Category Archives: The Arts

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

Singing With a Child on YouTube

Posted on February 24, 2024 by Jennie

It Happened Like This… While grocery shopping a few weeks ago, I listened to the music piped in over their intercom.  It was Faith Hill singing “This Kiss.”  I had a lightbulb teacher moment (which happens to me frequently.) The … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, Love, music, preschool, Singing, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , | 87 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

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

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