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.

Importance of Imagination

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
Imagination is one of the most important aspects of life and of writing. We should cherish it and help develop it in others.  Here are a few quotations for your consideration:…

Posted in Uncategorized | 9 Comments

Picture Stories and Fairy Tales

Picture stories are powerful.  And, they are complicated.  Children have to recall what they know, then have the words to tell a story in their own way.  Our recent picture stories added even more layers of work; deciding what characters … Continue reading

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 24 Comments

Conversation

I often write about language and literacy because reading aloud and hearing all those words are what makes the difference in learning.  I want to introduce a new word into the mix: conversation.  That involves more than listening; it implies … Continue reading

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

The Art Show Begins

Children naturally gravitate to art, whether painting at an easel or drawing pictures.  Art is akin to sand and water; it triggers learning, and it’s fun for children.  Each year my class displays and Art Show for our entire community.  … Continue reading

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Making Connections

Museums always inspire me, and my recent visit to the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, NH was no exception.  The added bonus was seeing Eleanor, one of my former students.  She is now in high school.  How can that … Continue reading

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 9 Comments

My Hero

I don’t think people know who my hero is.  I doubt my own children even know; they would say my it’s my grandmother, Nan.  And, so would most people close to me.  Nan was the best grandmother, and what I … Continue reading

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

How Reading-Aloud Made Me the Teacher and Person I Am Today.

My very first day of teaching preschool in Massachusetts, thirty-two years ago, was both career and life altering.  Lindy, my co-teacher, asked me to read the picture books to children each day after our Morning Meeting.  Sure (gulp)!  I was … Continue reading

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 41 Comments

An Honor and a Thank You

I want to thank the American Legion Auxiliary for interviewing and including me in their magazine.  The recent edition of the American Legion Auxiliary Magazine features patriotism: “Keeping America’s Patriotism GOING STRONG.  All across the country, Americans are demonstrating their … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Singing “God Bless America”

Children love to sing.  Over the years in my classroom a favorite song always emerges; “God Bless America”.  The tune is nice and the words are simple for children to sing.  I bring all types of music into my classroom.  … Continue reading

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Mindfulness, Part II

I always write about the little moments, things that happen; things that I know deep down inside are gigantic in the world of ‘importance’ and ‘all knowing’.  Those moments can easily slip by if you’re not in the zone.  Yes, … Continue reading

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments