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.

International Day of Peace

Posted on September 21, 2016 by Jennie

When I was in the library last week, I saw they had a display of peace books to recognize International Day of Peace.  To my surprise, one of my classroom books was included in the display. Today is the day.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Peace, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 25 Comments

The Best Book, Every Year

Posted on September 17, 2016 by Jennie

“Jennie, is chapter reading over?”  That was Parker’s worrisome question today. He just wasn’t ready to let it go.  “Can we read more?”  Isn’t that question the Brass Ring?  The one that validates not only chapter reading, but one of … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , | 43 Comments

Kindness, Peace, and Love Day

Posted on September 13, 2016 by Jennie

The tragic events of 9/11 unfolded, and our country was united in brotherhood.  We had scores of heroes, and we helped one another with selfless acts of kindness.  Since then, my school has celebrated “Kindness, Peace, and Love Day” every … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 19 Comments

Bringing Community to Children

Posted on September 10, 2016 by Jennie

Andy the Tool Man is a carpenter.  He prides himself in both his craftsmanship and his father’s and grandfather’s hand tools.  There’s something warm and enticing about old tools.  Andy knows that, and so do the children. We used the … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 39 Comments

My Tree of Life

Posted on September 5, 2016 by Jennie

A tree is a universal and natural element for teaching young children.  It is almighty; the one thing that represents birth, life and death, seasons, colors, beauty, divergence, and wonder.  That list alone is startling, yet just the tip of … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 30 Comments

A Dash of Risk

Posted on August 31, 2016 by Jennie

Originally posted on Playful Directions:
Beginning a new school year is rife with uncertainty.  An unknown routine, strange surroundings, and rooms full of unfamiliar people all contribute to a high level of stress for both children and adults.  Will I…

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Jennie Stories, the Early Years

Posted on August 27, 2016 by Jennie

My family log house, early 1770’s Telling stories is akin to reading aloud. Words come alive when children ‘make the pictures in their heads’.  Listening stretches the brain because language, every word, is suddenly a lit fuse. When I started teaching, … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 35 Comments

Quotations on the Importance of Education

Posted on August 25, 2016 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://en.wikipedia.org) “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”                                                                                  Nelson Mandela ? (https://en.wikipedia.org) “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of…

Posted in Uncategorized | 11 Comments

All Because of a Dragonfly… Talking Death With Children

Posted on August 20, 2016 by Jennie

Our Memory Garden at school is a raised bed of beauty; flowers, sculptures, American flags, and a collection of painted rocks, all to mark classroom pets and loved ones who have died over the years. The garden sits quietly as … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 45 Comments

What I learned from Children

Posted on August 15, 2016 by Jennie

Originally posted on thehappylife101:
I would define CHILDREN as the happiest creatures in the world. Oh, don’t you just envy their enthusiasm and high-spirits! In my pondering, I realize that there are really some great things that we can learn from them-…

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment