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.

The Carle, and More

Posted on August 10, 2024 by Jennie

I never tire of visiting the the Eric Carle Museum, because every visit has something new and exciting.  Yes, every visit. I had no idea his favorite color was yellow. No wonder he has created so many suns. This is … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Book Review, Dogs, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, literacy, museums, picture books, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 70 Comments

40 Year Bookends

Posted on August 1, 2024 by Jennie

All in a day, I bumped into ‘bookends’, parents of a student in my first class forty years ago, and parents of a child this past year. Michelle was one of my first students.  The local newspaper came to take … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 71 Comments

Children Helping

Posted on July 28, 2024 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 19 Comments

The Former Student – On Teaching

Posted on July 15, 2024 by Jennie

Noah was my student, over twenty years ago. He loved music. It was my autoharp and singing that helped him adjust to school. We have stayed in touch. When he was in high school he came to play the keyboard, … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, School, teaching | Tagged , , | 87 Comments

Penelope Rex, Classic Books, and Eric Carle

Posted on July 9, 2024 by Jennie

As always, a trip to the Eric Carle Museum is full of the unexpected, with moments that linger long after my visit.  First, I met Penelope in the hallway. Penelope Rex is the character in Ryan Higgins’ new book.  It … Continue reading →

Posted in art, children's books, David Wiesner, Eric Carle, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, reading, reading aloud, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , | 67 Comments

This says it all. Something as simple as raising the flag is pretty powerful. Celebrate the 4th with pride. Thank you, Steve, for this post. -Jennie-

Posted on July 3, 2024 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 51 Comments

Ghosts, Angels, and Spirits

Posted on June 27, 2024 by Jennie

Yes, I am a believer.  Perhaps because I have the heart of a child, I can openly see and feel.  All it takes is an encounter with a ghost or a spirit, and one cannot deny their existence.  I have … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, Peace, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 80 Comments

Roots & Wings, and Big Thunderstorms

Posted on June 20, 2024 by Jennie

The thunder is booming, and the lightning is flashing so much that I jump as I type this post.  I love every minute of the excitement.  I’m on the porch; I wouldn’t be any place else.  So much about thunderstorms … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, self esteem, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 55 Comments

Three Wonderful Things

Posted on June 15, 2024 by Jennie

The school year has just ended.  I am exhausted and very happy.  It’s the little things that make the big difference, and here are three wonderful things that happened at the end of school: Lissy’s self -portrait Children draw a … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Gloria, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, preschool, self esteem, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , | 70 Comments