Tag Archives: Making a Difference

The Importance of Imagination

Posted on January 24, 2017 by Jennie

Imagination is the most exciting, and the most powerful tool I have when teaching children. It’s the foundation for learning, and for wanting to learn. The best learning that takes place in my classroom is rooted in imagination; from reading … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, Quotes | Tagged , , , , , , | 33 Comments

Sticky Buns and “Owling”

Posted on December 27, 2016 by Jennie

Another Christmas, and another delivery of sticky buns.  Every year I feel like a child hoping that Santa Claus will come, except that Santa is actually “the sticky bun mom”.  This is perhaps the longest tradition in my family, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 62 Comments

Gloria and Trick-or-Treating

Posted on November 1, 2016 by Jennie

Last night Gloria was invited to go trick-or-treating.  There was no doubt in the child’s mind that she would be a cow, a baby cow.  She rode in the stroller with his little sister.  He just knew that was the … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Kindness, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 18 Comments

Making Magic

Posted on October 19, 2016 by Jennie

Each year I host a party for children and their families, and every year it creates magic– not the storybook or pretend magic, but something very real. Families gather with their children when school closes and have a pizza party … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 39 Comments

“Gloria”

Posted on October 9, 2016 by Jennie

Gloria is perhaps the kindest and most beloved member of my class.  She has been around for quite some time, and she returned to school this week.  The children were… well, a bit unsure at first.  After all, Gloria is … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Kindness, Peace, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 52 Comments

The Pen is Mighty

Posted on August 2, 2016 by Jennie

Writing is a powerful thing.  And, so is reading.  To my surprise and delight, this is what I received in the mail recently: Yes, it is a postcard from author Kate DiCamillo.  It is even signed, “Your Friend”.  I sent … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 33 Comments

The Boy Who Cried Tears of the Heart

Posted on July 1, 2016 by Jennie

Chapter reading is one of our treasured moments of the day at school.  I know this, and so does Jackson.  Books bring to life the imagination, the world, and the past.  The anticipation of ‘what happens next’ stirs excitement every … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 44 Comments

Jim Trelease Quote, Reading and Writing, and a Journey of Teaching

Posted on May 1, 2016 by Jennie

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 Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 35 Comments

The Boy With the Red Hair

Posted on January 13, 2016 by Jennie

January is always a busy month at school, and tonight I was tired.  My husband and I had errands to do after school, so we had dinner at a small local restaurant.  Just when I thought I had nothing left, … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Dear Teachers, Joy is the Magic Word

Posted on September 7, 2015 by Jennie

Dear Teachers, As you start your new school year there is one word that will get you through the uncertainty and the worry.  It’s the same word that is the heart of educating.  That word is ‘joy’.  No, it’s not … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 30 Comments