Category Archives: Teaching young children

40 Words, 40 Years

Posted on April 10, 2024 by Jennie

This is my 40th year teaching preschool at my wonderful school.  It feels like 10 or maybe 20 years.  40 is, well, a big deal…at least my school thinks so.  At our monthly staff meetings, they have often surprised me … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Poetry, School, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , | 111 Comments

March – Spring, Art, and Music

Posted on April 1, 2024 by Jennie

March was busy in my classroom for many reasons.  Spring is desperately trying to emerge.  The bikes are back on the playground, and I got a ride on the double bike.  Whee! We’re in a frenzy in the best of … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Imagination, Inspiration, music, preschool, Teaching young children, The Arts, The Beatles | Tagged , , , | 60 Comments

Children’s Books: Old and New

Posted on March 25, 2024 by Jennie

I’m always excited to search for new books that eventually become favorites, scan titles, and recognize the best of newly published books. Nothing beats reading-aloud and turning the pages of a book. Yet, I would be remiss if I didn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Imagination, Inspiration, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 79 Comments

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