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.

Yes, Keep Looking for Magic Everywhere. It Makes All the Difference.

Posted on September 29, 2024 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 41 Comments

Joy is the Magic Word – For Everyone

Posted on September 18, 2024 by Jennie

This re-post is a letter to teachers.  It’s the foundation of connecting with children, and teaching, and making a difference. Frankly, it is a life lesson.  It’s all about how we see things – our outlook and attitude. Dear Teachers, … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Heart, Inspiration, joy, Love | Tagged , , , | 80 Comments

Two Important Books to Read on 9/11

Posted on September 11, 2024 by Jennie

This is a repost… because it is important.  These are two books everyone should read.  One is the true story of an old, retired fireboat that literally saved the day for firefighters on 9/11.  The other is a book about … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Book Review, children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Giving thanks, history, literacy, patriotism, picture books | Tagged , , , , | 36 Comments

Best Picture Books This Summer

Posted on September 8, 2024 by Jennie

It’s not often I discover a terrific new picture book. This summer I hit the jackpot. The Yellow Bus, by Loren Long Loren Long is a great author and illustrator.  His book, Otis, about a farm tractor and a cow is … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture books | Tagged , , , , , | 64 Comments

DogTown

Posted on September 7, 2024 by Jennie

I just finished reading one of the best books, DogTown, by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko, and had to share my excitement. It’s friendship, bravery, loss, humor, and heart.  Oh, is it ever heart. “Your heart is a muscle,” I told … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Dogs, Expressing words and feelings, Heart, Inspiration, literacy, Love, reading, robots, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 28 Comments

A Children’s Book in the Sky – Swimmy

Posted on August 31, 2024 by Jennie

And there it was, flying high like a quiet beauty. “Swimmy” My beloved picture book. The first book I read aloud to my preschoolers, forty years ago. Jennie

Posted in children's books, Imagination, Inspiration, Nature, picture books, wonder | Tagged , , | 56 Comments

READ

Posted on August 24, 2024 by Jennie

My two favorite READ posters from Literary Hub @ lithub.com Dolly Parton has done more for putting books into the hands of children than anyone. Bless you, Dolly. Look at the books she is reading! Every Very Hungry Caterpillar Day is … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , | 64 Comments

Winged Victory

Posted on August 17, 2024 by Jennie

The plants and flowers are thriving, all but the little guy in the back, spreading his ‘wings’ and trying to grow. Winged Victory is growing a baby flower. Winged Victory is the end of summer and summer camp, watching children … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, literacy, Nature, picture books, Quotes, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , | 68 Comments

The Carle, and More

Posted on August 10, 2024 by Jennie

I never tire of visiting the the Eric Carle Museum, because every visit has something new and exciting.  Yes, every visit. I had no idea his favorite color was yellow. No wonder he has created so many suns. This is … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Book Review, Dogs, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, literacy, museums, picture books, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 70 Comments

40 Year Bookends

Posted on August 1, 2024 by Jennie

All in a day, I bumped into ‘bookends’, parents of a student in my first class forty years ago, and parents of a child this past year. Michelle was one of my first students.  The local newspaper came to take … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 71 Comments