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sallymacsam.bsky.social
Tenderhearted Teacher
@sallymacsam.bsky.social
760 followers 1.4K following 250 posts
Special education preschool teacher, mom of 2 littles and a rescue dog, ECE blogger, and aspiring PB writer

www.tenderheartedteacher.com
IG: @tenderheartedteacher

#scbwi #12x12challenge #kidlit #pb #writingcommunity #preschool #earlychildhood
Posts Replies Media Videos
sallymacsam.bsky.social
Happy to say I finally submitted my #FallWritingFrenzy entry! Good luck to everyone who entered the contest.

And a special thanks to the hosts @kaitlynleann17.bsky.social @lydialukidis.bsky.social @professoraixa.bsky.social as well as the judges for their time and effort!

#kidlit #picturebooks
October 3, 2025 at 8:41 PM
sallymacsam.bsky.social
I finally posted my #sunwritefun entry! Have you submitted yours? #kidlit writers, get your story in before it's too late! Deadline is August 18th!

@kmgreenwald.bsky.social
@buchetbooks.bsky.social
@swildmansf.bsky.social
@readertoreader

www.karengreenwald.com/sunwritefun-25
August 17, 2025 at 1:18 PM
sallymacsam.bsky.social
Phonological awareness, the ability to hear and play with sounds of language, is one of the best predictors of future reading success in kids.

To learn more & download my free rhyming card set, visit: tenderheartedteacher.com/phonological...

#earlyliteracy  #scienceofreading #preschoolactivities
Light purple background with dark purple text reads “free printable set: rhyming word cards. Great for developing phonological awareness skills. Set includes 20 sets.” Then 8 examples of rhyming cards with illustrated photos are pictured, i.e. cat/hat, man/fan, bee/tree, box/fox.
August 12, 2025 at 5:51 PM
sallymacsam.bsky.social
#SunWriteFun donor shout-out Pt. 2
@literallylynne.bsky.social @nchurnin.bsky.social
@dowphumiruk.bsky.social @ajirving.bsky.social
@lynnstreetbooks.bsky.social
@kmgreenwald.bsky.social @buchetbooks.bsky.social @swildmansf.bsky.social
www.karengreenwald.com/sunwritefun-25 @ReaderToReader #kidlit
August 12, 2025 at 2:51 PM
sallymacsam.bsky.social
Hey #kitlit crew. Follow these #SunWriteFun donors (Pt.1) & enter the contest!
@kmgreenwald.bsky.social
@buchetbooks.bsky.social
@12x12challenge.bsky.social
@picturebooksummit.bsky.social
@authorhmacht.bsky.social

www.karengreenwald.com/sunwritefun-25
@swildmansf.bsky.social @ReaderToReader
August 12, 2025 at 2:48 PM
sallymacsam.bsky.social
“This girl loves to make things. Some days it’s hard to come up with ideas, but today is not one of those days.” <3 this quote from the #picturebook The Most Magnificent Team #sunfunwrite @kmgreenwald.bsky.social @buchetbooks.bsky.social @swildmansf.bsky.social www.karengreenwald.com/sunwritefun-25
August 7, 2025 at 4:48 PM
sallymacsam.bsky.social
I dream of having a STEM-focused #picturebook published one day. Boxitects is one of my current classroom favorites. What about you? #sunwritefun
www.karengreenwald.com/sunwritefun-25
@kmgreenwald.bsky.social @buchetbooks.bsky.social @swildmansf.bsky.social
August 7, 2025 at 4:35 PM
sallymacsam.bsky.social
Who is entering the #sunwritefun contest? Should I do it too
#kidlit community? It will be my first attempt at information fiction! @kmgreenwald.bsky.social @buchetbooks.bsky.social @swildmansf.bsky.social @readertoreader

www.karengreenwald.com/sunwritefun-25
August 7, 2025 at 4:28 PM
sallymacsam.bsky.social
Sara, a "no sabo" kid, worries about being able to communicate with her Spanish-speaking cousin when they meet for the 1st time. During a family gathering, she discovers there are many ways to relate to her cousin, family, and culture that don’t involve speaking the same language. #bluepit📖 #pb #q
Alt: The author's collage describes her book with 5 images. Upper left image: a family sits together at a table eating dinner. Middle left image: Hands hold a pair of painted maracas featuring the design of the Puerto Rican flag. Lower left image: a small coqui (frog) sits on a branch. Upper right image: tostones (deep-fried plantains) rest on a cutting board. They are sprinkled in salt. Garlic dipping sauce sits on the side. Lower right image: Two young girls sit at a table working together on a puzzle. A text box sits over the images. It reads the book's title: NO SABO KID, Comp titles are also listed: SQUAWK OF SPANISH & MARIANA AND HER FAMILIA
July 13, 2025 at 10:13 PM
sallymacsam.bsky.social
A curious child “wonders what wonders” they’ll discover on their daily walk with Mama. They find beauty in the ordinary all over town. A tree’s tangled roots, an open kitchen window, a chorus of bird calls, colorful fall leaves, and a crunchy apple invigorate their 5 senses. #bluepit📖 #PB #SEL #Q
The author's collage describes her book with five images. Upper left image: a white, tan, and orange bird sings on a bare tree branch. Middle left image: a shiny red apple sits on a wooden table. Several green trees are in the background. Lower left image: an old tree’s roots are exposed on the ground through fallen brown leaves. The roots are knotted and tangled like braids. Upper right image: two sets of feet are shown on a black sidewalk covered with fallen leaves. One set is a child’s and one set is an adult’s. They are both wearing blue jeans and black sneakers. Lower right image: Two large blue shutters are open. The view ahead is a pathway of fallen leaves and several lush trees surrounding it with yellow leaves. A text box sits over the images. It reads the book's title: Wandering for Wonders. Comp titles are also listed: Wonder Walkers + Stickler Loves the World.
July 13, 2025 at 10:11 PM
sallymacsam.bsky.social
Panic sets in for a spunky child who “isn’t afraid of anything” after her favorite stuffy falls into the dark abyss under her bed. Hilarity ensues as she psyches herself up for a rescue mission. She’ll need to overcome her fears to save her bestie before she’s lost FOREVER. #bluepit📖 #PB #SEL
Alt: The author's collage describes her book with four images. Upper left image: a tan teddy bear wearing a brown ribbon leans against a pink background. Lower left image: a small chalkboard that reads "Be Brave" rests on a collection of gray pebbles. Upper right image: a young child, shining a flashlight, peeks under a dark bed. Lower right image: A girl's bedroom is decorated in white furniture with green and pink accents. A text box sits over the images. It reads the book's title: UNDER THE BED. Comp titles are also listed: Tiny T. Rex And The Very Dark Dark + Afraid of the Light
July 13, 2025 at 4:32 PM
sallymacsam.bsky.social
Penny has a passion for picking things up. Her siblings think her collection is junk. But, she’s got big plans for her fave pieces–if only she finds the perfect shell on vacation. With that final touch, she’ll create a one-of-a-kind keepsake that lets her unique spirit shine. #bluepit📖 #STEM #PB #Q
The author's collage describes her book with four images. Upper left image: a collection of arts and crafts materials displayed on a yellow table. Items include multi-colored beads, balls of yarn, buttons, pipe-cleaners, felt, gems, and scissors. Lower left image: a child looks down at her notebook at the family picture she drew with colored pencils. Upper right image: a young child, with pig-tails in her hair, stands on the beach looking out at the waves. A seagull flies over the water in front of her. Lower right image: A broken seashell with a large hole at its top rests in the sand. A text box sits over the images. It reads the book's title: Penny's Prized Possessions. Comp titles are also listed: Something Great + Percy's Museum.
July 13, 2025 at 3:51 PM
sallymacsam.bsky.social
It’s Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5-9, 2025!) Please remember to thank the special teachers in your life. Share this post and don’t forget to tag them below to show your gratitude!

#teacherappreciationweek2025 #thankateacher #teacherappreciation #gratitudeforteachers
Chalkboard graphic for Teacher Appreciation Week with a quote from Fred Rogers, “But as I grew, my heroes changed, so now I can honestly say that anyone who does anything to help a child in this life is a hero to me.”
May 5, 2025 at 1:57 PM
sallymacsam.bsky.social
Spotted this beautiful tree on my walk this a.m. It reminded me of the #springflingkidlit contest! Can’t wait for the winners to be announced. Cheers to all of the entrants, judges, and donors! @ciaralovesbooks.bsky.social @kaitlynleann17.bsky.social #happyspring
April 24, 2025 at 4:47 PM
sallymacsam.bsky.social
Spring is in the air. Look at the blossoms on my Honeycrisp tree!
April 23, 2025 at 2:22 PM
sallymacsam.bsky.social
“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children." Native American Proverb #earthday #motherearth #earthdayeveryday
An image for Earth Day 2025: A watercolor picture of Earth in space with a banner across that reads, “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.- Native American Proverb”
April 22, 2025 at 3:56 PM
sallymacsam.bsky.social
“A library is a house of hope. It’s a place where we all, whatever our situation, can feed our ideas and develop our dreams.” – Doug Wilhelm

Check out the many benefits of libraries and ways to celebrate them here: tenderheartedteacher.com/benefits-of-...

#librarylove #nationallibraryweek #kidlit
A graphic with 5 ways to celebrate national library week! Light purple background with cartoon border of books and children raising books over their heads. The list reads: 1. Visit your local branch and sign up for a library card! 2. Explore your library’s digital resources, i.e. audiobooks, movies, and educational apps. 3. Write thank you cards or letters and drop them off to your local library staff! 4. Host a family reading night! Find a cozy spot at home to read all of the books you’ve borrowed! 5. Participate in library programming like storytime, crafts, and game and movie nights.
April 7, 2025 at 11:09 AM
sallymacsam.bsky.social
Unfortunately, I didn't make it into the #PBParty showcase. But, I'm glad to have participated--for the 1st time-- alongside a wonderful community of writers. Congratulations to the finalists!

In honor of taking the leap, I'd like to share my #50preciouswords entry. @viviankirkfield.bsky.social
March 6, 2025 at 12:56 PM
sallymacsam.bsky.social
I read this quote yesterday here on BlueSky. I decided to whip up a graphic because I love it (and Mr. Rogers) so much.

We need this reminder more than ever right now.

Thank you to all of the heroes who continue to help others, use their voices, and stand up for what’s right!
March 3, 2025 at 3:29 PM
sallymacsam.bsky.social
Every year, I know Spring is near whenever these two mourning doves rest on my deck.
February 27, 2025 at 7:12 PM
sallymacsam.bsky.social
Critique group deadlines help for sure! But, writing is definitely self-care for me so I try to take advantage of impromptu writing sessions whenever I can too. I consider those some of my favorite “glimmers.”
February 8, 2025 at 2:54 PM
sallymacsam.bsky.social
A day full of cold, wintry mix means a belly full of hearty, comforting (turkey) meatballs!
Turkey meatballs simmering in a large pot of marinara sauce.
February 6, 2025 at 9:37 PM
sallymacsam.bsky.social
I submitted to #PBParty for the 1st time! No matter the outcome, I'm so proud of myself for participating. What an incredible learning experience. Best of luck everyone! Can't wait to see the winners in March!

Thanks to judges, industry panel, @mindyalyseweiss.bsky.social & @melissaescobarart.com
PBParty Participant badge created by Melissa Escobar. The words PBParty Participant, in multi-colored letters, are displayed on a light blue background with confetti of hearts, stars, streamers, etc. Animals wearing party hats are also featured, i.e. a giraffe is in the top left corner, a puffin dances on the letter r in "party," a hippo is in the bottom left corner, and an elephant is on the bottom right.
February 3, 2025 at 12:54 PM
sallymacsam.bsky.social
My hubby and I met over 10 years ago in grad school— getting our ECE certs. We took several classes together including one called: Creativity & Play. These were the self-portrait puppets we made back then. They still look like us 😂 except we’re just a little grayer now. #preschoolplay
Two self-portrait puppets, made from scrapbooking paper, lean against a red brick wall. One is a male in a green button-down shirt, gray pants, and pink bow tie. He has brown hair and a brown beard. The other is a female with long brown hair. She’s wearing tall black boots, jeans, a dark gray shirt under a light gray cardigan and a long silver necklace.
February 1, 2025 at 8:40 PM
sallymacsam.bsky.social
Thanks for the motivation @staceybyer.bsky.social 😊 good luck to all #pbparty participants!
January 31, 2025 at 7:25 PM