Author Archives: Jennie

About Jennie

I have been teaching preschool for over thirty-five 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.

Quotations on Books!

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://pixabay.com) ? (https://pixabay.com) “A room without books is like a body without a soul.”                                  …

Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments

Darth Vader, Marines, and Reading Aloud

I watched a TED Talks with actor Adam Driver who plays Darth Vader’s son in the last two Star Wars movies.  He is one great actor!  The new Star Wars movie (saw it yesterday) is outstanding. What he does outside … Continue reading

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Imagination, Inspiration, military, play performances, reading, reading aloud, storytelling, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 39 Comments

My Legend of the Sticky Buns

Over twenty years ago there were two little girls in my preschool class, Michelle and Nicole.  Sisters.  Michelle was full of heart.  She cried at The Runaway Bunny.  She was always the star in our plays.  I think her most … Continue reading

Posted in Family, Giving, Giving thanks, Kindness, Love | Tagged , , , , , | 44 Comments

Christmas Eve

“Where the Treetops Glisten”

Posted in Uncategorized | 36 Comments

Dog Lovers and Book Lovers: “The Poet’s Dog”

As the holidays and winter are upon us, I am once again drawn to the best book.  Fall in love with a dog, a poet, and children- magnificently written. “Dogs speak words.  But only poets and children hear.” Those are … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Dogs, Particia MacLachlan, Poetry, reading | Tagged , , , , , | 82 Comments

A Gift To Me From My “Family”

Today our Room Parents arrived with gifts for the teachers, from all the families in our class.  Children were excited to watch their teachers tear open paper and uncover a gift.  Rarely am I at a loss for words.  I … Continue reading

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Family, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 70 Comments

My Favorite Christmas Books

I want to share with you my favorite Christmas books.  I love books, and I love reading to children.  After a gazillion years, these are the ‘tried and true’, stories that children love. Me, too! Grab tissues, laughter, and wonder, … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Imagination, Inspiration, picture books, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 51 Comments

As the Clock Struck Noon

Today I was a small part of honoring those who have served and given the ultimate sacrifice.  A wreath was laid at Arlington National Cemetery at noon.  Simultaneously, cemeteries across America participated in the same wreath laying ceremony.  It was … Continue reading

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Practice What You Preach #FridayThoughts

Words of wisdom from Ritu, a teacher and a mother.

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Penguins, God, Spectacles, the Atlas, and Reading Aloud.

The classroom was dark except for a few strings of twinkling lights.  It was time for chapter reading before rest time.  We started a new chapter reading book, Mr. Popper’s Penguins.  Day one is always thrilling, and I show children … Continue reading

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Learning About the World, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 35 Comments