Category Archives: Teaching young children

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

All You Need is Love

Posted on December 23, 2023 by Jennie

The last day of school before Christmas. Pajama Day! Everyone is excited. A child rushed up to give me a big hug. “I love you, Jennie.” “I love you, too.” The ‘I Love You Rush’ began. I knew exactly what … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, Love, music, picture books, preschool, Singing, Teaching young children, The Beatles, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 69 Comments

Teachers, You Can Transform Lives. Really!

Posted on December 4, 2023 by Jennie

Barb Taub shares stories of Polly, the ‘best’ teacher her children had, the one who made a difference, and transformed their lives.  Polly had one classroom of children from age 4 to first grade.  Thank you, Barb. Barb Taub My … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 34 Comments

Love

Posted on December 3, 2023 by Jennie

I wore this heart pin to school today.  I needed to wear it, and I knew what would happen.  Children asked me about the pin. “Jennie, I love your heart.” “Thank you.  I  do, too.  Do you know why I … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, Love, preschool, Singing, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 82 Comments

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