Tag Archives: Teaching children

Mason and the Rainbow Song

Posted on July 9, 2019 by Jennie

Yesterday I filled-in at my school’s summer camp.  When I arrived at noon, children were at lunch.  After all the hugs and hollers, they begged for a ‘Jennie Story’, especially Mason. Interestingly, Mason has never been in my class. He … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, self esteem, Singing, summer camp, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 69 Comments

America – The True Meaning in a Children’s Book

Posted on July 2, 2019 by Jennie

The perfect book.  Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus captures the heart of America.  The stunning illustrations by Kadir Nelson make the simple text explode with meaning.  It is history: White Rows.  White Rows When I turned to this page, … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Book Review, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, history, Inspiration, patriotism, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 50 Comments

When Children Tell Their Stories

Posted on June 28, 2019 by Jennie

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 ‘Curbside Classroom’ – Year End

Posted on June 21, 2019 by Jennie

Steve the Crossing Guard posted about the final days at school this year.  Can you imagine being at his crosswalk – aka, ‘Curbside Classroom’ and hearing him burst into song, singing “Oh What a Beautiful Morning?”  Yes, he really did, … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, music, self esteem, teaching | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 60 Comments

A year of Chapter Reading

Posted on June 13, 2019 by Jennie

This is the newsletter I sent to parents on chapter reading – the single most important thing that makes a difference in teaching children: Chapter Reading June 11, 2019 Chapter reading is one of our treasured moments of the day.  … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 50 Comments

A ‘Renaissance Man’ Teacher and a Crossing Guard

Posted on May 29, 2019 by Jennie

Steve the Crossing Guard is an extraordinary teacher.  A ‘Renaissance Man’ teacher.  He is electric.  He thinks outside of the box.  And he truly understands children.  That’s what Jennie says. Wikipedia says: When the term “Renaissance man” is used, it … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, teaching, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 86 Comments

Mother Nature, and Alberta

Posted on May 12, 2019 by Jennie

It has taken me nearly seven decades to fully appreciate the canvas that Mother Nature paints every day.  And I still have a long way to go.  Often I feel more humbled than appreciative.  I’m working on that.  Because this … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 61 Comments

Steve the Crossing Guard

Posted on March 10, 2019 by Jennie

There are teachers, and there are remarkable teachers.  Steve the Crossing Guard is one of the remarkable teachers, and he doesn’t teach in a classroom. He teaches on the street at a school crossing.  The children at his crossing will … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, history, Inspiration, preschool, Quotes, storytelling, Teaching young children, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 73 Comments

The ‘Morning Star’

Posted on January 6, 2019 by Jennie

Originally posted on S'amusing:
Photo of planet Venus (tiny spec) above town high school 12/20/18 The students and I have been fortunate to have the planet Venus looking down at us as we make our way to school, or,…

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Nature, Singing, Uncategorized, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 31 Comments

Ringing in the New Year with a Teacher- My Hero

Posted on January 1, 2019 by Jennie

Many years ago, when our children were little and things were tight, our washing machine broke. When it rains it pours. I spent weekends at the laundromat – a perfect place to read while waiting for the wash to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, reading, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 92 Comments