School, Yesterday and Today

Posted on August 29, 2018 by Jennie

Yesterday:  The classroom is a disaster.  So much to do.  Overwhelming.  How will I ever be ready?

Today:

Lookin’ good!

Tomorrow:  Children!  I can’t wait. ❤️

Jennie

About Jennie

I have been teaching preschool for over thirty 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 am highlighted in the the new edition of Jim Trelease's bestselling book, "The Read-Aloud Handbook" because of my reading to children. My class has designed quilts that hang as permanent displays at both the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, and the Fisher House at the Boston VA Hospital.
This entry was posted in Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Teaching young children, wonder, young children and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

51 Responses to School, Yesterday and Today

  1. stacksuponstacks says:
    August 29, 2018 at 10:07 pm

    This is great! I just love your classroom! I bet the kids are excited to come back!

    Reply
  2. srbottch says:
    August 29, 2018 at 10:26 pm

    I can ‘hear’ the excitement in your words. Have a great year, Jennie!

    Reply
  3. John W. Howell says:
    August 29, 2018 at 10:48 pm

    Que the lights it is show time. Break a leg.

    Reply
  4. robbiesinspiration says:
    August 29, 2018 at 11:54 pm

    I feel your enthusiasm, Jennie. You were definitely born to teach.

    Reply
  5. AJ says:
    August 30, 2018 at 12:12 am

    I’ve been in my room for the last two days trying to get it to the point where kids can come in. Hopefully I’m ready for Tuesday!
    Good luck tomorrow!

    Reply
  6. Anne Copeland says:
    August 30, 2018 at 12:33 am

    Dear Jennie, Love your room. Is this a private or public school? I bet you are a fantastic teacher. May I ask what state you are in? I am in Southern California. Do you have aides? Thank you so much. I feel we are linked in soul for sure with our genuine love for teaching and the children. The kinders and the preschoolers are my favorites too.

    Reply
    • Jennie says:
      August 30, 2018 at 7:26 am

      Thank you, Anne. In the photo you don’t see a big wood loft on the right where the dolls live, two large tables behind me with activities and writing. Rugs, furniture, and baskets for storage are neutral. Plants and a small sofa give a ‘homey’ feel. No bright, distracting colors to take away from activities. This is a private school in Massachusetts. We have 15 children (mixed age) and 2 aides. I love teaching! I’m starting my 35th year this year. Hard to believe. My strength and passion is reading-aloud. How about you?

      Reply
      • Anne Copeland says:
        September 28, 2018 at 6:19 pm

        Hi Jennie, I don’t have as many years in as you and I always was a substitute, which I actually liked better as I could focus on the children and not on making all the meetings, etc. with the grownups. I have worked with all ages of special needs children and young people too, but my very favorites are the kinders and the early years of school (1st, 2nd and 3rd). I too LOVE reading and I also LOVE art. I love finding creative ways to help children learn whatever it is they are trying to learn. I have worked in the public school system in various districts in Southern California. I think I have learned as much over the years as my children. I am retired now but I will still tutor from time to time if I get a chance. Sometimes my children have both physical and developmental challenges. I prefer that word because disabled implies that they are not able, and I NEVER believe that. All children, regardless of what they have, are capable at some level, and given a proper assistance and encouragement, can become more.

  7. Becky Ross Michael says:
    August 30, 2018 at 12:47 am

    Big books…I loved my big books! Your room looks great, and I’m sure that the children will love everything about it.

    Reply
  8. Ritu says:
    August 30, 2018 at 1:34 am

    Aw! Have a great first day with your littlies!
    We go back for two training days today then full on, on Monday!

    Reply
  9. Léa says:
    August 30, 2018 at 1:38 am

    Oh Jennie, it is so obvious that you love what you do. What fortunate young people, they will carry your gifts throughout their lives. All the best, Léa

    Reply
  10. beetleypete says:
    August 30, 2018 at 3:17 am

    You have it perfectly arranged to delight the new ones, Jennie.
    They will soon be under the spell of your selfless enthusiasm. 🙂
    Best wishes, Pete.

    Reply
  11. Opher says:
    August 30, 2018 at 4:37 am

    I remember it well. The Summer goes so quickly.

    Reply
  12. Darlene says:
    August 30, 2018 at 6:14 am

    You waved your magic wand and look what happened! It looks great. The kids will love it. Have fun!!

    Reply
  13. Norah says:
    August 30, 2018 at 7:26 am

    Looking fantastic, Jennie. Have a wonderful year! Your children are in for a treat.

    Reply
  14. Susan @ redcanoereader.com says:
    August 30, 2018 at 11:12 am

    It’s always so overwhelming, but somehow you get everything ready, so the fun can begin! Have a great year, Jennie! – Susan

    Reply
  15. A Kinder Way says:
    August 30, 2018 at 11:15 am

    I don’t know that I’ve ever told you that my dream was to be a kindergarten teacher. I took 4 years of childcare classes in high school where I was able to learn to write lesson plans and so much more the first 2 years and the second 2 years I actually taught in a nursery/kindergarten school that was run inside our high school. Those were fantastic years.
    Life took me somewhere else, but when I saw these pictures I felt a little jealous! 😉
    I hope your school year is amazing Jennie!

    Reply
    • Jennie says:
      August 30, 2018 at 8:37 pm

      I didn’t know that. Yes, those must have been wonderful years. We have an assistant teacher who just finished college. She is filled with joy, and the children love her. I do, too. I imagine you in her shoes. I’m glad the photos brought you good memories. 😀 Many thanks!!

      Reply
  16. circadianreflections says:
    August 30, 2018 at 3:27 pm

    It looks wonderful! Have another amazing year Jennie!

    Reply
  17. Dan Antion says:
    August 31, 2018 at 7:31 am

    Ready – Set – Go! Good luck this year!

    Reply
  18. D. Wallace Peach says:
    August 31, 2018 at 3:24 pm

    Oh, how fun. You look like you’re ready for the new gang, Jennie. 🙂

    Reply
    • Jennie says:
      August 31, 2018 at 8:19 pm

      I am! Sooo ready to read Charlotte’s Web! I keep buying new books, albeit only a few a year because I’m so picky. Chomping at the bit to read those, and read and read. I know you understand. 🙂

      Reply
  19. oldhouseintheshires says:
    August 31, 2018 at 4:21 pm

    I was in all day today and yesterday and I’m ready! It always takes me longer than I think….I also pottered for 3 days a week ago. Good luck!

    Reply
  20. Teagan R. Geneviene says:
    September 1, 2018 at 6:30 am

    Jennie, your enthusiasm, your passion for what you do is wonderful. (And the first photo is more orderly than my desk at work! LOL) Happy weekend hugs!

    Reply
  21. dgkaye says:
    September 4, 2018 at 10:58 pm

    How exciting, waiting for that new first day Jennie. 🙂

    Reply

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