Tag Archives: Early Education

Thank You, Sergeant Curran, Our Pen-Pal

“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

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

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go,” -Dr. Seuss- Today Dr. Seuss would have been one-hundred-and-thirteen years old. His books continue to be popular with children. … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 37 Comments

When a Fairy Tale is Not Enough

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

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

A Day at the Art Museum – Inspiring Children

Art and preschoolers go hand-in-hand.  If I want children to feel excited and inspired by art, it must begin with me.  I recently visited the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, New Hampshire and… oh my! Let me back up. … Continue reading

Posted in art, Early Education, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 54 Comments

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

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

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

Literacy and Math

When I was in first grade, I mastered math placement.  Really.  Math is not my strong suit, but my teacher read aloud Millions of Cats by Wanda Gag.   The repeated text in the book is, “Hundreds of cats, thousands of … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Math, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 25 Comments

When Chapter Reading Isn’t Enough

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