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 Begins With Children. Dr. Seuss Knew That Best of All, Hence National Reading Month. Read On!

Posted on March 11, 2024 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 33 Comments

Do You See What I See?

Posted on March 10, 2024 by Jennie

Children created the Eiffel Tower using different sticks, from coffee stirrers to craft sticks (popsicle sticks) to ‘build’ a replica of the structure. Tommy carefully criss-crossed his sticks.  He was focused, determined. I’m always understanding and support children’s hard work, … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , | 57 Comments

Robot Finale and Real Learning

Posted on March 4, 2024 by Jennie

My classroom, the Aqua Room, is ‘crushing’ robots this year.  Every day a child talks about Curiosity on Mars.  Every day we watch the Boston Dynamics robots.  Back in December we wrote a giant letter to NASA, and to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, robots, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 81 Comments

Gloria is Celebrating Other Countries

Posted on March 2, 2024 by Jennie

My preschool class loves learning about other countries.  Geography, our Big Book Atlas, food, traditional costumes, and singing our ‘Days of the Week’ song in a new language are favorites.  Every year. Gloria has decided she wants to be part … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, geography, Gloria, Inspiration, Learning About the World, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 73 Comments

Singing With a Child on YouTube

Posted on February 24, 2024 by Jennie

It Happened Like This… While grocery shopping a few weeks ago, I listened to the music piped in over their intercom.  It was Faith Hill singing “This Kiss.”  I had a lightbulb teacher moment (which happens to me frequently.) The … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, Love, music, preschool, Singing, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , | 87 Comments

Ten Years!

Posted on February 19, 2024 by Jennie

I wish to thank my fellow bloggers who have become a community of friends and have made these past ten years a joy. Thank You! ~Jennie~ Happy Anniversary with WordPress.com! You registered on WordPress.com 10 years ago. Thanks for flying with us. … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy | Tagged , , | 102 Comments

A Kandinsky Painting – At Last!

Posted on February 17, 2024 by Jennie

I love art.  It feeds my soul.  It makes me think.  Art is a joy, and I share that with my preschool class- all the time.  Young children soak up art; they are naturally drawn to the visual ‘show’, and … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, museums, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 90 Comments

“Look!”

Posted on February 14, 2024 by Jennie

“Look! Come here and look at the sky.” Children rushed to the top of the playground. I pointed to the sky. There was silence, genuine awe. Nature does that, you know. “What is that?” “Pink cloud beams?” “Cloud rays of … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Einstein, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, Quotes, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 64 Comments

The Story of Emma (and ‘Ariel’)

Posted on February 6, 2024 by Jennie

Some students stick with you, and some stick with you like glue.  That would be Emma.  This is the story of Emma, a child who thrived in the Aqua Room, and returned on occasion to visit.  Her journey is heartwarming … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Giving thanks, Gloria, Inspiration, literacy, music, play performances, reading aloud, Singing, Student alumni, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 96 Comments

A Mid Winter Art Break to Make You Smile. Who knew Van Gogh Painted 74 Gorgeous Works of Art in his Last 70 Days of Life?

Posted on February 3, 2024 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 31 Comments