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.

Five of the Best Children’s Books

I have been tagged to nominate my top five children’s books.  Thank you Norah at norahcolvin.com.  Choosing five books (only five) is a roller coaster, and I love that ride.  Here are my favorite children’s books, and why: Goodnight Moon  … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, picture books, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , | 75 Comments

Children Talking Death and Dying… It’s Good

Recently on the playground I watched children happily engaged in play.  The important part to them was someone dying.  It may sound grim, but it was really a happy game of imaginary play.  The characters were a mom and a … Continue reading

Posted in Death and dying, Early Education, Learning About the World | Tagged , , , | 58 Comments

Why Reading Aloud Made Cuban Cigars Great

While reading aloud is my passion and what I do- because it makes a marked difference in learning- I always write about reading aloud to children. Well, there’s more.  Adults.  The proof of reading aloud making a difference is in … Continue reading

Posted in Jim Trelease, reading, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , | 82 Comments

The Book That Changed Thanksgiving

When I visit with the grandchildren, a beloved ritual is reading a story before bedtime. The musicality of words floating into the ear and going into the mind becomes an arrow that pierces the heart.  It always happens that way. … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 74 Comments

Quotations on Kindness

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://commons.wikimedia.org) “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.”                                                                                 Plato ? (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Tutu) “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good…

Posted in Uncategorized | 29 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving

Whether you are traveling near or far to be with loved ones today, giving thanks and being together with family or friends, may your travels be swift and may your time together be filled with the the important things, the … Continue reading

Posted in Giving thanks, Thanksgiving | Tagged , | 35 Comments

When Children Drive the Boat at Storytime

I’ve often said that the best learning and most meaningful experiences with children happen unexpectedly.  And, it happens all the time, especially with picture books.  You just have to seize the moment and be ready to let go of the … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 47 Comments

Keep Your Kids are Reading! Reading is a Good Thing!

Originally posted on Writing for the Whole Darn Universe:
The number of words a child reads and hears = success in both school and life. Wow! Writing for the Whole Darn Universe View original post

Posted in Uncategorized | 31 Comments

When Nothing Goes Right, There’s Mister Rogers

Mister Rogers Nothing went right yesterday at school.  I should check to see if there was a full moon. Grumpy was the mood of the day for children.  At our Morning Meeting Allie, Gloria’s BFF, stood with her arms crossed.  … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Kindness, Love | Tagged , , , , , | 57 Comments

Gloria and Allie

Everyone adores Gloria, and I do mean everyone.  After all, she is the nice one, the good friend.  She gives children unconditional love.  Do you know that Gloria has a journal?  It is well-worn from love.  When children take Gloria … Continue reading

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Giving, Gloria, Kindness, Love, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 37 Comments