Category Archives: The Arts

The Concord Museum and Literacy Trees

Posted on January 6, 2020 by

My recent visit to the Concord Museum in Concord, MA to see their annual literacy trees (my words), trees decorated in the theme of a children’s book, was outstanding.  Each tree makes a book come alive.  But first, here is … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Book Review, books, children's books, museums, picture books, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , | 57 Comments

“Starry Night” Continues

Posted on December 31, 2019 by

The walls in my classroom are mostly filled with children’s art, as it should be.  Gone are the flashy colors and cute teacher decorations.  I learned long ago they are more of a distraction than anything else to children.  My … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, Love, museums, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 78 Comments

Why the Need for Art, Stories, Poems, and Music?

Posted on December 3, 2019 by

“Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play. “ Wise words from Philip Pullman, who received the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in 2005: Children need art and … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, music, Poetry, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, storytelling, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 75 Comments

A Magical Evening at School

Posted on October 24, 2019 by

Every year we have a party for families at school.  It begins with a pizza supper on the playground, followed by carving jack-o-lanterns.  It is wonderful.  Families meet and greet, eat pizza, and then roll up their sleeves to carve … Continue reading →

Posted in Halloween, Imagination, jack-o-lanterns, preschool, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , | 52 Comments

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble Turns 50 at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

Posted on September 9, 2019 by

William Steig is one of my favorite author/illustrators.  I have most of his books.  I’ve been reading his books to children since I started teaching thirty-five years ago.  Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, one of his best, turned 50 years … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading aloud, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 81 Comments

Bridges, Old and New, Returning Home

Posted on July 29, 2019 by

Every bridge along the Merritt Parkway in Connecticut is 1930’s Art Deco.  Each bridge is different, and a piece of art.  I had my iPhone on the dashboard of the car, hoping to capture some beauties. Winged Victory is a … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, geography, history, Inspiration, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 51 Comments

Bridges, Old and New

Posted on July 20, 2019 by

Bridges Along the Merritt Parkway in Connecticut where every bridge is different, and old. Art Deco at its best. The Tappan Zee bridge over the Hudson River in New York. Newly constructed. Modern architecture at its best. Being surrounded by … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Inspiration, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 49 Comments