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.

Understanding Art and Heart

In September, I send large folders home to children and their families to decorate, together.  Throughout the year, these folders are used to transport their child’s art work each time we send it home.  It’s our Art Pony Express, delivering … Continue reading

Posted in art, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Quotes, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 44 Comments

Stillness

Evening tonight is stillness.  Quiet and beauty.  Nothing else.  No birds or dragonflies.  No wind.  Somehow the silence brings out all the important things.  Mother Nature is the greatest teacher of all. She gives children the wonders of discovery and … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, Mother Nature, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 44 Comments

J.K. Rowling on Writing

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://commons.wikimedia.org) “Read as much as you possibly can. Nothing will help you as much as reading.” ? “There’s no formula.” ? “There’s always room for a story that can transport people…

Posted in Uncategorized | 14 Comments

International Day of Peace

Peace is an important part of my curriculum at school with my preschool class.  It begins with kindness- that means children understand feelings and begin to develop empathy.  A tall order, but probably the most important thing young children learn. … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Kindness, Peace, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 39 Comments

The Lunchbox Note and Storytelling: Lifetime Lessons

Lunchtime in the classroom with fifteen preschoolers is very busy.  Once containers are opened, hot foods are heated, milk straws are inserted into their boxes, and napkins are found, things change.  Drastically.   Lunch becomes intimate.  Not quiet, but a … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 89 Comments

Being ordinary…

Ordinary, yet extraordinary. Sue Vincent writes, “Perhaps living ordinary lives the best we can is what makes people extraordinary. There is beauty in that.” This is me! The Silent Eye Why would anyone want to read about me? It is … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 7 Comments

Book Bears

Book Bears started yesterday.  It’s my library reading group, mostly second graders.  Yesterday we met each other and  shared our favorite summer read.  ‘Meet and Greet’, with books.  Some children were nervous.  Some were outgoing.  I could see a wide disparity … Continue reading

Posted in books, chapter reading, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 85 Comments

Never Forget

Posted in patriotism, Peace | Tagged | 11 Comments

Remembering 9/11 and Teaching Goodness

How do we deal with 9/11?  How do we honor and respect those who risked their lives?  How do we face a tragedy, and find goodness and strength?  Most importantly, how do we do this with young children? The tragic … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Giving, Inspiration, Kindness, patriotism, Peace, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 64 Comments

Forest 4s: The Real Woods

Originally posted on Playful Directions:
Let us never forget the greatest teacher of all… nature. When children can explore, they learn. Marie Forst does just that with her students. Playful Directions View original post

More Galleries | 18 Comments