Category Archives: Writing

Writing With Children Makes a Difference

Posted on November 24, 2025 by Jennie

Language is the key to literacy, and literacy is the key to writing and reading.  That’s the pattern, how it develops.  So, what do I do in school to make this happen? I sing.  Singing cements words.  I sing “The … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, literacy, reading aloud, Singing, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 58 Comments

MacDowell – An Artist’s Dream

Posted on July 30, 2025 by Jennie

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

Gloria’s Journal Entry

Posted on February 26, 2025 by Jennie

Gloria’s journal is a treasure.  We’re nearing the end of #3.  Yikes!  Photos and stories are rich in experiences.  While the journal’s written words are always full of stories and adventure to accompany photos, her recent weekend with a child … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, storytelling, Writing | Tagged , , | 67 Comments

John Howell’s Trilogy of Books

Posted on February 22, 2025 by Jennie

Look what arrived today! John Howell’s fabulous trilogy. Hubby has demanded ‘first dibs’. Dear John, Thank you for writing great stories, as books are the result of  stories that need to be told – because your heart and mind told … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, Giving thanks, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, reading, storytelling, Writing | Tagged , , , | 145 Comments

A Letter From My Pen Pal

Posted on January 29, 2024 by Jennie

Dear Friends, You can imagine what it was like for me to get this letter in the mail. I hope you get goosebumps, or get teary, or have a lump in your throat when you read this. Dear Jennie, Happy … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, literacy, Love, Writing, young children | Tagged , , , | 68 Comments

Happy Anniversary

Posted on February 18, 2023 by Jennie

It’s always a nice surprise when a WP anniversary is announced. Happy Anniversary with WordPress.com! You registered on WordPress.com 9 years ago. Thanks for flying with us. Keep up the good blogging.

Posted in Writing | Tagged | 55 Comments

Pen Pal Valentines

Posted on February 5, 2023 by Jennie

Valentines for our pen pals who live far away in England and Michigan, love and friendship made by hand. Jennie

Posted in art, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Writing | Tagged , , | 37 Comments

A Smile Says it All – The Written Word, and Reading

Posted on September 29, 2022 by Jennie

My pen-pal is reading my letter.  Connecting with a child is a wondrous thing.  When that connection is cemented in written words and reading aloud, it gives the child an enormous boost in emotional development and confidence.  Suddenly the world … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Jim Trelease, literacy, reading, reading aloud, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 58 Comments

Pen-Pal Explosion

Posted on June 6, 2022 by Jennie

Our Pen-Pal Wall Back in April, when school was celebrating children around the world, it struck me that reaching out to other children would be a wonderful thing to do.  We could write letters, send cards, get to know each … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Learning About the World, literacy, preschool, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , | 45 Comments

Picture Stories, Storytelling, and Writing Letters

Posted on May 16, 2022 by Jennie

Learning begins with language, building words upon words.  The more words children hear, the more they learn, and the better they do in school.  All of this leads up to reading readiness.  So, if I can give children hundreds and … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, preschool, School, storytelling, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 78 Comments