Category Archives: Teaching young children

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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The Evolution of ‘Gloria’, part one.

Posted on October 26, 2014 by Jennie

As I started to write this post, my husband (the observant one) told me that the single most important thing I have done for children is Gloria.  I didn’t quite know what to say, as he has never said something … Continue reading →

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Diversity, Acceptance, and ‘Gloria’

Posted on October 18, 2014 by Jennie

Diversity, understanding, and acceptance are an important part of our curriculum. These are not always easy concepts to teach. We weave them into our daily routine through ‘Gloria’, our classroom puppet. Gloria is just like your child; sometimes shy or … Continue reading →

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Resilient Children and Behavior

Posted on September 12, 2014 by Jennie

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly young children adapt to their environment.  School is a perfect example.  Those first days are often filled with tears, sobbing, even clutching Mom or Dad with a grip that requires the Jaws … Continue reading →

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