Fancy Nancy is a popular children’s book with our first grade students. Author Jane O’Connor’s title character likes to dress in extravagant clothing and use big fancy words. What little girl wouldn’t want to wear a feather boa and a tutu? The other day one of my little girls wanted to read Fancy Nancy with … Continue reading
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Pajama Day and the Simple Pleasure of a Good Night’s Sleep
Today was Pajama Day at school. The students came to school in total comfort. Many sported their favorite animated characters, like Spiderman, Ninja Turtles, Hello Kitty, and Sponge Bob, while others were decked out in peace signs, snowflakes, or hearts. The kids really enjoyed the novelty of dressing differently for school, and differently from each … Continue reading
Popcorn Words
All words are pegs to hang ideas on. – Henry Ward Beecher And some words certainly carry a hefty load of ideas! For example, the word “love” can be interchanged with the words “compassion”, “romance”, “friendship”, and “affection”, to name but a few. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Other words are … Continue reading
What Do You Get When…
You pull the flaps up on your juice box??? Why, wings, of course! One of the first graders that I work with in the Autistic Support program showed me this as she sat down to savor her lunchbox feast. I like the image of a happy little juice box that can fly away with its … Continue reading
Of Thee I Sing
Did you know that President Barack Obama authored a children’s book? Titled Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters, the book is “a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans and the ideals that have shaped our nation.” Featuring beautiful illustrations by Loren Long, Of Thee I Sing reminds us that unity and diversity … Continue reading
Creating The Adventure Book Of A Lifetime
Photo albums provide a rewarding way to record the destinations we travel… …as many of us who enjoy taking vacation snapshots know. Our photos become souvenirs, reminding us that we have left our footprints on a distinct place in the world, in a particular moment in time. Our photos can stir our memories, evoking happy … Continue reading
Simply Silly Songs
Sometimes it’s the silly things that are simple pleasures. In the spirit of Presidents’ Day (so thankful for a work holiday!), I want to share with you a television commercial that never fails to crack me up, especially since it reminds me of the musical stylings of a family member who shall go unnamed (Gabrielle) … Continue reading
Putting Your Best Face Forward
“You have a look of determination on your face,” said Mrs. Bishop to our young student. We work with first graders who are mildly autistic and, in some ways, developmentally delayed. Recently our student had begun to make connections between letters and sounds – she’s learning to read! On this day, she and I had … Continue reading
May The Force Be With You
I love talking with kids. And listening to them. Especially young children. Kids are eager to share their thoughts and ideas, their feelings and knowledge. Sometimes I am amazed, other times I am amused, and sometimes I feel deeply touched. Sometimes I just laugh. This was one of those times. I was working with one … Continue reading
Happy 3rd Birthday, River!
She came into this world a little earlier than expected; a tiny, precious bundle of Christmas joy. How small and helpless she was, and needing so much of her mom’s loving care and patient attention to nurture her. Although her mom was a little overwhelmed and extremely sleep-deprived, she managed to provide River with exactly … Continue reading
Simple Pleasures 