Tag Archives: children’s books

Gifting Books to New Families

Books.  A big bucket of books.  A big bucket of excellent books. Sunday is my school’s annual Open House for new families, and for parents looking to enroll their child in our school.  As they walk through the front door, … Continue reading

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, picture books, preschool, reading, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 59 Comments

Talking Death and Dying with Children – Part 2

In Part 1, I opened the doors to talking with young children about death and dying. Finding a dead bunny on the playground was the opportunity I needed.  Children are often angry when a pet or loved one dies.  I shared … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Death and dying, Dogs, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 55 Comments

The Poet’s Dog

As winter is upon us, I am once again drawn to the best book, The Poet’s Dog.  Fall in love with a dog, a poet, and children- magnificently written, through the voice of the dog.  A winter storm has arrived … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, Dogs, Imagination, joy, Kindness, Love, Particia MacLachlan | Tagged , , , , , , | 107 Comments

Meeting Author Ryan T. Higgins

I was fortunate to meet Ryan Higgins, a favorite children’s book author, at the Eric Carle Museum last week.  He read aloud his new picture book, Santa Bruce.  I’m a big fan of his Mother Bruce books, so I grabbed that … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, museums, picture books, preschool, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 63 Comments

The Guest Reader – Age 6

Aaryan has been asking me for days to come into the classroom and be a guest reader.  “Jennie, I have the book in my backpack.  It’s the fish book.  They’re red and blue.  When can I come in and read?” … Continue reading

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, joy, picture books, reading aloud, reading aloud, Student alumni, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 34 Comments

The Very Hungry Caterpillar – 50th Anniversary

Fifty years.  That’s a very long time.  For a book to still be alive, vibrant, and read all over the world – fifty years later – is astounding.  The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle is celebrating it’s 50th anniversary … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, history, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , | 38 Comments

A Story of Reading Aloud

Author Kate DiCamillo tells a childhood story of her teacher reading aloud, when she was in second grade.  It is powerful.  She remembers every detail… including the class bully. “It’s 1972, and I’m 8 years old and in second grade … Continue reading

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, storytelling | Tagged , , , , , , | 63 Comments

A Boy and Robots

Rylan is the boy who loves reading.  He is part of my library read-aloud group, a big part.  That’s because he listens with his heart, and his mind.  His body tells me so.  Rylan’s eyes are glued to me, and … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 40 Comments

Language, Literacy, and Storytelling – Part 5 – The Conclusion

In Part 4, I shared my storytelling at school.  In the bathroom I use rhyming words and tell make-believe stories.  I incorporate children’s names into the story.  I add complex vocabulary words.  At lunchtime, I tell Jennie Stories, true stories of … Continue reading

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Death and dying, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, Kindness, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, storytelling, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 42 Comments

E.B. White’s Grandniece – In My Classroom

It happened like this: And as you know, those are the beginning words to a really good story.  So, hold on to your hat. Last spring I learned that E.B. White’s grandniece was giving a presentation at my local library.  … Continue reading

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 89 Comments