Tag Archives: literacy

The Flights To and From LA – Book Stories

Posted on October 12, 2021 by Jennie

My flight to LA to appear on the Kelly Clarkson Show was packed.  I was in the three-seat section along with a nice young couple.  After a few hours in the air, it was apparent that she was pregnant.  He … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, literacy, music, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, School | Tagged , , , , , , , | 61 Comments

The End, and Also The Beginning

Posted on August 31, 2021 by Jennie

Every moment outside when summer ends is a gift.  I hang on tight.  I listen to the crickets.  I often think of E.B. White when he wrote “Charlotte’s Web.”  He knew how precious those last days of summer are.  He … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, literacy, Nature, Quotes, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , | 77 Comments

Chapter Reading Newsletter to Families

Posted on June 17, 2021 by Jennie

My final newsletter to families at school, telling them how important reading aloud chapter books is to their children.  Hopefully this opens the door for them. Chapter Reading June 16, 2021 Chapter reading is one of our treasured moments of … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, reading aloud, reading aloud, School | Tagged , , , , , , , | 71 Comments

Goodnight Moon

Posted on May 17, 2021 by Jennie

Before children learn to read, first they must hear the words.  It’s developmental, like learning to crawl before learning to walk.  The auditory piece, including singing, hits both the brain and the soul in learning.  In my preschool class, reading … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 67 Comments

Reading Aloud & Reading – There’s a Big Difference.

Posted on May 9, 2021 by Jennie

My greatest passion is reading aloud to children.  I thought it was time to talk about the difference between reading and reading aloud, as I often post about good children’s books.  While reading is the goal, the dream- reading aloud … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Early Education, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 99 Comments

“Amanda in Holland” is Terrific!

Posted on April 27, 2021 by Jennie

I’m the book guru at school.  That’s what they call me.  Finding a good children’s book is one of my greatest pleasures, next to reading aloud to children.  Teachers and parents lean on me for good books.  The storyline of … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, history, Learning About the World, military, reading | Tagged , , , , , , | 80 Comments

Humpty Dumpty – What Happened After His Fall?

Posted on March 15, 2021 by Jennie

“All the king’s horses and all the king’s men couldn’t put Humpty together again.” So, what  really happened to Humpty after his fall? “After the Fall” by Dan Santat tells the story.  It is one of the most innovative children’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, self esteem | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 65 Comments

Reading Aloud on Christmas Eve

Posted on December 24, 2020 by Jennie

I wanted to read aloud to the children on Christmas Eve.  I wanted to leave them with visions of sugar plums.  Well, I wanted to give them the gift of a story.  And that’s just what I did. Last March … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, Giving, Inspiration, Kindness, picture books, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 54 Comments

Light, “Fairyland” and Preschool Poetry

Posted on December 14, 2020 by Jennie

The winter solstice draws near, and Jupiter and Saturn will come close together as the bright Christmas Star – the first time in 800 years. Light It’s all about light in December.  Holidays are centered around light. I’ve never seen … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Mindfulness, Poetry, Quotes, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 53 Comments

Giving Thanks – Miles and “The Wild Robot”

Posted on November 25, 2020 by Jennie

Today I finished reading aloud to Miles, “The Wild Robot.”  I was a bit choked up.  Miles and his sister Claire (also a former student) were too.  This was the best Thanksgiving, real giving that truly matters. For bloggers who … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, reading aloud, reading aloud, Thanksgiving | Tagged , , , , , , | 78 Comments