Tag Archives: literacy

When Children Tell Their Stories

Posted on June 28, 2019 by

Stories.  That word alone is groundbreaking.  It means listening, looking, hearing, and thinking.  Stories light a fire.  That means learning. Children have more ideas and thoughts in their heads than we realize.  Their brains are gigantic sponges; they see it … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, picture stories, preschool, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, storytelling, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 62 Comments

The Boy Who Cried Tears of the Heart – Epilogue

Posted on May 9, 2019 by

Reading aloud happened today, twice.  Both events spanned years – well, connected years – yet were about the same child.  Let me explain. This is the time of year that I chapter read fact, not fiction books.  I start with … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, Dogs, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, history, reading aloud, reading aloud, Student alumni | Tagged , , , , , , | 57 Comments

A Free ‘Oral Vaccine’ for Literacy

Posted on May 3, 2019 by

Yes, people would definitely stand in line for days and pay hundreds of dollars.  Yet, it’s all right there, in the words of a book.  Read aloud, go to the library.  Get that free ‘oral vaccine’ for literacy.  Make a … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, picture books, Quotes, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 48 Comments

Children’s Questions and a Serenade

Posted on March 24, 2019 by

I finished reading aloud the chapter book, The Story of Doctor Dolittle.  This is a favorite book with children, and I discourage watching the movie which makes silliness out of an excellent story. The animals are the characters, each with … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, music, reading aloud, reading aloud, Singing, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 80 Comments

Talking Death and Dying with Children – Part 1

Posted on February 9, 2019 by

“Jennie, come quick!  You need to come right now!” Vivian was wide-eyed and worried.  I knew this was serious.  I sprinted with her over to the bushes and around to the backside.  There lay a bunny.  It looked to be … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Death and dying, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Nature, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 92 Comments

The Poet’s Dog

Posted on January 20, 2019 by

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

The Guest Reader – Age 6

Posted on December 5, 2018 by

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