Category Archives: Teaching young children

When You Read Aloud…

Posted on November 28, 2023 by Jennie

 This is what happens when teachers read aloud: It begins with a child, grows into groups of children, and then the children ‘take over’, reading on their own. Reading one-on-one Reading in groups The more I read aloud, the more … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Leo Lionni, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 98 Comments

Gloria and the College Football Player

Posted on November 19, 2023 by Jennie

Gloria has been away every weekend.  Her adventures have been numerous, and what she brings to children cannot be measured.  I will post her journal excerpts after Thanksgiving.  In the meantime, I have to share one of my favorite photos: … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 66 Comments

Gems at the Eric Carle Museum

Posted on November 17, 2023 by Jennie

Eric Carle Every visit to the Eric Carle Museum is a wonder, because I always discover something new.  I know what the current exhibits are and I plan my visit…but something ‘else’ happens along the way.  This visit was about … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Book Review, children's books, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, Nature, picture books, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 54 Comments

“This Land is Your Land”

Posted on November 12, 2023 by Jennie

In light of Veterans Day and how our country needs to come together, I am reposting an old post on patriotism and singing, specifically Woody Guthrie’s song “This Land is Your Land.”  Thank you to Don Ostertag who said I … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Book Review, children's books, history, Inspiration, patriotism, picture books, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 39 Comments

Veterans Day

Posted on November 11, 2023 by Jennie

Freedom is not free. Veterans are heroes. Today is the day to say ‘thank you’. At school we thanked a retired Air Force Master Sergeant. He talked with the children. They were in awe. They hugged him. They sang “God … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Giving thanks, Inspiration, military, patriotism, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 61 Comments

Play + Nature and “The Giving Tree”

Posted on November 7, 2023 by Jennie

When play occurs outdoors in natural elements, it draws children in.  It whispers, “Come and play, I have everything to give you.” The leaves were bursting with color. Ladybugs were everywhere. Sticks and rocks are great for building. The playground … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Nature, Play, preschool, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 63 Comments

The Importance of Play

Posted on November 4, 2023 by Jennie

Play = Life Skills. Children who play can better attend at school. Children who play have greater academic success. Children who play make friends. Children who play develop kindness, heart. Children who play are problem solvers. (This is just the … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Play, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 65 Comments

Halloween At School

Posted on October 31, 2023 by Jennie

~Happy Halloween~ Today at school was a Day in the Dark. Children wore pajamas. Gloria did, too. We played with glow sticks and black playdoh on tin foil. We built with MagnaTiles creating structures that housed light. We painted with … Continue reading →

Posted in Giving, Gloria, Halloween, Imagination, Inspiration, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 64 Comments

24 Hours Later…

Posted on October 20, 2023 by Jennie

It’s been 24 hours since I posted my brief letter to families about inviting Gloria home for a weekend Gloria and the President  She is now ‘booked’ through Thanksgiving, including going Trick-Or-Treating and being at Thanksgiving dinner.  24 hours.  Bless you, … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Gloria, Teaching young children | Tagged | 50 Comments

Gloria’s Debut, and a Letter to Parents

Posted on October 12, 2023 by Jennie

I’m always a bit nervous with excitement when Gloria makes her ‘debut’ in the classroom.  I know the children will welcome her because every year she is loved from Day One.  Today was no exception.  Frankly, it was wonderful.  She … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Gloria, Inspiration, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 79 Comments