I have been enjoying Pharrell Williams’ Happy. With its smooth and easy melody and infectious lyrics, this song is an instant mood-changer. Recently we had a 30-minute “dance party” at school to reward our children for good behavior throughout the month. One of our young teachers served as DJ for our second-, third-, and fourth-graders … Continue reading
Tagged with children …
Telling Tails
A few years ago, I broke my tailbone. My shoes slipped on our carpeted stairs and the next thing I knew I was bouncing like a ball. Bump, bump, bump. I was bruised and so sore. As anyone who has fallen on their tailbone can tell you, the pain of sitting or lying in bed … Continue reading
Parades & Kids of All Ages
Life has been so busy these days, what with travel, holidays, birthdays, and cats! It’s all good, though – so much to see and do, there’s never a dull moment. I will be sharing much of my happy chaos in posts to follow. For now I’d like to show you scenes from our local Independence … Continue reading
It Was Long Ago
It Was Long Ago By Eleanor Farjeon I’ll tell you, shall I, something I remember? Something that still means a great deal to me. It was long ago. A dusty road in summer I remember, A mountain, and an old house, and a tree That stood, you know, Behind the house. An old woman I … Continue reading
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
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
Halloween Is The Perfect Time For…
…Picking your own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, which isn’t so easy when you’re only six months old. So many interesting shapes and sizes to choose from…which one will wear the face of a jack-o-lantern? And when will the Great Pumpkin arrive? …Funny hats and little black cats who come for a visit and perhaps … Continue reading
The Inspiration of Children
When I approach a child he inspires me in two sentiments; tenderness for what he is, and respect for what he may become. ~ Louis Pasteur As the school year is coming to a close, I find myself reflecting on the progress made by our second graders and on the meaningful interactions I have had … Continue reading
Rivers Are Children Holding Hands
I came across this wonderful little poem. It appeared in a second grade reading textbook in an article about the life of a poet. To my dismay, the publisher of the book did not include the title of the poem or the year that it was published. Unfortunately, my internet research has failed to uncover … Continue reading
Simple Pleasures 