Tag Archives: teaching young children

My Classroom Bookshelf

Posted on April 30, 2018 by Jennie

My classroom bookshelf is the most important and popular place to be.  I think so, and children certainly feel that way.  They congregate like squirrels at a bird feeder.  Yes, there are fights over books, loud times, and also quiet … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, picture books, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 73 Comments

How to Teach a Child to Become a Superhero

Posted on April 20, 2018 by Jennie

Superheroes.  Every child wants to be a Superhero.  Ask a child, “What does a Superhero do?” and you will hear everything from “save the day” to “help people” to “get the bad guys.”  These are good things, and Superheros are … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, picture stories, self esteem, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 88 Comments

The Art Show!

Posted on April 12, 2018 by Jennie

“It took me a lifetime to learn to draw like a child.” –Pablo Picasso– “I would like to paint the way a bird sings.” –Claude Monet– “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” –Vincent van … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, self esteem, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 76 Comments

Little House in the Big Woods

Posted on April 7, 2018 by Jennie

I began reading aloud a new chapter reading book, Little House in the Big Woods, by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  In thirty minutes, I had read only four pages.  Four!  There was so much happening in the story, we had to stop … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 82 Comments

Those Two Short, Precious Years

Posted on March 28, 2018 by Jennie

When our daughter took piano lessons with Nancy, I would sit and wait in the living room of her big old house, along with our young son.  We had an hour together.  An hour that didn’t have the distraction of … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 50 Comments

Music Begins to Inspire Our Art.

Posted on March 25, 2018 by Jennie

“The music goes into your ears and into your brain.  Then, as you listen to the notes and sounds, it goes into your heart and shoots out of your fingers.  Like a million stars.  It’s magic.” Those are the words … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Inspiration, music, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 103 Comments

“Katy and the Big Snow”…and So Much More

Posted on March 15, 2018 by Jennie

Katy and the Big Snow, by Virginia Lee Burton is a classic children’s book that continues to be beloved today.  After three nor’easter snow storms these past two week, it was the perfect read.  The book never gets old, children … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, geography, Learning About the World, picture stories, reading, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 38 Comments

Meeting Jane Yolen at the Eric Carle Museum

Posted on March 12, 2018 by Jennie

Jane Yolen spoke to teachers, librarians and writers yesterday at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts.  She has just published her 365th book.  Really.  Sold out event.  I knew I had to be there because … Continue reading →

Posted in Author interview, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 59 Comments

How Not to Become a Troubled School Shooter

Posted on March 9, 2018 by Jennie

Make Friends Be Kind Share Play Read Books, Together Laugh Know That Crying Lets The Hurt Come Out Tell Stories, Real and Make Believe Tell your Mom When You Feel Angry Say Please and Thank You Ask For Help Accept … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Kindness, Love, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 69 Comments

My Mother’s Fairy Tales

Posted on March 6, 2018 by Jennie

My mother gave me her childhood book of fairy tales when my children were young.  This wasn’t a book she had ever shown me, or my brother and sisters.  I think it was my teaching and my newfound love of … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, reading, self esteem, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 89 Comments