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.

Teaching Peace Through Diversity

Posted on May 1, 2014 by Jennie

Teachable moments do not always happen when planned. Teachers work hard to implement a rich curriculum and include all styles of learning. Yet, sometimes the best opportunities occur at unexpected times. That is exactly what happened this week in the … Continue reading →

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Giving the Gift of Reading and Friendship

Posted on April 26, 2014 by Jennie

Never underestimate children.  The same goes for those who know what it takes to make a difference with children.  This week both statements came into clear focus when I drove from Massachusetts to West Virginia with a car full of … Continue reading →

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Sharing Literacy and Changing Learning

Posted on April 18, 2014 by Jennie

After thirty years of teaching, if someone pinned me down and asked, “Okay, Jennie, what is the most important thing you teach, and what makes the biggest difference?”, I would know the answer, hands-down.  Really.  It is literacy and reading … Continue reading →

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My Classroom; It Keeps Getting Better

Posted on April 15, 2014 by Jennie

I’ll never forget the day that it hit me like a ton of bricks: my classroom, the physical space, was dysfunctional.  For decades I had prided myself in understanding children and relating to them in every way.  My fifteen children … Continue reading →

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Art Masterpieces, Inspired by All Types of Music, Created by Young Children

Posted on April 8, 2014 by Jennie

Preparing For the Aqua Room Art Show.  Who knew that music would be so inspirational? Artist’s tools certainly work to help children feel inspired and create their own art. Whether it is squeezing thick watercolors from a tube directly onto … Continue reading →

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Language, Literacy and Reading Aloud… part 2

Posted on April 5, 2014 by Jennie

People often ask why I chapter read.  After all, many of the children in my classroom are are three-years-old.  When we chapter read, the children don’t have an image from a picture book.  They have to make the pictures in … Continue reading →

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Language, Literacy and Reading Aloud… part 1

Posted on March 30, 2014 by Jennie

Chapter reading is one of our treasured moments of the day in the classroom. We bring to life the imagination, the world, and the past. The anticipation of ‘what happens next?’ stirs excitement every day. Children listen and think. They … Continue reading →

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Art, Music and Technology

Posted on March 25, 2014 by Jennie

We’re learning about France in the classroom and also studying the art of the old masters, like Monet, Picasso and van Gogh.  Describing styles of art to young children with pictures and techniques is always exciting; using real watercolor paints … Continue reading →

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This Was a Great Day!

Posted on March 19, 2014 by Jennie

Romana, Geography, Milly, and ‘Blind Travel’ “The Story of Learning, and a Great Day in the Aqua Room” The best learning often takes place at unexpected times.  As teachers, we have to recognize the moments when children are curious or … Continue reading →

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Welcome to Jennie’s Blog.

Posted on March 16, 2014 by Jennie

Originally posted on A Teacher's Reflections:
I am excited to share with all of you my insights into teaching young children.    There are so many good things that I have written about, from reading aloud to music, art, ‘traveling’…

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