Category Archives: Uncategorized

Quilting Art With Children: The Story of Milly

Posted on January 28, 2015 by Jennie

I love museums.  They always inspire me, personally and professionally.  I also firmly believe in emergent curriculum in my teaching of young children.  It works!  The two together often ignite learning that transcends over months, and in some cases years.  … Continue reading →

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The New Year’s Gift

Posted on January 1, 2015 by Jennie

Today I received a gift for the New Year, and it was not at all what I expected.  I thought I knew pretty much everything about giving, yet I never expected to have the tables turned, where I would be … Continue reading →

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The Power of Books; You Have to Read It to ‘Get It’

Posted on December 27, 2014 by Jennie

The best part of my day as a teacher, and the most important part, is reading aloud to children.  I read picture books at least twice a day and a chapter book every day.  I always become moved and emotionally … Continue reading →

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“Starry Night”

Posted on December 7, 2014 by Jennie

Major pieces of art?  Masterpieces?  Introducing this to preschoolers?  It is not easy to explain to people how and why art can make a difference with young children.  A picture is worth a thousand words, and this picture was just … Continue reading →

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Reading Aloud Makes a Big Difference. Here’s Proof.

Posted on November 23, 2014 by Jennie

I love a good story, especially one that involves reading aloud and the stunning difference it makes with children.  Here is a favorite story of mine, from the million-copy best selling book, The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease: “During his … Continue reading →

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Cooperative Play

Posted on November 14, 2014 by Jennie

Human beings have persevered on this planet by figuring out how to work together.  We gather information, work hard, learn by trial and error, and enlist the help of others.  That’s how it works.  And, that’s just what is happening … Continue reading →

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Gloria Has the Final Word Today, Indeed

Posted on November 4, 2014 by Jennie

Today at school, Gloria’s journal was returned after her weekend with Claire.  Yes, she went Trick-or-Treating in a full pink bunny costume.  She also helped the family make soup, and went to church with them.  The photo and journal entry … Continue reading →

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The Evolution of ‘Gloria’, part two.

Posted on November 2, 2014 by Jennie

This is a continuation of my previous post. ‘Gloria’, the classroom puppet evolved over two decades into a ‘person’ that continues to give children reasons to think about others. One early conversation (of which there are many) the children had … Continue reading →

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The Evolution of ‘Gloria’, part one.

Posted on October 26, 2014 by Jennie

As I started to write this post, my husband (the observant one) told me that the single most important thing I have done for children is Gloria.  I didn’t quite know what to say, as he has never said something … Continue reading →

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Diversity, Acceptance, and ‘Gloria’

Posted on October 18, 2014 by Jennie

Diversity, understanding, and acceptance are an important part of our curriculum. These are not always easy concepts to teach. We weave them into our daily routine through ‘Gloria’, our classroom puppet. Gloria is just like your child; sometimes shy or … Continue reading →

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