Autumn in New England is beautiful. Our playground at school boasts maple trees that burst with color – red, yellow and orange.
Children love nature. They need nature. That’s how they grow. Nature is the original and greatest classroom. Really. It has every opportunity for science, art, math, and engineering, and children love it. Children look down to the earth to play in nature.
I help them to look up.
They need to see the majesty of colors on trees, and the big sky.
This week children saw the moon, a contrail that made an arc across the playground, and a helicopter.
Look up, look down.
Jennie
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.
A Teacher's Reflections 
Such lovely autumnal colours. When I was that age I loved to run through large piles of dry leaves. I hope they can do that too, and listen to the sound of them crackling and crunching.
Best wishes, Pete.
Yes, they do! We have child-size rakes so children can make big leaf piles and jump right in. Throwing leaves into the air is equally fun. Best to you, Pete.
No place does autumn like New England!!
Hear, hear!
thanks for helping them to look in all directions under the beautiful canopy and beyond
Well said. I know you always did exactly the same thing. 🙂
❤️
The beauty of nature is the greatest miracle.
Yes, indeed!
And don’t forget to see the wonders of nature as the children do.
Nice, Jennie
Exactly! Thank you, Don.
Beautiful photos, Jennie. The trees are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much, John!
😊
Your trees are lovely! It’s a treat to show them to the children during all four season I imagine.
It really is, Deborah. Many thanks!
Gorgeous!
It really is! Thank you, John.
Black and gold! So beautiful.
That was my favorite, too!
How wonderful. Later, as adults, they will remember to look up when they visit cathedrals and palaces and other old buildings because that is where the magic is. They will remember to look up.
Beautifully said, Darlene. Thank you!
Love! Thank you, Jennie! 🥰❤️🥰
You’re welcome! 😍
🥰❤️🥰
“I help them to look up.” Yes, you do, Jennie in so many ways.
Thank you for this eye candy and soul filling post. Jump in a pile of leaves and swim in them for me, would you please? 🙂
Laura, your words are magical. Eye candy and soul filling – wow! Yes, I will jump in a pile of leaves and even make a ‘leaf angel’. Looking up is the best, isn’t it? Thank you!
Yesss!
😍
Gorgeous autumn photos
Thank you.
Doesn’t nature provide the best lessons? I can imagine the great questions that the children pose. Groton is such a lovely community.
Yes, it really does! We’re lucky to have a playground that gives children all that nature provides.
Beautiful autumn colours. Nature is amazing.
Yes, and yes!
‘Look up. Look down’. I like that approach. The trees are ‘on fire’ now. Lots of blue skies to halo make the contrast. Beautiful time if the year. Sugar maple is my fav.
Thank you, Steve. It’s such a beautiful time of the year.
Wonderous!
😍
Now I can admire your autumn photos and videos! Hooray!!!
I’m so glad! 😀
Autumn is lovely 🍁🍂
Hi Robbie, yes it is.
Those are great experiences, Jennie.
Yes! Thank you, Dan.
Hi Jennie, this post is beautiful!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thank you, Charles.
I love the beautiful leaves, especially in the videos, blowing in the breeze! That’s one of the things I miss most about Michigan.
I whole-heartedly agree about the need for nature for children. I wish more would embrace it.
Lovely pictures of the leaves.
Hear, hear!