Category Archives: Teaching young children

Singing Spontaneously

Posted on October 15, 2016 by Jennie

Singing is perhaps the second most important thing I do for children, right behind reading-aloud.  The biggest impact seems to come when singing is spontaneous. Lunchtime was a case in point: “You Are My Sunshine” lunchbox note. Savannah’s lunchbox often … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 34 Comments

“Gloria”

Posted on October 9, 2016 by Jennie

Gloria is perhaps the kindest and most beloved member of my class.  She has been around for quite some time, and she returned to school this week.  The children were… well, a bit unsure at first.  After all, Gloria is … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Kindness, Peace, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 52 Comments

“The Poet’s Dog”, a Book For The Ages

Posted on October 5, 2016 by Jennie

“Dogs speak words.  But only poets and children hear.” Those are the opening words in Patricia MacLachlan’s new book, The Poet’s Dog.  I have read the book twice, because there are many words not to be missed; words that are … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 34 Comments

International Day of Peace

Posted on September 21, 2016 by Jennie

When I was in the library last week, I saw they had a display of peace books to recognize International Day of Peace.  To my surprise, one of my classroom books was included in the display. Today is the day.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Peace, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 25 Comments

Kindness, Peace, and Love Day

Posted on September 13, 2016 by Jennie

The tragic events of 9/11 unfolded, and our country was united in brotherhood.  We had scores of heroes, and we helped one another with selfless acts of kindness.  Since then, my school has celebrated “Kindness, Peace, and Love Day” every … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 19 Comments

Bringing Community to Children

Posted on September 10, 2016 by Jennie

Andy the Tool Man is a carpenter.  He prides himself in both his craftsmanship and his father’s and grandfather’s hand tools.  There’s something warm and enticing about old tools.  Andy knows that, and so do the children. We used the … Continue reading →

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

My Tree of Life

Posted on September 5, 2016 by Jennie

A tree is a universal and natural element for teaching young children.  It is almighty; the one thing that represents birth, life and death, seasons, colors, beauty, divergence, and wonder.  That list alone is startling, yet just the tip of … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 30 Comments

Jennie Stories, the Early Years

Posted on August 27, 2016 by Jennie

My family log house, early 1770’s Telling stories is akin to reading aloud. Words come alive when children ‘make the pictures in their heads’.  Listening stretches the brain because language, every word, is suddenly a lit fuse. When I started teaching, … Continue reading →

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

All Because of a Dragonfly… Talking Death With Children

Posted on August 20, 2016 by Jennie

Our Memory Garden at school is a raised bed of beauty; flowers, sculptures, American flags, and a collection of painted rocks, all to mark classroom pets and loved ones who have died over the years. The garden sits quietly as … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 45 Comments

The Thrill of Learning

Posted on August 11, 2016 by Jennie

It happens every time I open my Big Book Atlas, without fail.  Children can’t sit!  They are drawn to the big maps, swarming like bees to flowers. . Do you have any idea how many different things children want to … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 30 Comments