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.

Marinating Vocabulary

‘Marinating Vocabulary’.  I heard Pam Allyn, a guru on reading and reading-aloud, speak those words last week.  They hit me like a stone.  Each time I read aloud from a chapter book those words do far more than go into … Continue reading

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Why Do I Write Picture Stories and Read Chapter Books?

My first project of the school year is writing picture stories with the children.  Language is critical to learning in all academic areas, so its only natural that creating picture stories is an excellent tool for teachers. Its a fun … Continue reading

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The Importance of Storytelling

Originally posted on MichelleSaulTheWordWitch:
Currently in my Irish Literature class we are reading the novel Ireland by Frank Delaney. This novel focuses a lot on storytelling and the importance of telling stories to each other. The main character, Ronan, is…

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Dear Teachers, Joy is the Magic Word

Dear Teachers, As you start your new school year there is one word that will get you through the uncertainty and the worry.  It’s the same word that is the heart of educating.  That word is ‘joy’.  No, it’s not … Continue reading

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My Summer of Reading

This summer I immersed myself in great children’s books and quite a few young adult (YA) books that I’d never read, for a host of reasons.  So many wonderful books for older children were written when my children were very … Continue reading

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The Peace Quilt; Yet Another Story

Every so often (and more often than not) I’m surprised with an email about a former student.  Typically it comes from the parent, regaling a wonderful experience with their child, directly related to something from their days in my classroom  … Continue reading

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Twists and Turns at Museums, Books and Art

A trip to a museum is much like climbing into a great book with a storyline of unexpected twists and turns.  Yesterday was no exception.  I visited the Eric Carle Museum in Amherst, Massachusetts.  It has the best bookstore I … Continue reading

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When Children Tell the Stories

Storytelling is a huge part of my classroom because it ignites the fire of listening and learning; new words, different ideas, adventure, compassion… hearing stories told aloud brings words and ideas to life.  This is exciting, because children are captivated … Continue reading

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Storytelling With Children

The reason storytelling has been a mainstay of communication for centuries goes far beyond imparting words to tell a story.  Words come to life when spoken aloud.  People have to listen, stretch their minds, and make the pictures in their … Continue reading

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Summer Camp Play Performances

Every summer my school offers a summer camp program.  The most exciting part of my camp group (six to eight year olds) is the ‘play performance’.  It didn’t start that way at all.  Camp is camp, and that means having … Continue reading

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