Tag Archives: Teaching children

My Tree of Life

Posted on September 5, 2016 by Jennie

A tree is a universal and natural element for teaching young children.  It is almighty; the one thing that represents birth, life and death, seasons, colors, beauty, divergence, and wonder.  That list alone is startling, yet just the tip of … Continue reading →

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

Practicing Handwriting and Math…In a Chinese Restaurant

Posted on June 12, 2016 by Jennie

Our dramatic play area is now a Chinese restaurant.  We have added menus, a wok, a cash register with money from our ‘travel box’, order pads and pencils, aprons, and chopsticks. Learning takes place in many different ways.  The setting … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

Memorial Day Remembrance

Posted on May 27, 2016 by Jennie

Our school wide Memorial Day remembrance some years ago with General Zukauskas and Cadet Crampton was stirring and moving, to say the least.  I think holding the American flag and singing patriotic songs, particularly “The Star Spangled Banner”, were quite … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 21 Comments

Teaching the Importance of Giving

Posted on April 24, 2016 by Jennie

My head is always spinning with excitement when I encounter or learn something new.  The pattern is predictable; ‘soak up what I see and hear’, and then ‘how can I teach this to children?’.  I am constantly on a quest … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 15 Comments

The Art Show Begins

Posted on March 6, 2016 by Jennie

Children naturally gravitate to art, whether painting at an easel or drawing pictures.  Art is akin to sand and water; it triggers learning, and it’s fun for children.  Each year my class displays and Art Show for our entire community.  … Continue reading →

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Children’s Stories

Posted on January 18, 2016 by Jennie

Children have incredible words, given the opportunity to tell their story. As I took down a hallway art display I read (yet again) the story that children had created about living in a castle.  What would they do and who … Continue reading →

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Reading Aloud. ‘Star Wars’, Move Over

Posted on January 7, 2016 by Jennie

Thursdays I read aloud at the library.  I chapter read, and that is far different than reading a story.  Each Thursday ends with and then?  For thirty minutes children are glued to every word, because those words are powerful and … Continue reading →

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Linking the Generations at School

Posted on November 22, 2015 by Jennie

Milly is a master quilter who regularly visits my classroom.  Over the years she and the children have designed and made some quilts that are incredible works of art.  One hangs in the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia.  Another hangs … Continue reading →

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The Peace Quilt; Yet Another Story

Posted on August 21, 2015 by Jennie

Every so often (and more often than not) I’m surprised with an email about a former student.  Typically it comes from the parent, regaling a wonderful experience with their child, directly related to something from their days in my classroom  … Continue reading →

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Reading Aloud Makes a Big Difference. Here’s Proof.

Posted on November 23, 2014 by Jennie

I love a good story, especially one that involves reading aloud and the stunning difference it makes with children.  Here is a favorite story of mine, from the million-copy best selling book, The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease: “During his … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments