Category Archives: Teaching young children

The Boy Who Cried Tears of the Heart

Posted on July 1, 2016 by Jennie

Chapter reading is one of our treasured moments of the day at school.  I know this, and so does Jackson.  Books bring to life the imagination, the world, and the past.  The anticipation of ‘what happens next’ stirs excitement every … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 44 Comments

Singing the Books; From Francis Scott Key, to Irving Berlin, to Woody Guthrie

Posted on June 26, 2016 by Jennie

When I was in fifth grade my teacher, Miss Pinson, taught us songs. I remember her white blouse and black hair, and how she held her arms up in the air when she directed a song. She made us feel … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 20 Comments

One Picture for a Thousand Words.

Posted on June 21, 2016 by Jennie

Our final chapter reading book this year at school was Little House on the Prairie.  The last chapter that we read was ‘Fresh Water to Drink’.  Pa and his neighbor, Mr. Scott, were digging a well.  Pa was careful to lower … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 17 Comments

Chapter Reading

Posted on June 15, 2016 by Jennie

Chapter reading is one of our treasured moments of the day.  We bring to life the imagination, the world, and the past.  The anticipation of ‘what happens next’ stirs excitement every day.  Children listen and think.  They ask questions.  Ask … Continue reading →

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

Practicing Handwriting and Math…In a Chinese Restaurant

Posted on June 12, 2016 by Jennie

Our dramatic play area is now a Chinese restaurant.  We have added menus, a wok, a cash register with money from our ‘travel box’, order pads and pencils, aprons, and chopsticks. Learning takes place in many different ways.  The setting … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

How Children Really Learn

Posted on June 4, 2016 by Jennie

The classroom seemed quiet, even though rice was everywhere on the floor, and nothing resembled the set-up of activities that teachers had carefully arranged.  Yet, every child was fully engaged in important play.  I stepped back for a moment to … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 35 Comments

Memorial Day Remembrance

Posted on May 27, 2016 by Jennie

Our school wide Memorial Day remembrance some years ago with General Zukauskas and Cadet Crampton was stirring and moving, to say the least.  I think holding the American flag and singing patriotic songs, particularly “The Star Spangled Banner”, were quite … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 21 Comments

Teaching Acceptance, Not Diversity

Posted on May 15, 2016 by Jennie

Garth Williams illustration, courtesy Harper & Row One never knows when a powerful teaching moment presents itself.  In spite of all the lesson planning, the real times an educator can seize the opportunity to teach young children often come unexpectedly.  … Continue reading →

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Jim Trelease Quote, Reading and Writing, and a Journey of Teaching

Posted on May 1, 2016 by Jennie

A great quote can pack as much power as a good book.  When both come together in one package, then you have it all.  That’s Jim Trelease.  That’s The Read-Aloud Handbook. “People would stand in line for days and pay … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 35 Comments

Teaching the Importance of Giving

Posted on April 24, 2016 by Jennie

My head is always spinning with excitement when I encounter or learn something new.  The pattern is predictable; ‘soak up what I see and hear’, and then ‘how can I teach this to children?’.  I am constantly on a quest … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 15 Comments