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.

Sam the Eagle Scout

Posted on July 1, 2023 by Jennie

Sam was my preschooler many years ago.  He always had a smile and enjoyed playing with friends.  Sam’s mother was careful about finding the right preschool for her boy.  When she visited the public library, she found The Groton ABC … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Giving thanks, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, self esteem, teaching, wonder | Tagged , , | 59 Comments

Stormy Twilight

Posted on June 27, 2023 by Jennie

Twilight. Thunder rumbles in the distance. I stay outside to watch the clouds. They are beautiful in darkening majesty. They move swiftly and change with the wind. I turn to look at my porch, beckoning me to come and watch … Continue reading →

Posted in Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , | 40 Comments

Book Bears, Library Reading, and a Pleading Letter

Posted on June 25, 2023 by Jennie

My public library Book Bears group and Read Aloud group have finished for the school year.  Book Bears read a book each month, and we discuss the book the following month.  The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes and Stella … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, literacy, reading aloud, reading aloud, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 45 Comments

Over the Rainbow, Under the Water

Posted on June 22, 2023 by Jennie

To the five survivors of the submarine braving great depths in the ocean to explore the Titanic, today there were rainbows in the water in my pool. Underwater rainbows. You have crossed the underwater Rainbow Bridge. Bless you. Jennie

Posted in Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , | 29 Comments

I’m the Historical Schoolmarm

Posted on June 21, 2023 by Jennie

Every year, third graders in Groton, Massachusetts take a field trip to the old one-room schoolhouse, the Sawtelle School.  It’s living history, and that’s just how children should learn history. I get to be their teacher.  Lucky me. Groton is … Continue reading →

Posted in history, School, teaching | Tagged , , | 101 Comments

Boxcars

Posted on June 17, 2023 by Jennie

Originally posted on Andrew Joyce:
A while back, my friend Jennie asked me to repost this story. I told her it was way too long for a blog (12,000 words) even though I had posted it once before. Well, I’ve…

Posted in Uncategorized | 18 Comments

Rainbows

Posted on June 15, 2023 by Jennie

Rainbows don’t appear often.  Every one is exciting. This rainbow appeared this evening. I thought it was brilliant, but no. The grandaddy of rainbows was right behind. He was brilliant.  And, he grew… …and grew, into a vibrance of color, … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, Nature, wonder | Tagged , | 85 Comments

Reflections on a Wonderful Year at School

Posted on June 14, 2023 by Jennie

Today was the last day of school for children. There were tears, hugs, resistance, and a multitude of emotions from children and families. It’s hard to say good-bye and thank you, all at the same time. Two families thanked me … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Inspiration, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , | 54 Comments

A Few Quotations On Book Banning

Posted on June 13, 2023 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
“Books and all forms of writing have always been objects of terror to those who seek to suppress truth.”                        …

Posted in Uncategorized | 25 Comments

Chapter Reading Throughout the School Year

Posted on June 9, 2023 by Jennie

Here is my annual end of school year letter to parents: Chapter Reading June 9, 2023 Chapter reading is one of our treasured moments of the day.  We bring to life the imagination, the world, and the past.  The anticipation … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , | 58 Comments