Category Archives: young children

My Eric Carle Museum Visit

I love this picture! I visited the Eric Carle Museum, and as always, was surprised and delighted by what I saw and what I learned. Author and illustrator Astrid Sheckels read aloud her new book, Flora and the Jazzers, to … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Eric Carle, Eric Carle Museum, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading aloud, Singing, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 76 Comments

My Name is Red

Red is my favorite color. Can you tell? Last month I was green. Next month I’ll be brown. But now I’m red, and I’m in my glory. The sun and the wind like to play with me. Children want to … Continue reading

Posted in Giving, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, Nature, Poetry, young children | Tagged , , , , | 70 Comments

The Last Hurrah, and Blooming

Summer is over. Flowers have finished blooming, yet one brave, red, bloom burst forth with grandeur that rivaled nature. Flowers are like children, my children at school. They bloom at different times. Some are quiet, some are vibrant. Yet, when … Continue reading

Posted in Heart, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, Teaching young children, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , | 48 Comments

Juliana’s Surprise Visit

When school ends. most children enjoy school’s Summer Camp. Many teachers become Camp Counselors. I have summers off… which is hard for children. They miss me. Juliana popped over to my house unexpectedly. She missed me and wanted to see … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, summer camp, young children | Tagged , , , , | 59 Comments

Gloria in the Heat Wave

Our neighbors came over for a swim after dinner.  Things had started to cool down and the sun was behind the trees.  Their children love us, and of course follow me everywhere.  6 and 4 year olds do that (thank … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, Love, young children | Tagged , , | 91 Comments

Lost and Found!

‘Lost and Found’ is a story that has eclipsed most stories that have happened over the past 40 years.  Milly the Quilter and Gloria remain #1, and I’d be hard pressed to tell a story that is more meaningful than … Continue reading

Posted in art, Early Education, Inspiration, preschool, young children | Tagged , , , | 75 Comments

Three Wonderful Things

The school year has just ended.  I am exhausted and very happy.  It’s the little things that make the big difference, and here are three wonderful things that happened at the end of school: Lissy’s self -portrait Children draw a … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Gloria, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, preschool, self esteem, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , | 70 Comments

Children and Art – The Art Show

I have great faith in children, because they are eager sponges, soaking up everything along the way.  When learning is ‘hands-on’ that’s like electricity to the brain.  Art is a perfect example.  I tell children when they’re inspired, it goes … Continue reading

Posted in art, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 103 Comments

Singing With a Child on YouTube

It Happened Like This… While grocery shopping a few weeks ago, I listened to the music piped in over their intercom.  It was Faith Hill singing “This Kiss.”  I had a lightbulb teacher moment (which happens to me frequently.) The … Continue reading

Posted in America, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, Love, music, preschool, Singing, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , | 87 Comments

A Letter From My Pen Pal

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