Free Book Downloads!  - Hans Wilhelm, author/illustrator of such books as “I’ll Always Love You” and “Tyrone the Horrible” has put nearly 100 of his foreign and out-of-print books on a new website, www.childrensbooksforever.com where they can be read and enjoyed for free.  It is his way of thanking all the kindergarten teachers of America and everyone who loves children’s books for having shared and read his books for so many years! 

Poems & More:

The Value of Play Poem: Sometimes parents wonder why their children appear to be "just playing" rather than engaging in "real learning" in preschool. This poem may help those who want "real learning" understand that things aren't always what they seem. Preschool teachers, please share this poem with families!

You say you love your children, And are concerned they learn today? So am I; that's why I'm providing A variety of kinds of play. You're asking me the value Of blocks and other such play? Your children are solving problems. They will use that skill everyday. You're asking what's the value Of having your children play? Your daughter's creating a tower. She may be a builder someday. You're saying you don't want your son To play in that "sissy" way? He's learning to cuddle a doll. He may be a father someday. You're questioning the learning centers; They just look like useless play? Your children are making choices; They'll be on their own someday. You're worried your children aren't learning, and later they'll pay? They're learning a pattern for learning, For they will be learners always. ---Leila P. Fagg---

Rituals are one of the key elements in building a classroom community.  They are the method and means of connecting with each other.  Rituals can be done through a variety of methods, some of the most common methods include; songs, pledges, prayers and celebrations. Please enjoy the small sampling of some of my favorite ones below, which participants have created in my seminars.