Category Archives: Teaching young children

Teaching History With Picture Books

Posted on April 13, 2016 by Jennie

As I read one of the classic children’s books, The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton, it turned out to be an unexpected history lesson.  This wonderful book begins with a charming little house on a hill, living through days … Continue reading →

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Behold the Art Show

Posted on April 3, 2016 by Jennie

Children were sitting together as I carefully picked up each ‘masterpiece’, mounted and framed, and labeled with a title.  They knew this was IT, seeing the results of their love and labor.  I held up each piece, one at a … Continue reading →

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“Starry Night” II

Posted on March 27, 2016 by Jennie

I will never underestimate children and art.  This story is why. I have been introducing a variety of styles of art to children as we prepare our annual Art Show for the community.  Currently we are learning about France, and … Continue reading →

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Picture Stories and Fairy Tales

Posted on March 19, 2016 by Jennie

Picture stories are powerful.  And, they are complicated.  Children have to recall what they know, then have the words to tell a story in their own way.  Our recent picture stories added even more layers of work; deciding what characters … Continue reading →

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Conversation

Posted on March 12, 2016 by Jennie

I often write about language and literacy because reading aloud and hearing all those words are what makes the difference in learning.  I want to introduce a new word into the mix: conversation.  That involves more than listening; it implies … Continue reading →

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The Art Show Begins

Posted on March 6, 2016 by Jennie

Children naturally gravitate to art, whether painting at an easel or drawing pictures.  Art is akin to sand and water; it triggers learning, and it’s fun for children.  Each year my class displays and Art Show for our entire community.  … Continue reading →

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Making Connections

Posted on February 27, 2016 by Jennie

Museums always inspire me, and my recent visit to the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, NH was no exception.  The added bonus was seeing Eleanor, one of my former students.  She is now in high school.  How can that … Continue reading →

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My Hero

Posted on February 21, 2016 by Jennie

I don’t think people know who my hero is.  I doubt my own children even know; they would say my it’s my grandmother, Nan.  And, so would most people close to me.  Nan was the best grandmother, and what I … Continue reading →

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How Reading-Aloud Made Me the Teacher and Person I Am Today.

Posted on February 14, 2016 by Jennie

My very first day of teaching preschool in Massachusetts, thirty-two years ago, was both career and life altering.  Lindy, my co-teacher, asked me to read the picture books to children each day after our Morning Meeting.  Sure (gulp)!  I was … Continue reading →

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Singing “God Bless America”

Posted on February 6, 2016 by Jennie

Children love to sing.  Over the years in my classroom a favorite song always emerges; “God Bless America”.  The tune is nice and the words are simple for children to sing.  I bring all types of music into my classroom.  … Continue reading →

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