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.

Teaching History With Picture Books

Posted on April 13, 2016 by Jennie

As I read one of the classic children’s books, The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton, it turned out to be an unexpected history lesson.  This wonderful book begins with a charming little house on a hill, living through days … Continue reading →

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

Behold the Art Show

Posted on April 3, 2016 by Jennie

Children were sitting together as I carefully picked up each ‘masterpiece’, mounted and framed, and labeled with a title.  They knew this was IT, seeing the results of their love and labor.  I held up each piece, one at a … Continue reading →

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

“Starry Night” II

Posted on March 27, 2016 by Jennie

I will never underestimate children and art.  This story is why. I have been introducing a variety of styles of art to children as we prepare our annual Art Show for the community.  Currently we are learning about France, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 28 Comments

Importance of Imagination

Posted on March 23, 2016 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
Imagination is one of the most important aspects of life and of writing. We should cherish it and help develop it in others.  Here are a few quotations for your consideration:…

Posted in Uncategorized | 9 Comments

Picture Stories and Fairy Tales

Posted on March 19, 2016 by Jennie

Picture stories are powerful.  And, they are complicated.  Children have to recall what they know, then have the words to tell a story in their own way.  Our recent picture stories added even more layers of work; deciding what characters … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 24 Comments

Conversation

Posted on March 12, 2016 by Jennie

I often write about language and literacy because reading aloud and hearing all those words are what makes the difference in learning.  I want to introduce a new word into the mix: conversation.  That involves more than listening; it implies … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

The Art Show Begins

Posted on March 6, 2016 by Jennie

Children naturally gravitate to art, whether painting at an easel or drawing pictures.  Art is akin to sand and water; it triggers learning, and it’s fun for children.  Each year my class displays and Art Show for our entire community.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Making Connections

Posted on February 27, 2016 by Jennie

Museums always inspire me, and my recent visit to the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, NH was no exception.  The added bonus was seeing Eleanor, one of my former students.  She is now in high school.  How can that … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 9 Comments

My Hero

Posted on February 21, 2016 by Jennie

I don’t think people know who my hero is.  I doubt my own children even know; they would say my it’s my grandmother, Nan.  And, so would most people close to me.  Nan was the best grandmother, and what I … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

How Reading-Aloud Made Me the Teacher and Person I Am Today.

Posted on February 14, 2016 by Jennie

My very first day of teaching preschool in Massachusetts, thirty-two years ago, was both career and life altering.  Lindy, my co-teacher, asked me to read the picture books to children each day after our Morning Meeting.  Sure (gulp)!  I was … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 41 Comments