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 Important Things For Children

Posted on May 6, 2018 by Jennie

Nature is a teacher. Children learning to love and to care when they hold baby chicks. Their world suddenly becomes joyous.  A trip to a farm.  Doing things you have never done. Riding a tractor. And driving a tractor. Thrilling. … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Inspiration, Learning About the World, Nature, self esteem, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 72 Comments

Wonder

Posted on May 4, 2018 by Jennie

Mitch Teemley “Wisdom begins in wonder.” ~Socrates View original post

Posted in Uncategorized | 27 Comments

Just Let Our Kids Play

Posted on May 2, 2018 by Jennie

 This is an outstanding article by Stephen Marche about letting children play (parents, step aside) and a new park in New York- Play:ground.  Plenty of research and common sense, here.  5 Stars on this one! We need to stop worrying … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Imagination, Learning About the World, Nature, self esteem, Teaching young children, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 39 Comments

My Classroom Bookshelf

Posted on April 30, 2018 by Jennie

My classroom bookshelf is the most important and popular place to be.  I think so, and children certainly feel that way.  They congregate like squirrels at a bird feeder.  Yes, there are fights over books, loud times, and also quiet … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, picture books, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 73 Comments

Thank You, Superheroes

Posted on April 28, 2018 by Jennie

Today is National Superhero Day. I want to thank all the Superheroes, the real ones, for everything you do. Moms and Dads, firefighters and police officers, doctors and nurses, soldiers and sailors, writers, artists, musicians… the list of heroes is … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Kindness, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 53 Comments

Quotations on Imagination

Posted on April 27, 2018 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://pixabay.com) (https://en.wikipedia.org) “There are no rules of architecture for a castle in the clouds.”                                                                              G. K. Chesterton ? (https://pixabay.com) “Love what you do and do what you love. Don’t listen…

Posted in Uncategorized | 14 Comments

Katie and Miles, The Circle of Life in Reading

Posted on April 25, 2018 by Jennie

The more that you read, the more things you will know.  The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.  –Dr. Seuss- I remember Katie von Campe like it was yesterday.  She was a “Mighty, Mighty Mustang” in my … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, play performances, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, self esteem, Student alumni, summer camp, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 54 Comments

How to Teach a Child to Become a Superhero

Posted on April 20, 2018 by Jennie

Superheroes.  Every child wants to be a Superhero.  Ask a child, “What does a Superhero do?” and you will hear everything from “save the day” to “help people” to “get the bad guys.”  These are good things, and Superheros are … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, picture stories, self esteem, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 88 Comments

The Wild Robot

Posted on April 18, 2018 by Jennie

Our trip to visit children and grandchildren included plans to read aloud The Wild Robot Escapes, by Peter Brown.  It is brand new, and the sequel to The Wild Robot, an outstanding book and one of my absolute favorites. Within … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Imagination, Kindness, Nature, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , | 45 Comments

Can’t Stop Reading

Posted on April 16, 2018 by Jennie

Dinner with family; grandparents, parents, brother and sister. Grownups talking. Can’t stop reading. Jennie

Posted in books, children's books, Family, Imagination, reading | Tagged , , , | 37 Comments