Category Archives: wonder

Dogs – They Make the Best Books

Dogs really do make the best books, because children love dogs.  Well, most everyone loves dogs.  When the dog in a book is more human than dog, the storyline is like a glistening taffy pull. Katherine Applegate has done her … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Dogs, Expressing words and feelings, Heart, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, literacy, robots, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 67 Comments

MacDowell – An Artist’s Dream

MacDowell For all the artists out there; writers, painters, musicians, sculptures, film makers and more – there is an artist retreat open for you.  Really! It all began in 1907, founded by composer Edward MacDowell and his wife, pianist Marian … Continue reading

Posted in art, Inspiration, literacy, wonder, Writing | Tagged , , , | 88 Comments

Cloud Watching – Messages

This cloud appeared late afternoon. It was one bright streak coming out of a gloomy gray cloud. What does that say? Nature always gives us messages in their art, telling us to look and to think. So I looked, and … Continue reading

Posted in E.B. White, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 72 Comments

Gloria Goes to Missouri – Part 2

Awww…just look at that smile! Gloria arrived back home with much fanfare.  There’s nothing like welcoming a best friend after a long trip.  We learned that Missouri has cows.  Lots of cows.  So, included in Gloria’s welcome home box was … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, geography, Giving thanks, Gloria, history, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, School, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 61 Comments

The Poet’s Dog – Reading it Again

When The Poet’s Dog was hot off the press nearly ten years ago. I was eager to read the book.  I loved Patricia MacLachlan Sarah, Plain and Tall, yet I never expected to be so moved by this book.  I … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, Dogs, Heart, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, literacy, Particia MacLachlan, reading aloud, wonder | Tagged , , , | 68 Comments

Robots!

Children love robots.  They’re a great introduction to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) learning, and robots are very cool.  I invited our local Groton-Dunstable High School Robotics Club – The Robotomies – to visit the Aqua Roomers with their robots.  … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Giving thanks, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, robots, School, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 80 Comments

The Best Christmas Ad – My Favorite

I will share this Christmas ad every year, because… it’s that good. Christmas is about family and friends. It’s a time to smile and remember. Yes, remember. Because in the end, it’s our memories that stick with us. That’s what … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, joy, Love, music, wonder | Tagged , , | 74 Comments

The Best Children’s Christmas Books – Annual Post

This is a repost of my favorite Christmas books.  Every year they grow stronger, because children love them.  These are the books children and adults want to read over and over again.  That’s why they’re the best.  Please, go to … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, reading, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 69 Comments

You Belong!

At school, we have a theme song each year.  This year it is “You Belong!”, a perfect song to let children know that – no matter what – we all belong.  It has become our ‘wake-up song’.  When nap is … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Heart, Inspiration, Kindness, Quotes, self esteem, Singing, wonder | Tagged , , , | 72 Comments

“The Halloween Story” – A Jennie Story

Every day at lunchtime I tell a story.  Children love a ‘Jennie Story’.  I thought you would enjoy this post from years ago, as ‘The Halloween Story” is always a favorite.  Of course I tell the story with excitement and … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Halloween, Imagination, literacy, storytelling, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 74 Comments