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.

As the Clock Struck Noon

Posted on December 16, 2017 by Jennie

Today I was a small part of honoring those who have served and given the ultimate sacrifice.  A wreath was laid at Arlington National Cemetery at noon.  Simultaneously, cemeteries across America participated in the same wreath laying ceremony.  It was … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 50 Comments

Practice What You Preach #FridayThoughts

Posted on December 16, 2017 by Jennie

Words of wisdom from Ritu, a teacher and a mother.

Posted in Uncategorized | 17 Comments

Penguins, God, Spectacles, the Atlas, and Reading Aloud.

Posted on December 13, 2017 by Jennie

The classroom was dark except for a few strings of twinkling lights.  It was time for chapter reading before rest time.  We started a new chapter reading book, Mr. Popper’s Penguins.  Day one is always thrilling, and I show children … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Learning About the World, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 35 Comments

Five of the Best Children’s Books

Posted on December 9, 2017 by Jennie

I have been tagged to nominate my top five children’s books.  Thank you Norah at norahcolvin.com.  Choosing five books (only five) is a roller coaster, and I love that ride.  Here are my favorite children’s books, and why: Goodnight Moon  … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, picture books, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , | 75 Comments

Children Talking Death and Dying… It’s Good

Posted on December 4, 2017 by Jennie

Recently on the playground I watched children happily engaged in play.  The important part to them was someone dying.  It may sound grim, but it was really a happy game of imaginary play.  The characters were a mom and a … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Early Education, Learning About the World | Tagged , , , | 58 Comments

Why Reading Aloud Made Cuban Cigars Great

Posted on November 30, 2017 by Jennie

While reading aloud is my passion and what I do- because it makes a marked difference in learning- I always write about reading aloud to children. Well, there’s more.  Adults.  The proof of reading aloud making a difference is in … Continue reading →

Posted in Jim Trelease, reading, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , | 82 Comments

The Book That Changed Thanksgiving

Posted on November 27, 2017 by Jennie

When I visit with the grandchildren, a beloved ritual is reading a story before bedtime. The musicality of words floating into the ear and going into the mind becomes an arrow that pierces the heart.  It always happens that way. … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 74 Comments

Quotations on Kindness

Posted on November 24, 2017 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://commons.wikimedia.org) “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.”                                                                                 Plato ? (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Tutu) “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good…

Posted in Uncategorized | 29 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving

Posted on November 23, 2017 by Jennie

Whether you are traveling near or far to be with loved ones today, giving thanks and being together with family or friends, may your travels be swift and may your time together be filled with the the important things, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Giving thanks, Thanksgiving | Tagged , | 35 Comments

When Children Drive the Boat at Storytime

Posted on November 20, 2017 by Jennie

I’ve often said that the best learning and most meaningful experiences with children happen unexpectedly.  And, it happens all the time, especially with picture books.  You just have to seize the moment and be ready to let go of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 47 Comments