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.

My Summer of Reading

Posted on August 30, 2015 by Jennie

This summer I immersed myself in great children’s books and quite a few young adult (YA) books that I’d never read, for a host of reasons.  So many wonderful books for older children were written when my children were very … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Peace Quilt; Yet Another Story

Posted on August 21, 2015 by Jennie

Every so often (and more often than not) I’m surprised with an email about a former student.  Typically it comes from the parent, regaling a wonderful experience with their child, directly related to something from their days in my classroom  … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Twists and Turns at Museums, Books and Art

Posted on August 16, 2015 by Jennie

A trip to a museum is much like climbing into a great book with a storyline of unexpected twists and turns.  Yesterday was no exception.  I visited the Eric Carle Museum in Amherst, Massachusetts.  It has the best bookstore I … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

When Children Tell the Stories

Posted on August 5, 2015 by Jennie

Storytelling is a huge part of my classroom because it ignites the fire of listening and learning; new words, different ideas, adventure, compassion… hearing stories told aloud brings words and ideas to life.  This is exciting, because children are captivated … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Storytelling With Children

Posted on July 26, 2015 by Jennie

The reason storytelling has been a mainstay of communication for centuries goes far beyond imparting words to tell a story.  Words come to life when spoken aloud.  People have to listen, stretch their minds, and make the pictures in their … Continue reading →

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

Summer Camp Play Performances

Posted on July 18, 2015 by Jennie

Every summer my school offers a summer camp program.  The most exciting part of my camp group (six to eight year olds) is the ‘play performance’.  It didn’t start that way at all.  Camp is camp, and that means having … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Boston’s Music, “Pops Goes the Fourth”

Posted on July 7, 2015 by Jennie

I moved to Massachusetts in 1984.  Since then, I have faithfully watched the Boston Pops perform every Fourth of July.  Back then, John Williams was the conductor.  He was the man who wrote the music for my favorite movies, “ET”, … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Real ‘Teddy’ Story, and More

Posted on June 29, 2015 by Jennie

This weekend I cleaned my office; the yearly organization and the game of ‘keep or toss’.  Every year I take great care with three stories that are worn and torn, written long before computers and the internet.  Those stories are … Continue reading →

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

When Children Bring the Music

Posted on June 23, 2015 by Jennie

Colin and his mother came into school looking happy and half-humming, half-singing something very familiar.  Their whole presence and attitude was atypical, because they behaved as if they were actually part of the song.  I realized they were singing “Oh … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Doctor Dave, and Art

Posted on June 15, 2015 by Jennie

Art can sneak up on you when you least expect it.  When that happens, open your mind and be ready.  It’s a thrilling experience. I sliced my finger badly with a hedge trimmer…ouch!  Off to the ER after pouring a … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment