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.

Reading Connects All People

Posted on January 1, 2017 by Jennie

Reading should belong to everyone, but often we only think of how books relate to us. Steve McCurry is working to bridge that gap and show how much reading can connect disparate people. McCurry, one of the leaders in modern … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Kindness, Peace, reading | Tagged , , , , | 16 Comments

Owling, Part ll

Posted on December 29, 2016 by Jennie

I am honored that author Jane Yolen read my blog post about going owling, sticky buns, and most importantly about her award winning book, Owl Moon. Jane Yolen replied, “In the end of course, fame and fortune don’t matter.  It’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 18 Comments

Sticky Buns and “Owling”

Posted on December 27, 2016 by Jennie

Another Christmas, and another delivery of sticky buns.  Every year I feel like a child hoping that Santa Claus will come, except that Santa is actually “the sticky bun mom”.  This is perhaps the longest tradition in my family, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 62 Comments

The Real Meaning of Christmas Giving- Alicia

Posted on December 22, 2016 by Jennie

Alicia was my first experience in real Christmas giving, the kind that involved the whole family and money.  One hundred dollars- a fortune for a preschool teacher back in the late 80’s.  It was a Christmas gift that changed my … Continue reading →

Posted in Kindness, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 52 Comments

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