Tag Archives: Inspiration

The Giving Tree

There is a tree on the playground that is old and big.  Its branches dip down.  Each one seems to have a mind of its own.  The boughs sway and reach, and children look up. I wonder if the tree … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, Kindness, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 104 Comments

My Morning Greeting, a Frosty Heart

When summer turns to fall and nights become cold, the mornings are frosty. I am greeted with a heart, every morning. People tell me it is a message from above. I think about that.  I also think of Nan, my … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Love, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 68 Comments

Nature is the Greatest Teacher for Children

Covid-19 has actually made teachers rethink how to best teach young children.  At school, we decided that spending more time outside is better for children.  We teachers all know the benefits of nature, yet the demands of what children need … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, Nature, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 117 Comments

School, the End of Summer, and My Porch

Back to school is hard. I feel like the children do, apprehensive and unsure. Summer is ending. The crickets are telling me so. During this transition, the place that grounds me is my porch. On my porch, I’m still part … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, teaching, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 70 Comments

The Day Before School… Ice Cream!

School starts tomorrow for teachers.  Today I drove out to a farm, in the country. It was a picture perfect day.  The farm is a dairy farm.  That means ice cream. New England + dairy farms = the best ice … Continue reading

Posted in American flag, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Nature | Tagged , , , | 81 Comments

Ahead of His Time

“Anyone who does anything to help a child in his life is a hero.” ~Fred Rogers~ Jennie

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Quotes, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 56 Comments

The Green Mountain State – Vermont, Part 2

This sight brought on a huge smile. A big American flag against the backdrop of the Green Mountains. Life is good. Our destination was the Bennington Museum in Bennington, Vermont.  There’s a back story here, which many of my longtime … Continue reading

Posted in America, art, geography, Inspiration, museums, Nature, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 61 Comments

Morning at the Market

A giant field of gorgeous sunflowers and zinnias greeting customers as they arrive to shop for local produce. A delightful way to start the morning. Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 55 Comments

The Green Mountain State – Vermont, Part 1

Yes, I know.  You want to be there, too. Hubby and I put the top down on the old sports car and drove to Vermont.  Winding back roads all the way.  The weather was glorious, big puffy clouds and a … Continue reading

Posted in America, geography, history, Inspiration, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 84 Comments

Becoming Inspired to Write

The days have been hot and humid, not the best for writing.  Today I had a huge dose of inspiration.  I played with E.B. White’s Underwood typewriter.  Really. I was so very careful.  Of course I didn’t hit a key. … Continue reading

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Inspiration, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 77 Comments