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.

Ghosts, Angels, and Spirits

Posted on June 27, 2024 by Jennie

Yes, I am a believer.  Perhaps because I have the heart of a child, I can openly see and feel.  All it takes is an encounter with a ghost or a spirit, and one cannot deny their existence.  I have … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, Peace, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 80 Comments

Roots & Wings, and Big Thunderstorms

Posted on June 20, 2024 by Jennie

The thunder is booming, and the lightning is flashing so much that I jump as I type this post.  I love every minute of the excitement.  I’m on the porch; I wouldn’t be any place else.  So much about thunderstorms … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, self esteem, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 55 Comments

Three Wonderful Things

Posted on June 15, 2024 by Jennie

The school year has just ended.  I am exhausted and very happy.  It’s the little things that make the big difference, and here are three wonderful things that happened at the end of school: Lissy’s self -portrait Children draw a … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Gloria, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, preschool, self esteem, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , | 70 Comments

Life and Emergent Adventures

Posted on June 8, 2024 by Jennie

It is difficult to explain emergent curriculum to people.  For teachers it means paying attention to children, seizing the moment that ‘something happens’, and letting the moment be the guide for teaching. Picture this: walking along a path in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Imagination, Inspiration, Quotes, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , | 68 Comments

Amanda in Scotland

Posted on June 7, 2024 by Jennie

Look what arrived today! The newest Amanda book by Darlene Foster. I love every Amanda book. Adventure, history, geography, and all the complexities of sleuthing with many different characters and personalities. Let the summer reading begin! Jennie

Posted in Book Review, books, geography, history, Learning About the World, literacy, reading | Tagged , , | 38 Comments

Teaching Patriotism – Where it Began

Posted on May 27, 2024 by Jennie

Planting flags in our Memory Garden at school. It all started with our field trip to the Shriners Circus years ago.  This circus is a perfect event for preschoolers as it’s grand but not overwhelming.  My class was seated and … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Death and dying, military, patriotism, preschool, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 67 Comments

Every Story is Important – Especially Children’s Stories

Posted on May 24, 2024 by Jennie

I pay attention to children’s play, because play is their work.  By this time in the school year, children are more than settled; they work together like a team.  Today they built an incredible ‘scene’, something far more complex than … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 60 Comments

Giving Thanks – Teacher to Teacher, Blogger to Blogger, Friend to Friend

Posted on May 13, 2024 by Jennie

Let me tell you about my friend Pete Springer- fellow blogger, teacher, and dear friend.  He is a retired teacher with all the ‘right stuff’ when it comes to understanding children.  He visited my classroom a few years ago (which … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, teaching | Tagged , , , | 147 Comments

New Books, Authors, Art and Birds – at The Eric Carle Museum

Posted on May 4, 2024 by Jennie

A great day at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art Two new picture books just came out, and they are terrific.  I had the pleasure of meeting and greeting both of the authors, as they read their books … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Book Review, books, children's books, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, museums, Nature, picture books, reading aloud, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , | 75 Comments