Category Archives: Teaching young children

Gloria and the Leprechaun

Posted on March 16, 2024 by Jennie

Gloria, what are you doing?  Are you okay? I’m fine.  Lucky came by last night. Lucky? Yes, Lucky the Leprechaun. I see.  Gloria, do you know how hard the Aqua Roomers worked on making that trap? It took them three … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 56 Comments

Do You See What I See?

Posted on March 10, 2024 by Jennie

Children created the Eiffel Tower using different sticks, from coffee stirrers to craft sticks (popsicle sticks) to ‘build’ a replica of the structure. Tommy carefully criss-crossed his sticks.  He was focused, determined. I’m always understanding and support children’s hard work, … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , | 57 Comments

Robot Finale and Real Learning

Posted on March 4, 2024 by Jennie

My classroom, the Aqua Room, is ‘crushing’ robots this year.  Every day a child talks about Curiosity on Mars.  Every day we watch the Boston Dynamics robots.  Back in December we wrote a giant letter to NASA, and to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, robots, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 81 Comments

Gloria is Celebrating Other Countries

Posted on March 2, 2024 by Jennie

My preschool class loves learning about other countries.  Geography, our Big Book Atlas, food, traditional costumes, and singing our ‘Days of the Week’ song in a new language are favorites.  Every year. Gloria has decided she wants to be part … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, geography, Gloria, Inspiration, Learning About the World, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 73 Comments

A Kandinsky Painting – At Last!

Posted on February 17, 2024 by Jennie

I love art.  It feeds my soul.  It makes me think.  Art is a joy, and I share that with my preschool class- all the time.  Young children soak up art; they are naturally drawn to the visual ‘show’, and … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, museums, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 90 Comments

“Look!”

Posted on February 14, 2024 by Jennie

“Look! Come here and look at the sky.” Children rushed to the top of the playground. I pointed to the sky. There was silence, genuine awe. Nature does that, you know. “What is that?” “Pink cloud beams?” “Cloud rays of … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Einstein, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, Quotes, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 64 Comments

The Story of Emma (and ‘Ariel’)

Posted on February 6, 2024 by Jennie

Some students stick with you, and some stick with you like glue.  That would be Emma.  This is the story of Emma, a child who thrived in the Aqua Room, and returned on occasion to visit.  Her journey is heartwarming … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Giving thanks, Gloria, Inspiration, literacy, music, play performances, reading aloud, Singing, Student alumni, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 96 Comments

Things Happen in Threes

Posted on January 22, 2024 by Jennie

Things often happen in threes.  They certainly did at school! #1 We had day after day of bitter cold weather.  That meant the children could not go outside.  By day three we had to be creative, so we had a … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, joy, literacy, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, robots, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 51 Comments

Gloria’s Journal and Many Adventures

Posted on January 14, 2024 by Jennie

It’s a new school year for Gloria, and she has spent most weekends with a child.  Her adventures on weekends have been delightful.  Reading her journal to children is always exciting. Back in the beginning of Gloria in the Aqua … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 91 Comments

The New Year Ahead

Posted on January 1, 2024 by Jennie

Unlike many bloggers, I don’t write reviews about my year. I don’t have lofty goals for the New Year. My joy comes from the little things everyday, because these are the big things, and become my landscape, my portrait. Writing … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 73 Comments