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.

Outstanding Christmas Books

Posted on December 17, 2016 by Jennie

Christmas is about the heart and creating strong, lasting memories.  Good books do just that, especially if the story engages children and adults alike. The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree by Gloria Houston (1988) is an Appalachian tale of … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, picture books, reading aloud, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 25 Comments

Quotations On Hope and Idealism

Posted on December 10, 2016 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://en.wikiquote.org) Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope,…

Posted in Uncategorized | 12 Comments

Milly & Gloria

Posted on December 8, 2016 by Jennie

“Imagination is more important than knowledge.  Knowledge is limited.  Imagination encircles the world.” -Albert Einstein- Milly made her first visit this year to the classroom, wearing her Halloween costume.  She brings joy to the children in the smallest of ways … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Kindness, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 36 Comments

Part II: Older Children’s Books and Their Stories

Posted on December 4, 2016 by Jennie

My very first day of teaching was filled with nerves.  There I was, sitting in front of fifteen children, ready to read-aloud a book that was new to me- Swimmy by Leo Lionni.  Thus began my love of children’s books … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 31 Comments

Children’s Books: Old Can Be Better

Posted on November 27, 2016 by Jennie

Now that the best new children’s books this year are receiving awards and recognition, I’m excited and scanning the titles for my new favorites.  Besides recognizing the best new books of the year, it’s gift giving time. Nothing beats reading-aloud … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 73 Comments

Emotional Reading Comes First

Posted on November 20, 2016 by Jennie

Reading-aloud is emotional in my classroom.  Thank goodness!  I belt it out, read with a voice, and stop to talk. I cry and laugh, and so do the children.  How best can children learn all that is really important?  With … Continue reading →

Posted in Kindness, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , | 35 Comments

Writing Picture Stories

Posted on November 16, 2016 by Jennie

I have hundreds of photos of children from over the years, yet only one photo is on my desk.  This scene was a party that children wanted because we read books and wrote stories.  They’re all in high school now, … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, reading aloud, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 38 Comments

Children and “The Star Spangled Banner”

Posted on November 13, 2016 by Jennie

Bringing our National Anthem to Life Few books have the power to move young students and make a difference; this one does. Whenever I sing our National Anthem with children, I pull out my well-loved and very worn book, The … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, patriotism, reading aloud, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Children and Patriotism; It Starts With Singing.

Posted on November 10, 2016 by Jennie

Teaching patriotism is something I do in my classroom, and I do it frequently.  It is rarely a planned activity; it just happens.  Much like teaching kindness or giving, or even bravery, the learning comes from doing.  And the way we learn … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, patriotism, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

The Essential Children’s Bookshelf

Posted on November 5, 2016 by Jennie

Read & Survive Found this lovely infographic via ebookfrienly.com What’s your favorite children’s book? View original post

Posted in Uncategorized | 21 Comments