Category Archives: The Arts

Norman Rockwell, My Grandmother, My Dad, and Me

Posted on February 24, 2020 by Jennie

Norman Rockwell had a profound influence on my life.  Thank goodness he still does.  It all started with my grandmother, Nan.  She was the salt of the earth, strong and loving, and lived her childhood much like Little House on … Continue reading →

Posted in America, art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, military, museums, patriotism, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 82 Comments

A Walk Down Memory Lane – Photos Tell the Stories

Posted on January 27, 2020 by Jennie

I have been plugging away at deleting photos from my media library, because I am close to using up my available space.  I know, it’s only a photo, but as I scroll through the photos, every one has been a … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, Author interview, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, history, Inspiration, military, Nature, picture books, play performances, preschool, quilting, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 103 Comments

Gloria’s Necklace, Part 1

Posted on January 22, 2020 by Jennie

Today was not a good day.  Everything broke.  It started with the key to our favorite game, Cranium Cariboo.  We call it “The Ball Game”.  It is THE game, and of course it’s no longer made.  The purple key to … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Giving, Gloria, Inspiration, joy, preschool, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 64 Comments

Roots

Posted on January 19, 2020 by Jennie

My artist friend at Mountain Roots Studio in Asheville, North Carolina, makes trees out of twisted wire.  Her trees have deep, pronounced roots.  I’ve always liked that.  Roots.  That’s where it all begins.  Without roots we have nothing. I liken … Continue reading →

Posted in art, behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, preschool, self esteem, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 67 Comments

The Concord Museum and Literacy Trees

Posted on January 6, 2020 by Jennie

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 Jennie

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 Jennie

“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 Jennie

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 Jennie

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 Jennie

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