Category Archives: Teaching young children

Make Way For Ducklings – Happy Easter

Posted on April 9, 2023 by Jennie

This is a favorite post from Easter many years ago. Photo courtesy Universal Hub Robert McCloskey’s classic story, Make Way for Ducklings, is immortalized in bronze statues in the Public Garden on Boston Common.  Mrs. Mallard and her eight ducklings, Jack, … Continue reading →

Posted in art, children's books, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 57 Comments

Just Another Day in the Classroom… Oh, Boy!

Posted on April 6, 2023 by Jennie

photo from Pixabay  I often write about the great moments in the classroom, when a spark ignites and learning explodes, or when goodness, laughter, and discovery happen. Every day is not like that.  Today was was one of those ‘not … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, music, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 64 Comments

‘Life is Good’ – It’s More Than T-shirts

Posted on March 22, 2023 by Jennie

The Healing Power of Optimism Well, that caught my attention.  I know those words to be true.  I’m a preschool teacher; optimism and healing are in my pockets, and in my heart.  It’s what I do with children. That was … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 63 Comments

Gloria, Elephant & Piggie, and the Leprechaun

Posted on March 17, 2023 by Jennie

Saint Patrick’s Day in the classroom We tried SO hard to catch that leprechaun.  It took three days to make a trap.  First we painted a box green, then we made rainbow ladders out of popsicle sticks and tunnels out … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Gloria, Imagination, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 59 Comments

From Little House in the Big Woods to Little House on the Prairie

Posted on March 10, 2023 by Jennie

My book is ‘well loved’ and completely falling apart. That shows children how important it is. I finished reading aloud Little House in the Big Woods to my preschoolers, and have just started the next book, Little House on the … Continue reading →

Posted in America, chapter reading, children's books, geography, Inspiration, Learning About the World, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 49 Comments

Happy Birthday to “The Star-Spangled Banner” becoming America’s National Anthem

Posted on March 3, 2023 by Jennie

My well-loved and well-read book. March 3rd, 1931.  “The Star-Spangled Banner” becomes America’s National Anthem.  Wait…1931?  I remember the day I discovered the date; Milly the Quilter had finished the God Bless America Quilt, and we had been singing the … Continue reading →

Posted in America, history, music, patriotism, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 61 Comments

We Got Mail!

Posted on March 1, 2023 by Jennie

Our pen pals in Michigan loved our valentines, and they wrote back.  That’s what pen pals do. They’re the MAC PACK.  How cool is that? Dear friends in the Aqua Room, Thank you for our Valentines.  We are so happy … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Kindness, literacy, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 51 Comments

Goodnight Moon – It’s a ‘Rap’

Posted on February 23, 2023 by Jennie

Before children learn to read, first they must hear the words.  It’s developmental, like learning to crawl before learning to walk.  The auditory piece, including singing, hits both the brain and the soul in learning.  In my preschool class, reading … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, literacy, music, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 50 Comments

Reading Aloud Heals Just About Everything

Posted on February 18, 2023 by Jennie

My favorite ‘reading aloud movie’ is “The Princess Bride.”  Yes, it’s a wonderful movie about a fairy tale…but more importantly it’s a grandfather reading aloud the book to his sick grandson, a reluctant listener.  Eventually the grandson is fully engrossed … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Expressing words and feelings, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 72 Comments

We’re Still Pen-Pals

Posted on January 30, 2023 by Jennie

Last summer a child who had moved on from my class was missing me.  His mom emailed: He said, “Mumma, I miss Jennie.”  I said, “I’m sure you do.  What is it you miss about her? ” He said, “I … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 91 Comments