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.

Reading List

Posted on April 27, 2016 by Jennie

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)

Posted on April 25, 2016 by Jennie

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 →

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Teaching the Importance of Giving

Posted on April 24, 2016 by Jennie

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

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