Tag Archives: literacy

Two Moons, Two Jane Yolen Books

Posted on August 16, 2019 by

The year was 1987.  I had been teaching preschool for three years.  I was immersed in children’s books, reading the great ones and the new ones.  That was the year I became picky about books, because what I read aloud … Continue reading →

Posted in Author interview, Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Inspiration, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 81 Comments

When Teachers Tell Their Stories – Part 4

Posted on July 19, 2019 by

In Part 3, I talked about telling scary stories.  Children love that anticipation of being scared.  One of my most popular Jennie Stories, “The Bat Story”, is just that – being scared. Part 4 Adventure and ‘cliffhanger’ moments, when they … Continue reading →

Posted in preschool, storytelling, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 101 Comments

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