Category Archives: wonder

Making Memories at School

Posted on October 18, 2018 by Jennie

There is something exciting, magical about this time of year.  When the sun goes down and children are helping their families to carve a pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern, memories are made.  Imagine being three and four years old, at school … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Halloween, Imagination, jack-o-lanterns, preschool, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 35 Comments

Nature on the Playground

Posted on October 6, 2018 by Jennie

The last flowers of summer, strong and tall. A playground in itself for butterflies and bees. A wonder of discovery for children. Nature is the greatest teacher. Every day the playground at school is chocked full of something to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, joy, Mother Nature, Nature, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 68 Comments

The Light in the Toothbrush

Posted on September 14, 2018 by Jennie

This week my Book Bears reading group at the public library had our first meeting of the year.  September is always ‘bring your favorite book that you read over the summer’.  It’s a great way to meet the kids – … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, reading, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 72 Comments

The Best Words From a Child

Posted on September 9, 2018 by Jennie

A child said to me this week, “Jennie, tell me all the books.” Surely those are the best words a teacher can hear. Jennie

Posted in books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, reading, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 52 Comments

Looking For a Good Book?

Posted on September 8, 2018 by Jennie

To start the school year, I always pick a random selection of books for my classroom bookshelf.  Nothing theme-y, just good literature.  Poetry, rhyming, humor, old favorites and new award winners.  So take a look, go reading, and get lost … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, picture books, preschool, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 65 Comments

The Autoharp

Posted on September 2, 2018 by Jennie

I had just met the children.  The classroom was overflowing with eager parents and not-so-eager children.  New + big + different = scary. For fifteen minutes we looked at each other, me smiling and children with big worried eyes.  The … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, music, preschool, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 69 Comments

School, Yesterday and Today

Posted on August 29, 2018 by Jennie

Yesterday:  The classroom is a disaster.  So much to do.  Overwhelming.  How will I ever be ready? Today: Lookin’ good! Tomorrow:  Children!  I can’t wait. ❤️ Jennie

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Teaching young children, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , | 51 Comments

Picture Books

Posted on August 25, 2018 by Jennie

The school year is beginning, and I turn to the most important thing I do in teaching – reading aloud.  This is an earlier post that explodes with many picture books I discovered, and how they became the golden key. … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, picture books, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 65 Comments

An Open Letter To Teachers

Posted on August 22, 2018 by Jennie

Dear Teachers, As you start your new school year there is one word that will get you through the uncertainty and the worry.  It’s the same word that is the heart of educating.  That word is ‘joy’.  No, it’s not … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, Teaching young children, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , | 81 Comments

Milly – The Epilogue

Posted on August 16, 2018 by Jennie

This card was passed out at the memorial service. It’s an odd thing to say that a eulogy was inspirational.  Yet for Milly, how could it be anything less?  And, it’s unusual to laugh out loud at the words the … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Love, Peace, quilting, storytelling, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 53 Comments