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.

The Letter, With Love

Posted on October 22, 2018 by Jennie

            Thank you for the lovely letter, Rowan.  Seeing your smiling face and getting a great big hug was the best.  You were proud and confident, eager to show me your letter.  I miss you, … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, Student alumni, Writing, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 65 Comments

Language, Literacy, and Storytelling – Part 4

Posted on October 20, 2018 by Jennie

In Part 3, I shared proof of the powerful and positive effects of storytelling, through the story of Cuban cigars and their high quality – thanks to la lectura.  I am also happy to report that the 12th grade English teacher from … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, storytelling, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 52 Comments

Making Memories at School

Posted on October 18, 2018 by Jennie

There is something exciting, magical about this time of year.  When the sun goes down and children are helping their families to carve a pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern, memories are made.  Imagine being three and four years old, at school … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Halloween, Imagination, jack-o-lanterns, preschool, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 35 Comments

Meeting A Favorite Author, Kate DiCamillo

Posted on October 17, 2018 by Jennie

If I taught third grade, I’d be reading aloud to children Because of Winn-Dixie.  If I taught fourth grade, I’d be reading aloud The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.  If I taught fifth grade I’d be reading aloud Flora and Ulysses.  The … Continue reading →

Posted in Author interview, Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 52 Comments

Quotations on Reading

Posted on October 14, 2018 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://en.wikipedia.org) “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.”                                                                    Frederick Douglass ? (https://commons.wikimedia.org) “Feelings, too, are facts. Emotion is a fact. Human experience is a fact. It is…

Posted in Uncategorized | 17 Comments

“Ravioli” and Goodnight Moon

Posted on October 13, 2018 by Jennie

One of our favorite times of the day at school is chapter reading.  It is intimate.  We feel snuggled together.  Much like being in sleeping bags while camping, with nothing but words to hear, we look forward to that time. … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 56 Comments

Language, Literacy, and Storytelling – Part 3

Posted on October 10, 2018 by Jennie

In Part 2, I shared worrisome statistics about children who enter school excited to learn to read, and the dramatic drop-off when they are not exposed to books and hearing words.  I talked about the next step, engaging children in both … Continue reading →

Posted in history, Imagination, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 64 Comments

George Carlin 8-23-18

Posted on October 8, 2018 by Jennie

George Carlin, who was a terrific comedian, sums up life and who we are – beautifully. Powerful words, spot on wisdom.

Posted in Uncategorized | 28 Comments

Book Review: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo #KateDiCamillo #UltimateReadingChallenge

Posted on October 6, 2018 by Jennie

Whenever someone asks me to recommend a book that is not a young children’s book, this is the one. THE ONE. I cannot tell you how many times people have found a scrap of paper or a napkin to write … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 22 Comments

Nature on the Playground

Posted on October 6, 2018 by Jennie

The last flowers of summer, strong and tall. A playground in itself for butterflies and bees. A wonder of discovery for children. Nature is the greatest teacher. Every day the playground at school is chocked full of something to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, joy, Mother Nature, Nature, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 68 Comments