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.

Storytelling; Jennie Stories

Posted on July 7, 2014 by Jennie

Storytelling is important to young children because oral language is the key to reading readiness.  It’s also a key to academic success.  Think about it; in early elementary school the primary source of instruction is oral.  At school, I tell … Continue reading →

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How Art Shapes Our World

Posted on June 29, 2014 by Jennie

Growing up, I spent every Sunday afternoon with my grandmother, Nan.  She was the fun one, the grandparent who let us dress up in her clothes, always read to us, told us stories of her childhood, and drove us to … Continue reading →

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The Essay That Didn’t Win…It Should Have.

Posted on June 20, 2014 by Jennie

The essay contest was titled, “When did you first know the meaning of love?”.  I knew the answer in a heartbeat; I had to enter and tell the world, because it was important.  It was the ‘light bulb’ moment in … Continue reading →

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Singing Poetry, Books, and Anything in Print

Posted on June 16, 2014 by Jennie

At our monthly staff meeting last week a teacher shared a wonderful frog poem written on chart paper.  The rhyming words were highlighted in a different color.  She showed us how to use the poem with props; a stick to … Continue reading →

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“It Happened Like This…”

Posted on June 8, 2014 by Jennie

This is the classic line to begin a great story, and a true story.  I say this often in the classroom, as language and stories are strong building blocks.  The children are very familiar with this phrase, as I tell … Continue reading →

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Roots and Wings…and Thunderstorms

Posted on June 1, 2014 by Jennie

Some years ago I was on my porch with my adult daughter watching the big thunderstorm rumble into our yard. We were both enjoying the anticipation as well as the storm itself. I asked my daughter what memories popped into … Continue reading →

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A Memorial Day in My Classroom

Posted on May 26, 2014 by Jennie

Our school wide Memorial Day remembrance some years ago with General Zukauskas and Cadet Crampton was stirring and moving, to say the least.  I think holding the American flag and singing patriotic songs, particularly “The Star Spangled Banner”, were quite … Continue reading →

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Music and Singing; The Little Things Become the Big Things, Especially With Patriotic Songs.

Posted on May 17, 2014 by Jennie

It all started with Jackson.  He’s a music lover in the classroom, and remembers what he hears.  Songs that are meaningful to him are not forgotten and often requested for us to sing.  Yesterday was the culmination of a slow … Continue reading →

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Lunch Time Conversation in the Classroom; It’s Important!

Posted on May 13, 2014 by Jennie

I thought you might enjoy a a little verbal window into my classroom at 12:00 PM.  Is it chaos or is it beneficial?  Yes, there is chaos.  The logistics of of getting fifteen children set up for lunch is no … Continue reading →

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The Power of Singing. It’s Far More Than Music.

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Jennie

Yesterday a child in my class had a very difficult drop-off.  All the words in the world from Mom, and all her hugs and reassurances just didn’t make a dent.  I was equally unsuccessful in helping Mom to say goodbye … Continue reading →

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