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.

Memorial Day Remembrance

Our school wide Memorial Day remembrance some years ago with General Zukauskas and Cadet Crampton was stirring and moving, to say the least.  I think holding the American flag and singing patriotic songs, particularly “The Star Spangled Banner”, were quite … Continue reading

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

Benefits of Reading, Fiction and Empathy

There is a reason I begin every school year by reading aloud Charlotte’s Web.  Besides being a terrific story that children love year after year, the underlying message goes far deeper than the friendship between Charlotte the spider and Wilbur the … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 37 Comments

Benefits of Reading

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
https://pixabay.com I have previously written about the happiness of reading, a pleasure I hope everyone, or at least, most people experience. As I wrote before, I consider reading to be one…

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Teaching Acceptance, Not Diversity

Garth Williams illustration, courtesy Harper & Row One never knows when a powerful teaching moment presents itself.  In spite of all the lesson planning, the real times an educator can seize the opportunity to teach young children often come unexpectedly.  … Continue reading

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 15 Comments

Our Pen-Pal From Prague

A Pen-Pal is an exciting way to learn about other people and countries, because it is hands-on.  No computers, no iPads, just real things that children can touch and see; letters, pictures, and even a book.  There is no instant … Continue reading

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Jim Trelease Quote, Reading and Writing, and a Journey of Teaching

A great quote can pack as much power as a good book.  When both come together in one package, then you have it all.  That’s Jim Trelease.  That’s The Read-Aloud Handbook. “People would stand in line for days and pay … Continue reading

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

Three Quotation Challenges

I have been nominated for this quotation challenge, to come up with three quotations.  This is no small potatoes, as the field is filled with excellence.  That means two things to me; quotes that are both brilliant and simple, because … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

Reading List

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
I had the good fortune this week of delivering a talk at the Muhlenberg College Board of Associates Meeting on the topic of Great Books.  I spoke with the audience for…

Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Kindness Doesn’t Have to Cost (re-posting)

This is so beautifully simple and powerful, and the core of what I teach young children. The first point is a smile. I know firsthand the power of a smile. It happened twenty years ago in my classroom and changed … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Teaching the Importance of Giving

My head is always spinning with excitement when I encounter or learn something new.  The pattern is predictable; ‘soak up what I see and hear’, and then ‘how can I teach this to children?’.  I am constantly on a quest … Continue reading

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 15 Comments