Tag Archives: teaching young children

Penguins, God, Spectacles, the Atlas, and Reading Aloud.

Posted on December 13, 2017 by Jennie

The classroom was dark except for a few strings of twinkling lights.  It was time for chapter reading before rest time.  We started a new chapter reading book, Mr. Popper’s Penguins.  Day one is always thrilling, and I show children … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Learning About the World, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 35 Comments

Children Talking Death and Dying… It’s Good

Posted on December 4, 2017 by Jennie

Recently on the playground I watched children happily engaged in play.  The important part to them was someone dying.  It may sound grim, but it was really a happy game of imaginary play.  The characters were a mom and a … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Early Education, Learning About the World | Tagged , , , | 58 Comments

The Book That Changed Thanksgiving

Posted on November 27, 2017 by Jennie

When I visit with the grandchildren, a beloved ritual is reading a story before bedtime. The musicality of words floating into the ear and going into the mind becomes an arrow that pierces the heart.  It always happens that way. … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 74 Comments

When Nothing Goes Right, There’s Mister Rogers

Posted on November 15, 2017 by Jennie

Mister Rogers Nothing went right yesterday at school.  I should check to see if there was a full moon. Grumpy was the mood of the day for children.  At our Morning Meeting Allie, Gloria’s BFF, stood with her arms crossed.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Kindness, Love | Tagged , , , , , | 57 Comments

Gloria and Allie

Posted on November 13, 2017 by Jennie

Everyone adores Gloria, and I do mean everyone.  After all, she is the nice one, the good friend.  She gives children unconditional love.  Do you know that Gloria has a journal?  It is well-worn from love.  When children take Gloria … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Giving, Gloria, Kindness, Love, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 37 Comments

The Presence of Wonder

Posted on November 6, 2017 by Jennie

“Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder.“  -E.B. White- I do that every day at school. …from morning Watching the sun make colors come alive. Children discovering ladybugs everywhere.  Each one is different. …till evening Snuggling together … Continue reading →

Posted in E.B. White, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 54 Comments

A Magical Night at School

Posted on October 21, 2017 by Jennie

There’s nothing quite like being a child at school – in the dark – at night – with your family. This week children and families gathered at school for a pizza party outside on the playground.  It was such fun … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Halloween, Imagination, jack-o-lanterns, Singing | Tagged , , , , , , | 52 Comments

England, and the Beatles

Posted on October 19, 2017 by Jennie

My preschool class is learning about England.  Our loft has been transformed into Buckingham Palace.  The Union Jack flies overhead along with a picture of Queen Elizabeth.  We made a red phone booth out of a big box, and we … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, England, music, Singing, Teaching young children, The Beatles | Tagged , , , , , , , | 68 Comments

The Diorama that Changed a Child

Posted on October 11, 2017 by Jennie

Jared is part of my Book Bears library group.  He is a great kid; he was in my preschool class years ago. I loved Jared (and still do).  No child has a bigger heart.  Teachers just have to see that.  … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, reading aloud, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 33 Comments

Ten Authors and Artists Share Their Inspiration

Posted on October 9, 2017 by Jennie

There I was, listening to the best children’s book authors and illustrators at the Eric Carle Museum of picture Book Art, talking about what inspired them.  I couldn’t write fast enough (yes, I took a flurry of notes) or listen … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Author interview, books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading aloud, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 35 Comments