“Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play. “

Posted on July 5, 2016 by Jennie
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About Jennie

I have been teaching preschool for over forty years. This is my passion. I believe that children have a voice, and that is the catalyst to enhance or even change the learning experience. Emergent curriculum opens young minds. It's the little things that happen in the classroom that are most important and exciting. That's what I write about. I was a live guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show. I am highlighted in the seventh edition of Jim Trelease's million-copy bestselling book, "The Read-Aloud Handbook" because of my reading to children. My class has designed quilts that hang as permanent displays at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, the Fisher House at the Boston VA Hospital, and the Massachusetts State House in Boston.
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10 Responses to “Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play. “

  1. Tanya Cliff's avatar Tanya Cliff says:
    July 5, 2016 at 8:05 pm

    Excellent share, Jennie!

    Reply
  2. reocochran's avatar reocochran says:
    July 6, 2016 at 7:08 pm

    Astrid Lundgrid wrote the Pippi Longstocking books, didn’t he? 🙂
    These are some great and sound words delivered by Philip Pullman. I will comment on the rest of his quotation, Jennie later.
    I am up at my Mom’s senior living apartment and we are watching”Castle” reruns. 🙂

    Reply
    • Jennie's avatar jlfatgcs says:
      July 6, 2016 at 8:29 pm

      Did he write Pippi Longstocking? Oh, I should know that!! Many thanks. The words in this essay are fabulous.

      Reply
      • reocochran's avatar reocochran says:
        July 8, 2016 at 2:09 am

        Oops, poor spelling or close proximity on cell phone of “u” and “i.” I meant to write Astrid Lindgren, Jennie.

        She and not “he” ~isn’t this so silly? Anyway, she wrote the Pippi Longstocking books!

        Good thing we are friends! You might think I was an “idiot.” Ha ha! I know you wouldn’t; but how many corrections must I make?

      • Jennie's avatar jlfatgcs says:
        July 8, 2016 at 6:39 am

        No worries, Robin. I knew exactly what you meant. It’s the teacher in you (and me) that makes you crazy with grammar and spelling, which is a good thing. Thanks again for the author info!

  3. Poet Rummager's avatar Poet Rummager says:
    July 6, 2016 at 8:31 pm

    As a children’s art instructor, I wholly agree with Mr. Pullman. Some schools have also dropped teaching children penmanship; thinking texting is what the youths prefer, anyway. The arts are known to stimulate parts of the brain that would otherwise remain inactive. Thank you for posting this invaluable article!

    Reply
    • Jennie's avatar jlfatgcs says:
      July 6, 2016 at 8:46 pm

      Yes, yes, you are so right! Dropping art in school is as terrible as eliminating sports. Like you, I think the words that Mr. Pullman says are true and incredibly important for the world to hear. Many thanks for your words, and glad to post the article. -Jennie-

      Reply
  4. LionAroundWriting's avatar LionAroundWriting says:
    July 8, 2016 at 8:50 am

    Wise words. He highlights the two worst deprivations of a child…and how right; the lack of love and creativity is not known for years later. In essence the effects are through covert abuse, likely one people cant spot.

    Reply

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