Author: jjbrett.com

“The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.” -Leo Tolstoy Definitely needed this little reminder today. And it makes me think that there just might be a little Arya Stark in all of us! Wishing you the breath of patience and the gift of time.

Darth Vader Vs. Kylo Ren. The great debate of 2016 in my classroom. A classroom of barely 4 year olds.  A few of my boys come to school everyday in their Star Wars T-shirts and plush Yoda or Vader dolls claiming to use the force on me. Outside, I hear, “I’m Darth Vader” and “I’m… Continue reading The great debate

15 years ago it was the first day of school and  I awoke to news of a horrible day in history. I would have to go and face 12 little faces all aglow . They would have no idea of what the day would come to mean.  But I knew, their parents knew, the country… Continue reading No ordinary day

“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” ― Malala Yousafzai     We should all try to read,  to write and to teach everyday. Read the stories, write the memories and teach the lessons we have learned.  We may all be the better for it ONE day.

Well, it’s about that time of year when teachers head back to the classroom to prepare for the new school year.  They have hit up their local office supply store for the Back to School sales and are armed and ready with new pencils and glue sticks.  They will spend days putting their classroom back… Continue reading Meetings, prep time and curriculum…oh my!

   This caught my eye the other day. I find it to be so true. Reading comes more naturally when children read what interests them and what makes their heart sing.  Every letter, every word and every book is one more rung on the reading ladder. 

Summer is all about vacation and for a teacher, vacation usually involves something educational and/or historical. I spent a few days in New England in both Massachusettes and New Hampshire and I must say it was “wicked” awesome! Both States offer a lot of American history and that early American quaint feeling.  Visiting the old brick… Continue reading A weekend in New England

As the the last days of school finally approached, my class had “water play day”. They came to school prepared to get wet! Our school playground is on a hillside and comes complete with sprinklers.  We turned them on and, oh,  what fun it was to watch childhood come alive! When was the last time… Continue reading Summer sprinkles

It’s the weekend and it’s always a good idea to curl up with a cup of tea and a classic read like a Jane Austen or Emily Bronte book. However, curling up with a good classic movie is also a good idea. I have recently been watching a few of Audrey Hepburn’s best work because… Continue reading Stay classic