Category Archives: The Arts

Robots!

Posted on January 7, 2024 by Jennie

Meet Curiosity Atlas, our classroom robot.  He is mounted on a scooter board so children can pull him everywhere.  Oh, they do.  He is beloved.  Of course there is a story behind Curiosity Atlas. We were learning about robots.  Children … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, preschool, robots, School, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , | 79 Comments

The Day After

Posted on December 26, 2023 by Jennie

The day after Christmas was a full moon to the east with a deep blue sky. I thought about the Christmas Star and stopped to remember the Three Wise Men. To the west was a beautiful sunset and a contrail. … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, The Arts | Tagged , , , , | 67 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

The Story of Art – My Journey With Juliet

Posted on October 2, 2023 by Jennie

I write this journey backwards in time, as it tells a better story. Juliet, fourteen years later. Juliet noticed everything.  She loved to draw, and her pictures were detailed and beautiful.  Little did I know she had paid attention to … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Inspiration, museums, Peace, quilting, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 67 Comments

New Exhibits (and More) at the Eric Carle Museum

Posted on August 26, 2023 by Jennie

It finally struck me – while art museums hold beautiful collections of art, there is a big difference when it comes to the art and exhibits at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art – they tell a story. … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Eric Carle, Inspiration, museums, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 60 Comments

God Bless America – Twelve Years Later

Posted on July 18, 2023 by Jennie

I stopped by school last week, which is currently in Summer Camp mode.  High school volunteers are a welcome and fun part of the group.  What happened was delightful: First I was mobbed by children (always wonderful), then Jess, a … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Expressing words and feelings, history, Inspiration, museums, music, patriotism, quilting, School, Student alumni, summer camp, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 50 Comments

The Dead Pine Tree Becomes Art

Posted on July 14, 2023 by Jennie

The majestic pine tree, king of the yard, finally passed away. He was mighty in his day. When he became a shell of himself we had a brilliant idea. We can save the trunk and turn it into art. The … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Einstein, Nature, Quotes, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , | 110 Comments

A Magnificent Photo Each Day

Posted on May 6, 2023 by Jennie

I have followed kevinwanderlust for a long time.  He posts one photo a day from around the world, and every one is magnificent, something that sticks with you.  Here is yesterday’s photo: The Milky Way, Canterbury, New Zealand I hope … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , | 32 Comments

Dan (the Tool Man) Antion Visits the Aqua Room

Posted on April 26, 2023 by Jennie

Fellow blogger Dan Antion at No Facilities visited my classroom.  YES!  Meeting a favorite blogger is a big deal.  We connected like we’ve been friends for years. Well, yes we have.  Lucky me. Dan is the guy with tools who … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Gloria, Inspiration, preschool, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , | 149 Comments

The Art Show – the Very Beginning

Posted on April 17, 2023 by Jennie

I told this story long ago, and it needs to be told again, with photos.  There are moments in teaching that make a big difference for the student and also for the the teacher.  This is one I will never … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Inspiration, museums, Peace, preschool, quilting, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , | 54 Comments