Category Archives: Uncategorized

Twists and Turns at Museums, Books and Art

Posted on August 16, 2015 by Jennie

A trip to a museum is much like climbing into a great book with a storyline of unexpected twists and turns.  Yesterday was no exception.  I visited the Eric Carle Museum in Amherst, Massachusetts.  It has the best bookstore I … Continue reading →

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When Children Tell the Stories

Posted on August 5, 2015 by Jennie

Storytelling is a huge part of my classroom because it ignites the fire of listening and learning; new words, different ideas, adventure, compassion… hearing stories told aloud brings words and ideas to life.  This is exciting, because children are captivated … Continue reading →

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Storytelling With Children

Posted on July 26, 2015 by Jennie

The reason storytelling has been a mainstay of communication for centuries goes far beyond imparting words to tell a story.  Words come to life when spoken aloud.  People have to listen, stretch their minds, and make the pictures in their … Continue reading →

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Summer Camp Play Performances

Posted on July 18, 2015 by Jennie

Every summer my school offers a summer camp program.  The most exciting part of my camp group (six to eight year olds) is the ‘play performance’.  It didn’t start that way at all.  Camp is camp, and that means having … Continue reading →

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Boston’s Music, “Pops Goes the Fourth”

Posted on July 7, 2015 by Jennie

I moved to Massachusetts in 1984.  Since then, I have faithfully watched the Boston Pops perform every Fourth of July.  Back then, John Williams was the conductor.  He was the man who wrote the music for my favorite movies, “ET”, … Continue reading →

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The Real ‘Teddy’ Story, and More

Posted on June 29, 2015 by Jennie

This weekend I cleaned my office; the yearly organization and the game of ‘keep or toss’.  Every year I take great care with three stories that are worn and torn, written long before computers and the internet.  Those stories are … Continue reading →

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When Children Bring the Music

Posted on June 23, 2015 by Jennie

Colin and his mother came into school looking happy and half-humming, half-singing something very familiar.  Their whole presence and attitude was atypical, because they behaved as if they were actually part of the song.  I realized they were singing “Oh … Continue reading →

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Doctor Dave, and Art

Posted on June 15, 2015 by Jennie

Art can sneak up on you when you least expect it.  When that happens, open your mind and be ready.  It’s a thrilling experience. I sliced my finger badly with a hedge trimmer…ouch!  Off to the ER after pouring a … Continue reading →

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Chapter Reading

Posted on June 10, 2015 by Jennie

Chapter reading is one of our treasured moments of the day. We bring to life the imagination, the world, and the past. The anticipation of ‘what happens next’ stirs excitement every day. Children listen and think. They ask questions. Ask … Continue reading →

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Teaching Patriotism and Singing, Part II

Posted on May 23, 2015 by Jennie

Singing and music are powerful and universal.  Is there a part of “The Star Spangled Banner” that gives you a lump in your throat?  When I sing, “…gave proof through the night”, that does it for me.  We all hold … Continue reading →

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