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.

Gloria’s Sleepover At My House

Posted on January 3, 2024 by Jennie

Gloria has been everywhere this year – except with me.  She had a sleepover at my house last night!  When it was time for her to go to bed, she wanted a story (of course), so I read to her … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, picture books, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , | 75 Comments

The New Year Ahead

Posted on January 1, 2024 by Jennie

Unlike many bloggers, I don’t write reviews about my year. I don’t have lofty goals for the New Year. My joy comes from the little things everyday, because these are the big things, and become my landscape, my portrait. Writing … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 73 Comments

The Little Things Really Are the Big Things – Especially When it Comes to Laughter! This Baby Video is Priceless. Children Laugh and Love at the Little (Important) Things Better Than Adults.

Posted on December 30, 2023 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 22 Comments

The Day After

Posted on December 26, 2023 by Jennie

The day after Christmas was a full moon to the east with a deep blue sky. I thought about the Christmas Star and stopped to remember the Three Wise Men. To the west was a beautiful sunset and a contrail. … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, The Arts | Tagged , , , , | 67 Comments

All You Need is Love

Posted on December 23, 2023 by Jennie

The last day of school before Christmas. Pajama Day! Everyone is excited. A child rushed up to give me a big hug. “I love you, Jennie.” “I love you, too.” The ‘I Love You Rush’ began. I knew exactly what … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, Love, music, picture books, preschool, Singing, Teaching young children, The Beatles, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 69 Comments

Edelweiss

Posted on December 19, 2023 by Jennie

Christmas lights and decorations are up.  It feels so good.  Light is joy and hope. After dinner I put on my jammies and settled in to read my fellow bloggers’ posts.  I had ‘The Sound of Music’ movie in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, music, Quotes, Singing, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 69 Comments

When the words of children become Found Poetry, that is inspiring. I asked my library reading group to tell me their wishes, and they are still going strong. Read on!

Posted on December 15, 2023 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 25 Comments

A Trilogy of Patriotic Heroes This Week

Posted on December 10, 2023 by Jennie

#1 I went to a Book Fair and found a remarkable new book about the American flag that survived the 9/11 attack, 30,000 Stitches. It is the story of the 9/11 flag, how it was saved and how it was … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Book Review, children's books, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, military, patriotism | Tagged , , , , | 60 Comments

Teachers, You Can Transform Lives. Really!

Posted on December 4, 2023 by Jennie

Barb Taub shares stories of Polly, the ‘best’ teacher her children had, the one who made a difference, and transformed their lives.  Polly had one classroom of children from age 4 to first grade.  Thank you, Barb. Barb Taub My … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 34 Comments

Love

Posted on December 3, 2023 by Jennie

I wore this heart pin to school today.  I needed to wear it, and I knew what would happen.  Children asked me about the pin. “Jennie, I love your heart.” “Thank you.  I  do, too.  Do you know why I … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, Love, preschool, Singing, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 82 Comments