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 Legacy of Milly, Part 3

Posted on July 10, 2018 by Jennie

In Part 2, Milly came onto the scene, meeting the children and Gloria.  She accepted the “challenge” – as she called it – of quilting a mural which would become a Peace Quilt.  Gloria started the ball rolling with her own … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, Peace, quilting, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 64 Comments

Words of Wisdom, Beautifully Illustrated

Posted on July 8, 2018 by Jennie

Quote from “The Power and the Glory” by Graham Greene. Words illustrated by Eric Carle. Jennie

Posted in art, Early Education, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Quotes, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , | 43 Comments

The Legacy of Milly, Part 2

Posted on July 6, 2018 by Jennie

In Part 1, I discovered a Peace Portal at a museum and recreated it in my classroom.  Peace became a big deal and very real to children.  When I saw quilts that were murals, I knew I had to make … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, Peace, quilting, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 72 Comments

Boston Pops, 4th of July, and Music

Posted on July 4, 2018 by Jennie

I moved to Massachusetts in 1984.  Since then, I have faithfully watched the Boston Pops perform every Fourth of July.  Back then, John Williams was the conductor.  He was the man who wrote the music for my favorite movies, “ET”, … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, music, patriotism, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 47 Comments

The Legacy of Milly, Part 1

Posted on July 2, 2018 by Jennie

Every good story has a great backstory.  To know how Milly came into my life and tell you about her early years in my classroom, I have to back up and tell you what really happened.  It’s a great story, … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, quilting, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 59 Comments

The Legacy of Milly the Quilter- a Series of Stories

Posted on June 30, 2018 by Jennie

Milly the quilter, a beloved friend to children in my classroom (and to me!) for ages, and the creator of many quilts designed by the children and hanging in places of prominence, has recently passed away.  Her last words to … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Early Education, quilting, storytelling | Tagged , , , , , , | 75 Comments

Gloria and Lucca, ‘Livin’ the Dream’

Posted on June 28, 2018 by Jennie

Everybody loves Gloria! Gloria’s social life and adventures with children are a natural result of what happens when good friends connect.  Children beg to take Gloria home for the weekend.  Her journal is packed with wonderful stories and photos of … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 50 Comments

E.B. White, A Personal Invitation, and Charlotte’s Web

Posted on June 23, 2018 by Jennie

I read aloud every day in my classroom, and weekly at the library.  Picture books are a mainstay, yet reading aloud chapter books can move the world.  Are you surprised?  Don’t be.  Thirty years of reading Charlotte’s Web is proof, … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 112 Comments

“Jennie, Look!”

Posted on June 20, 2018 by Jennie

We were on the playground today, and children saw this beauty across the way.  “It’s a rainbow!” It isn’t an arc, and it hasn’t rained, so it cannot be a rainbow.  Mother Nature was smiling with colors and saying hello. … Continue reading →

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

Add a sprinkle of glitter to make your day sparkle

Posted on June 17, 2018 by Jennie

Originally posted on Norah Colvin:
Children love to create artworks using pencils, crayons, paints and anything they can stick to a surface using glue. With access to a variety of materials, they can be absorbed for hours creating their masterpieces.…

Posted in Uncategorized | 31 Comments