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.

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

An Honor and a Thank You

Posted on February 10, 2016 by Jennie

I want to thank the American Legion Auxiliary for interviewing and including me in their magazine.  The recent edition of the American Legion Auxiliary Magazine features patriotism: “Keeping America’s Patriotism GOING STRONG.  All across the country, Americans are demonstrating their … Continue reading →

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Singing “God Bless America”

Posted on February 6, 2016 by Jennie

Children love to sing.  Over the years in my classroom a favorite song always emerges; “God Bless America”.  The tune is nice and the words are simple for children to sing.  I bring all types of music into my classroom.  … Continue reading →

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Mindfulness, Part II

Posted on January 31, 2016 by Jennie

I always write about the little moments, things that happen; things that I know deep down inside are gigantic in the world of ‘importance’ and ‘all knowing’.  Those moments can easily slip by if you’re not in the zone.  Yes, … Continue reading →

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Spirit Animal Blog Award

Posted on January 27, 2016 by Jennie

Spirit Animal Blog Award I have been nominated for the Spirit Animal Blog Award.  Thank you, Charles French https://charlesfrenchonwordsreadingandwriting.wordpress.com for nominating me for this award.   I am honored, indeed.  When a blogger receives recognition from a fellow blogger it … Continue reading →

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Music Brings Unexpected Learning

Posted on January 24, 2016 by Jennie

A child brought to school a CD with the “Star Wars” theme song.  Fortunately it was a recording of all the John Williams movie themes, and that means good music and a golden opportunity for learning.  We began with mindful … Continue reading →

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

Children’s Stories

Posted on January 18, 2016 by Jennie

Children have incredible words, given the opportunity to tell their story. As I took down a hallway art display I read (yet again) the story that children had created about living in a castle.  What would they do and who … Continue reading →

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The Boy With the Red Hair

Posted on January 13, 2016 by Jennie

January is always a busy month at school, and tonight I was tired.  My husband and I had errands to do after school, so we had dinner at a small local restaurant.  Just when I thought I had nothing left, … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments