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.

Eric Carle and Modernistic Art

Posted on October 4, 2026 by Jennie

I have written before how Eric Carle was inspired by modernistic art in WWI Nazi Germany by his art teacher Frederick Krauss.  The Nazis called it ‘degenerate art’. Today I attended a panel discussion about just that. The new exhibit … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Eric Carle, Eric Carle Museum, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , | 53 Comments

Pocket Bear

Posted on September 28, 2026 by Jennie

Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate  Katherine Applegate has written another winner.  Big time!  If you think this looks like a cosy little book, think again.  Her stories are always nail biters, adventurous, and have an underlying message of doing the … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Community, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, history, Inspiration, Kindness, Learning About the World, military, museums, reading | Tagged , , , , , | 36 Comments

Autumn Is Here!

Posted on September 26, 2026 by Jennie

The cows were the first to holler, “Autumn is here!  Autumn is here! Put on your bright colors!” The leaves heard the call. They shook off their green and dressed in red. At first it was hard. But they got … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, Diversity, Imagination, Inspiration, Nature, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , | 85 Comments

Loosing Hubby To a Great Book

Posted on September 22, 2026 by Jennie

Hubby is a huge fan of Dan Antion’s books. Huge is an understatement. As soon as Dan’s new book arrived, he snarfed it up, like a happy dog. The Museum Murders Doesn’t the title alone make you want to to … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, literacy, museums, reading | Tagged , | 42 Comments

Surviving Teaching and Finding Joy II

Posted on September 20, 2026 by Jennie

This is a post that has been read by far more bloggers than other posts.  It is a constant with bloggers, most of whom I do not know.  It’s one of my favorite’s, too, so I thought my readers would … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , | 79 Comments

Late Summer Evenings

Posted on September 14, 2026 by Jennie

The days are shorter. Light is always a treasure, but when the days are hot and the evenings are warm, I relish the evening shadows as the sun goes down. Early evening is a favorite time. It’s cooled down and … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Nature, Peace, trains, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 72 Comments

9/11 – When I Saw the Good

Posted on September 11, 2026 by Jennie

Trinity Church photo on Instagram My nephew’s very first day of work was in New York City – on 9/11.  Can you imagine?  A few years later he had his wedding in New York City at Cipriani on Wall Street.  … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Community, Expressing words and feelings, history, Inspiration, Kindness | Tagged , , , | 60 Comments

Children’s Book Discovery

Posted on September 8, 2026 by Jennie

My local library has a huge mural on their main wall in the children’s room.  When you enter, it is across the way, in full view for people to see.  It is bigger than life and attracts everyone. Including me. … Continue reading →

Posted in art, children's books, Imagination, Inspiration, Library, literacy, picture books, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , | 42 Comments

Gloria is Glowing

Posted on September 5, 2026 by Jennie

I started back to school this week. Teacher week. Gloria has been home with me all summer, yet today – without light – her necklace glowed. Why? Was she giving me hope and inspiration? Was she wanting to be noticed, … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, School | Tagged , , , | 61 Comments

‘Ted’, Now and Then

Posted on August 31, 2026 by Jennie

Ted today is well loved, very well loved. He’s worn with years of stories. He’s worn with years of memories. When Ted was brand new, he was king of the hill. Hubby had just brought him home after seeing his … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, Love | Tagged , , | 39 Comments