Practice What You Preach #FridayThoughts

Posted on December 16, 2017 by Jennie

Words of wisdom from Ritu, a teacher and a mother.

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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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17 Responses to Practice What You Preach #FridayThoughts

  1. Ritu's avatar Ritu says:
    December 16, 2017 at 6:24 am

    Thank you for the share Jennie!

    Reply
  2. beetleypete's avatar beetleypete says:
    December 16, 2017 at 7:01 am

    Ritu has got it right. Getting out; seeing nature, even in a city park. Kicking dry leaves in piles, splashing and jumping in puddles, climbing onto tree branches. Rolling down small grassy hills, throwing snowballs, smelling plants and flowers, picking up worms.
    Nature and fresh air should always come before electronics, no matter the modern age we live in.
    Best wishes, Pete.

    Reply
  3. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar Teagan R. Geneviene says:
    December 16, 2017 at 8:42 am

    Thanks for sharing, Jennie. As an adult (ha! to say the least) who did not experience that kind of upbringing, I know too well how valuable those things are.
    Take them out!
    Talk to them!
    Play with them!
    Create with them! Indeed. Hugs!

    Reply
  4. Sue Dreamwalker's avatar Sue Dreamwalker says:
    December 16, 2017 at 12:45 pm

    An excellent post from Ritu Jennie.. and one we should all take a leaf out of.. Much Love and wishing you well and Happy Christmas to you xx Sue xx

    Reply
  5. Norah's avatar Norah says:
    December 17, 2017 at 7:35 am

    Thanks for sharing Ritu’s wisdom, Jennie. She shows how difficult it can be to reduce the use of technology. It is just a part of life now.

    Reply
    • Jennie's avatar Jennie says:
      December 17, 2017 at 9:14 am

      Sadly, it is part of life now. If only we could keep it away until after the age of 5…

      Reply
      • Norah's avatar Norah says:
        December 19, 2017 at 1:47 am

        Hmm. I’m not sure I agree on that. I think there’s a place, albeit smaller than is often seen, for technology use even for young children. Like everything, it depends on the content and how it’s used. If it’s a tool to enhance communication and relationships, it’s great. If it’s used to keep kids quiet and out of the way, it’s a poor substitute for engagement in other activities.

  6. Jennie's avatar Jennie says:
    December 19, 2017 at 6:31 am

    I know you are right, Norah. I just find myself steering away from technology in the classroom. But, when I use it, it’s fabulous. For example, when children listened to music and asked about an instrument we watched a solo performance on YouTube. And, I have a terrific letter writing app. You said it well, use it for enhancement.

    Reply
  7. dgkaye's avatar dgkaye says:
    December 19, 2017 at 10:39 pm

    Expert advice from Ritu! 🙂

    Reply
  8. Marcia Strykowski's avatar Marcia Strykowski says:
    December 20, 2017 at 7:55 am

    Limiting technology for young children seems very wise to me. Older children benefit from learning how to use devices in school, but once home, it would be wonderful if kids still went out to play every day after school.

    Reply

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