Author Archives: Jennie

About Jennie

I have been teaching preschool for over thirty-five 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 Aloud Heals Just About Everything – Part 2

Posted on February 20, 2023 by Jennie

My post on ‘Reading Aloud Heals Just About Everything’ gave my readers a chance to reflect and tell their stories. Thank You! “Few days before my father died I was reading to him. I don’t remember what the book was. … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, reading aloud, storytelling | Tagged , , | 28 Comments

Happy Anniversary

Posted on February 18, 2023 by Jennie

It’s always a nice surprise when a WP anniversary is announced. Happy Anniversary with WordPress.com! You registered on WordPress.com 9 years ago. Thanks for flying with us. Keep up the good blogging.

Posted in Writing | Tagged | 55 Comments

Reading Aloud Heals Just About Everything

Posted on February 18, 2023 by Jennie

My favorite ‘reading aloud movie’ is “The Princess Bride.”  Yes, it’s a wonderful movie about a fairy tale…but more importantly it’s a grandfather reading aloud the book to his sick grandson, a reluctant listener.  Eventually the grandson is fully engrossed … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Expressing words and feelings, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 72 Comments

My Mini Love Note

Posted on February 14, 2023 by Jennie

Big things come in little packages, and my mini love note couldn’t have made my heart any bigger. Happy Valentine’s Day! “Some people care too much, I think it’s called love.” ~Winnie the Pooh~ Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, preschool, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , | 63 Comments

Kelly the Reader – Her Story

Posted on February 12, 2023 by Jennie

Kelly has learned to read.  She is so proud!  Most children are happy to just keep reading, once they have crossed that threshold.  Not Kelly.  She wanted to show her skills to the world, to read aloud on YouTube, but … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, reading, reading aloud, wonder | Tagged , , | 76 Comments

Quotations On Libraries

Posted on February 9, 2023 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://en.wikipedia.org) “I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.”                                                                               Jose Luis Borges (https://pixabay.com) “The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of…

Posted in Uncategorized | 43 Comments

Pen Pal Valentines

Posted on February 5, 2023 by Jennie

Valentines for our pen pals who live far away in England and Michigan, love and friendship made by hand. Jennie

Posted in art, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Writing | Tagged , , | 37 Comments

Winter Sunset

Posted on February 3, 2023 by Jennie

At last, there was a winter sunset on the drive home from work at my favorite Sunset Farm intersection.  That means the days are getting longer.  At school we can now watch sunsets on the playground at the end of … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , | 72 Comments

We’re Still Pen-Pals

Posted on January 30, 2023 by Jennie

Last summer a child who had moved on from my class was missing me.  His mom emailed: He said, “Mumma, I miss Jennie.”  I said, “I’m sure you do.  What is it you miss about her? ” He said, “I … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 91 Comments

E.B. White

Posted on January 27, 2023 by Jennie

E.B. White’s thoughts always go through me like a Fourth of July sparkler.  He has a way with words, and he ‘knows’.  His wisdom is as remarkable as his writing.  He was the observer, the one who paid attention and … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, literacy, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 74 Comments