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.

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 , , , , , | 63 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

Nature, In So Many Beautiful Ways

Posted on August 29, 2026 by Jennie

In less than an hour nature appeared in so many ways. First was the sky, showing off dark and light in full beauty. Next, the sun decided to shine onto the pool, making a beautiful pattern of light. It shimmered … Continue reading →

Posted in flowers, Imagination, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , | 67 Comments

Dolly Parton – R.I.P.

Posted on August 26, 2026 by Jennie

I grew up in West Virginia, and Dolly Parton grew up not far away in Tennessee.  Country music was big for both of us where we grew up.  Dolly’s songs and voice will forever make me smile. But there is … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Community, Early Education, Giving, Imagination, Inspiration, Library, literacy, picture books, reading | Tagged , , , , , , | 44 Comments

My Summer Books

Posted on August 24, 2026 by Jennie

I delight in discovering new and wonderful picture books every summer.  Many I find at the Eric Carle Museum’s bookstore, as they’re often the one to have the best books.  Some I discovered through a fellow book lover.  We share … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Book Review, children's books, Eric Carle Museum, Library, literacy, museums, picture books, reading, reading aloud, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 53 Comments

Jerry Pinkney – His Art and Fairy Tales

Posted on August 18, 2026 by Jennie

I was fortunate to see the current Jerry Pinkney exhibition at the Eric Carle Museum.  His art is extraordinary both in color and detail. Some years ago Jerry was a presenter at the museum.  I was there!  I got to … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, reading aloud, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , | 63 Comments

Reflections

Posted on August 14, 2026 by Jennie

I understand how Monet felt about reflections. They tell a big story. He saw the world above when he painted his water lilies. I see the world above, deep in my pool when the sun has set and allows reflections. … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Nature, Peace, wonder | Tagged , , | 43 Comments