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.

My Superpower

Posted on May 14, 2018 by Jennie
Posted in Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, self esteem | Tagged , | 59 Comments

Train Memories, My Childhood, and My Grandmother

Posted on May 12, 2018 by Jennie

In light of National Train Day today, and Mother’s Day tomorrow, this is a beloved repost of my train memories and my grandmother.  Summer evenings on the porch are quiet, except for the occasional  sound of a train whistle in … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, history, Love, storytelling, trains, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 85 Comments

Spring

Posted on May 11, 2018 by Jennie

Playground tree at school Spring Rebirth and beauty Watching children grow A teacher’s world A child’s playground Joy

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, Nature, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , | 35 Comments

Thanking Milly, Connecting Generations, and Quilting

Posted on May 9, 2018 by Jennie

Milly turned 88 today.  She has been a beloved friend to children in my classroom for years.  Her story is emergent curriculum on steroids, because everything she touched became a monument.  Really. It happened like this… Many years ago my … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Giving thanks, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, Peace, quilting, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 59 Comments

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