Author Archives: 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.

Childhood Anxiety is Real

Posted on June 1, 2026 by Jennie

Out of the blue a former Aqua Roomer popped in to visit.  It was Lizzie. Lizzie visiting in 2018 My goodness, it was so good to see her.  Lizzie is now Hadrian, a they, but with the same smile and … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, Love, School, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 55 Comments

Not All Days Are Good Days

Posted on May 26, 2026 by Jennie

Today was a tough day.  Nothing seemed to go right.  If you know the classic book, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, you know what I mean. It started with drop-offs.  Children who never cry cried.  For … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Mindfulness, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , | 50 Comments

A Memorial Day Remembrance

Posted on May 24, 2026 by Jennie

Every year at school we have a Memorial Day Remembrance.  It’s important for children, well…for everybody.  Making it meaningful for young children is not easy, but Retired Master Sergeant Michael Kennedy does a remarkable job. He asks children, “Who likes … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, children's books, Community, Death and dying, history, military, patriotism, picture books, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 36 Comments

News From England!

Posted on May 18, 2026 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 16 Comments

Talking Death With Children

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Jennie

Death is the dreaded “D” word when talking with children, but it doesn’t have to be.  It can be an open door to a much needed conversation.  Here’s what happened at school: Our Memory Garden at school is visited by … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, Kindness, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , | 61 Comments

Wishtree, by Kathrine Applegate – Then and Now

Posted on May 9, 2026 by Jennie

When I visit with the grandchildren, a beloved ritual is reading a story before bedtime. The musicality of words floating into the ear and going into the mind becomes an arrow that pierces the heart.  It always happens that way. … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, Community, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Heart, Imagination, Inspiration, Library, literacy, reading, reading aloud | Tagged , , | 82 Comments

Welcoming Gloria Back to the Classroom – Katy!

Posted on May 4, 2026 by Jennie

Gloria, we missed you!  You made a friend from England?  Yes, and her name is Katy.  She brought you into the classroom.  The children were thrilled.  She wore an English hat, a boa, and long white gloves. Katy is famous … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, Diversity, England, Family, geography, Gloria, Inspiration, Learning About the World, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 62 Comments

Remember Karla and Zeb?

Posted on May 2, 2026 by Jennie

Last year Gloria visited Karla and her school children in Missouri.  Zeb, Karla’s lovie, visited the Aqua Roomers.  It was wonderful. Zeb is not only Karla’s lovie, he is the mascot for the rare form of cancer she has.  Karla … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | 40 Comments

A Beautiful Thank You!

Posted on April 30, 2026 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 33 Comments

Talking With Owen, the High School Student

Posted on April 28, 2026 by Jennie

I can’t get the conversation out of my mind. Owen was one of the high school students who interviewed our kindergarteners and wrote their stories, turning them into a book. Today I got a lovely card signed by the students. … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, School, storytelling, teaching | Tagged , , | 60 Comments