Tag Archives: children’s books

Thank You, Sergeant Curran, Our Pen-Pal

Posted on March 9, 2017 by Jennie

“Thank you.”  Those are the most fundamental words, next to “please”, that shape children’s character.  It is far more than manners; saying the words is one thing, doing the words is another. My class is thanking Sergeant Curran, stationed in Afghanistan.  We’re doing … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Kindness, Learning About the World, patriotism, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 48 Comments

Jim Trelease Quote, Reading and Writing, and a Journey of Teaching

Posted on March 5, 2017 by Jennie

A great quote can pack as much power as a good book.  When both come together in one package, then you have it all.  That’s Jim Trelease.  That’s The Read-Aloud Handbook. “People would stand in line for days and pay … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 38 Comments

When a Fairy Tale is Not Enough

Posted on February 28, 2017 by Jennie

If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales.  If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales. -Albert Einstein- Fairy Tales are the root of storytelling.  They are also the most popular … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, picture books, reading, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 44 Comments

An Art Museum For Book Lovers

Posted on February 24, 2017 by Jennie

People think of an art museum as… art, single standing pieces on their own right. Imagine masterful, award winning art combined with the best literature, in one museum. Exciting? You bet!  A hidden gem in Amherst, Massachusetts. What is your … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Imagination, picture books, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 86 Comments

“Katy and The Big Snow”– Geography, a Compass, and Measuring

Posted on February 14, 2017 by Jennie

Katy and the Big Snow, by Virginia Lee Burton is a classic children’s book that continues to be beloved today.  After two major snow storms this week, it was the perfect read.  The book never gets old, children always find … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, geography, Imagination, Math, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 22 Comments

Language, Literacy, Imagination, and Reading-Aloud

Posted on February 8, 2017 by Jennie

People often ask why I chapter read.  After all, many of the children in my classroom are are three-years-old.  When we chapter read, the children don’t have an image from a picture book.  They have to make the pictures in … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 49 Comments

When Chapter Reading Isn’t Enough

Posted on January 29, 2017 by Jennie

Charlotte’s Web is a book that has a profound influence on children in the best of ways.  Children listen, often silent because of all the wonder that is going into their brains.  The words alone paint a picture that they relate … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 65 Comments

Maya Angelou

Posted on January 11, 2017 by Jennie

Did you know that Maya Angelou wrote a children’s book?  She did, back in 1994.  I have been reading her book to my preschoolers long before I really knew of her. I was always drawn to her quote in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Peace, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 35 Comments

In the Words of a Child

Posted on January 4, 2017 by Jennie

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched.  They must felt with the heart.” -Helen Keller- It happened like this… Children were gathered to hear a story.  I was ready to read-aloud two … Continue reading →

Posted in Kindness, picture books, reading, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 56 Comments

Sticky Buns and “Owling”

Posted on December 27, 2016 by Jennie

Another Christmas, and another delivery of sticky buns.  Every year I feel like a child hoping that Santa Claus will come, except that Santa is actually “the sticky bun mom”.  This is perhaps the longest tradition in my family, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 62 Comments