Author Archives: Jennie

Unknown's avatar

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.

The Spirit Animal Award Nomination!

Posted on August 13, 2016 by Jennie

I am deeply honored to have received a second Spirit Animal Award Nomination.  A heartfelt and sincere thank you to Charles French at https://charlesfrenchonwordsreadingandwritingatwordpress.com I say this  with the utmost of gratitude and thanks.  The award speaks to the spirit, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 22 Comments

The Thrill of Learning

Posted on August 11, 2016 by Jennie

It happens every time I open my Big Book Atlas, without fail.  Children can’t sit!  They are drawn to the big maps, swarming like bees to flowers. . Do you have any idea how many different things children want to … Continue reading →

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

The Real Deal at a Museum

Posted on August 7, 2016 by Jennie

A trip to the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, MA is a wonder in itself. It never fails that I am ‘blown away’, as my anticipation or expectation is fulfilled, yet not at all in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 32 Comments

Girls Reading Books

Posted on August 6, 2016 by Jennie

Reading, captured through art. What could be more beautiful? Marcia Strykowski shows us.

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

The Pen is Mighty

Posted on August 2, 2016 by Jennie

Writing is a powerful thing.  And, so is reading.  To my surprise and delight, this is what I received in the mail recently: Yes, it is a postcard from author Kate DiCamillo.  It is even signed, “Your Friend”.  I sent … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 33 Comments

The Greatest Question

Posted on July 29, 2016 by Jennie

“Jennie, tell me all the chapter books.” That was Jackson’s request, profound and unexpected.  This is his whole wide world of reading aloud.  And, this is the greatest question. Jackson and I were on the playground this morning.  He was hot … Continue reading →

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

Roots and Wings…and Thunderstorms

Posted on July 25, 2016 by Jennie

Last evening I was outdoors with my husband and our adult daughter watching the big thunderstorm rumble into our yard.  We were all enjoying the anticipation as well as the storm itself.  I asked my daughter what memories popped into … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 20 Comments

Quotations on Teaching

Posted on July 21, 2016 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
  (https://commons.wikimedia.org) “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.”                                                                               Malala Yousafzai ? “There is an old saying that the course of civilization is a race…

Posted in Uncategorized | 9 Comments

Really Understanding Children

Posted on July 14, 2016 by Jennie

Beverly came to camp a little late. She quickly joined all the campers as we were singing camp songs, hoping no one would notice her.  She wore her signature no-smile, crossed her arms, and plunked herself down beside me. She … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 22 Comments

Why Do Play Performances With Children?

Posted on July 9, 2016 by Jennie

Timothy planned his own costume.  He wanted to be a seagull, and he thought a white plastic trash bag cut along the sides would be perfect.  It was.  This made Timothy soar in his performance; not only as a seagull, … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 21 Comments