Category Archives: Teaching young children

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 →

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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 →

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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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