Category Archives: Teaching young children

Emergent Curriculum Through Geography

Posted on March 29, 2015 by Jennie

 “From Grizzly Bears to George Washington.” We read a fact book on grizzly bears, which turned into a science lesson on salmon and bald eagles, and a geography lesson on Alaska and Mount Rushmore, and a math lesson on the … Continue reading →

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Classical Music is the Inspiration for Art

Posted on March 13, 2015 by Jennie

Yesterday I introduced classical music to my preschool classroom, and  it was one of my best days of teaching.  This story has added wonderful twists and turns; the art of Eric Carle and Wassily Kandinsky, and the new Caldecott Honor … Continue reading →

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Reading Aloud = Academic Success + Pleasure

Posted on March 2, 2015 by Jennie

This is about more than reading; this is about academic success, learning to read, and loving to read.  It’s about young children and older children, and what happens along the way.  Here are worrisome statistics and great stories.  You should … Continue reading →

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The Art Show, and How Books and Music Make the Difference

Posted on February 20, 2015 by Jennie

Eric Carle is a well renowned children’s book author and illustrator.  His museum in Amherst, MA  draws visitors from around the world.  The museum’s focus is on picture book art, because that’s what Eric Carle does, and he does it … Continue reading →

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Quilting Art With Children: Milly Part II

Posted on February 9, 2015 by Jennie

This is the story of children, a quilter, and how they connected ideas to create art that hangs in national museums.  The first story (prior post) depicts the evolution of the Peace Quilt, and this story is the next chapter.  … Continue reading →

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The Power of Books; You Have to Read It to ‘Get It’

Posted on December 27, 2014 by Jennie

The best part of my day as a teacher, and the most important part, is reading aloud to children.  I read picture books at least twice a day and a chapter book every day.  I always become moved and emotionally … Continue reading →

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Reading Aloud Makes a Big Difference. Here’s Proof.

Posted on November 23, 2014 by Jennie

I love a good story, especially one that involves reading aloud and the stunning difference it makes with children.  Here is a favorite story of mine, from the million-copy best selling book, The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease: “During his … Continue reading →

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Cooperative Play

Posted on November 14, 2014 by Jennie

Human beings have persevered on this planet by figuring out how to work together.  We gather information, work hard, learn by trial and error, and enlist the help of others.  That’s how it works.  And, that’s just what is happening … Continue reading →

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Gloria Has the Final Word Today, Indeed

Posted on November 4, 2014 by Jennie

Today at school, Gloria’s journal was returned after her weekend with Claire.  Yes, she went Trick-or-Treating in a full pink bunny costume.  She also helped the family make soup, and went to church with them.  The photo and journal entry … Continue reading →

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The Evolution of ‘Gloria’, part two.

Posted on November 2, 2014 by Jennie

This is a continuation of my previous post. ‘Gloria’, the classroom puppet evolved over two decades into a ‘person’ that continues to give children reasons to think about others. One early conversation (of which there are many) the children had … Continue reading →

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