the wonders of discovery and … Continue reading →

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

International Day of Peace

Posted on September 21, 2017 by Jennie

Peace is an important part of my curriculum at school with my preschool class.  It begins with kindness- that means children understand feelings and begin to develop empathy.  A tall order, but probably the most important thing young children learn. … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Kindness, Peace, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 39 Comments

The Lunchbox Note and Storytelling: Lifetime Lessons

Posted on September 19, 2017 by Jennie

Lunchtime in the classroom with fifteen preschoolers is very busy.  Once containers are opened, hot foods are heated, milk straws are inserted into their boxes, and napkins are found, things change.  Drastically.   Lunch becomes intimate.  Not quiet, but a … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 89 Comments

Book Bears

Posted on September 15, 2017 by Jennie

Book Bears started yesterday.  It’s my library reading group, mostly second graders.  Yesterday we met each other and  shared our favorite summer read.  ‘Meet and Greet’, with books.  Some children were nervous.  Some were outgoing.  I could see a wide disparity … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 85 Comments