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.

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

A Letter From My Pen Pal

Posted on January 29, 2024 by Jennie

Dear Friends, You can imagine what it was like for me to get this letter in the mail. I hope you get goosebumps, or get teary, or have a lump in your throat when you read this. Dear Jennie, Happy … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, literacy, Love, Writing, young children | Tagged , , , | 68 Comments

Things Happen in Threes

Posted on January 22, 2024 by Jennie

Things often happen in threes.  They certainly did at school! #1 We had day after day of bitter cold weather.  That meant the children could not go outside.  By day three we had to be creative, so we had a … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, joy, literacy, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, robots, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 51 Comments

Excellent Quotations on Education – Thank You, Charles French.

Posted on January 20, 2024 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 20 Comments

Gloria’s Journal and Many Adventures

Posted on January 14, 2024 by Jennie

It’s a new school year for Gloria, and she has spent most weekends with a child.  Her adventures on weekends have been delightful.  Reading her journal to children is always exciting. Back in the beginning of Gloria in the Aqua … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 91 Comments

Robots!

Posted on January 7, 2024 by Jennie

Meet Curiosity Atlas, our classroom robot.  He is mounted on a scooter board so children can pull him everywhere.  Oh, they do.  He is beloved.  Of course there is a story behind Curiosity Atlas. We were learning about robots.  Children … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, preschool, robots, School, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , | 79 Comments

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