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.

Talking Death and Dying with Children – Part 1

Posted on February 9, 2019 by Jennie

“Jennie, come quick!  You need to come right now!” Vivian was wide-eyed and worried.  I knew this was serious.  I sprinted with her over to the bushes and around to the backside.  There lay a bunny.  It looked to be … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Death and dying, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Nature, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 92 Comments

Nature Indoors and Outdoors

Posted on February 7, 2019 by Jennie

Our creeping lily classroom plant rarely blooms. When it does, the blossom only lasts one day. Today we discovered three blossoms. Outdoors was a winter wonderland of ice on the trees. It shimmered and glistened. We felt like we were … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Einstein, joy, Mindfulness, Mother Nature, Nature, preschool, Quotes, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 47 Comments

Gloria at the Super Bowl Parade

Posted on February 6, 2019 by Jennie

Families understand Gloria and include her in their lives. She went to the big Patriots Super Bowl parade in downtown Boston! Gloria makes a difference outside of the walls of the classroom, too. Thank you, Gloria. Jennie

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Gloria, Kindness, Love, young children | Tagged , , , , | 46 Comments

The Mentor – From Classroom, to Blogging, and To Gloria

Posted on February 3, 2019 by Jennie

Many years ago an outstanding consultant, Marcia Hebert, came into school to help teachers with their classrooms and environment.  We were all so focused on the children that the classroom itself was often overlooked.  Teachers weren’t seeing  their rooms through … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 50 Comments

A Day With Gloria

Posted on February 1, 2019 by Jennie

Gloria had quite the day today.  Sometimes life can start out just terrible, and take many turns along the way.  After today, Gloria knows that all too well. Children were in the Big Room doing music and movement.  I was … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Kindness, Love, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 51 Comments

Superheroes

Posted on January 29, 2019 by Jennie

Superheroes showed up at school today. Captain America and Wonder Woman.  And a Ninja.  But the children told me a Ninja isn’t really a Superhero.  Aren’t they smart! Superheroes are far more than heroes with super powers.  They give children … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, preschool, Teaching young children, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 51 Comments

sunflower

Posted on January 28, 2019 by Jennie

The perfect picture! Thank you, Paul Militaru.

Posted in Uncategorized | 24 Comments

More Than Reading Aloud – SSR

Posted on January 27, 2019 by Jennie

Penguin Books, The Read-Aloud Handbook, 2013 It is a given that I read aloud to children multiple times a day.  I know, and you know, that it makes a difference.  In this blog post, I will address more than reading … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 68 Comments

see the song.

Posted on January 26, 2019 by Jennie

Originally posted on I didn't have my glasses on….:
“when it’s cold you can see the song.” — the bird appears to be sending smoke signals as it braves sub-zero temperatures in a park in the city of petrozavodsk,…

Posted in Uncategorized | 23 Comments

Do You See What I See?

Posted on January 24, 2019 by Jennie

A long day at work.  Children are sick, and I am, too. I pull out my well-used tissue before getting ready for bed. What a joy! I see a dinosaur.  I see a seahorse.  I see a big smile.  I … Continue reading →

Posted in E.B. White, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 49 Comments