Category Archives: Teaching young children

Doctor Dave, and Art

Posted on June 15, 2015 by Jennie

Art can sneak up on you when you least expect it.  When that happens, open your mind and be ready.  It’s a thrilling experience. I sliced my finger badly with a hedge trimmer…ouch!  Off to the ER after pouring a … Continue reading →

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Chapter Reading

Posted on June 10, 2015 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 →

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Teaching Patriotism and Singing, Part II

Posted on May 23, 2015 by Jennie

Singing and music are powerful and universal.  Is there a part of “The Star Spangled Banner” that gives you a lump in your throat?  When I sing, “…gave proof through the night”, that does it for me.  We all hold … Continue reading →

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Teaching Patriotism

Posted on May 17, 2015 by Jennie

It all started with our field trip to the Shriners Circus years ago.  This circus is a perfect event for preschoolers as it’s grand but not overwhelming.  My class was seated and ready.  The circus began with lowering a big … Continue reading →

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“The Art Show” S.T.E.M. + Art = S.T.E.A.M

Posted on April 12, 2015 by Jennie

The Art Show is on display at last.  Thanks to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), and plenty of inspiration, the children did it!  They created remarkable works of art, worthy of a real Art Show. When I look at … Continue reading →

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A Spontaneous and Emergent Conversation

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Jennie

Transition times are tricky for both teachers and children, especially when spring arrives. Children seem to ‘feel it in their bones’, and are constantly on the move. Spring is definitely an awakening. Teachers observe this every year and foster all … Continue reading →

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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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