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.

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

When You Read Aloud…

Posted on November 28, 2023 by Jennie

 This is what happens when teachers read aloud: It begins with a child, grows into groups of children, and then the children ‘take over’, reading on their own. Reading one-on-one Reading in groups The more I read aloud, the more … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Leo Lionni, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 98 Comments

I am a Storyteller. I am a Child. I am a Believer.

Posted on November 25, 2023 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 14 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving

Posted on November 23, 2023 by Jennie

Thanksgiving – giving thanks – is something we should always do, every day of the year.  May this day be filled with thanks. To you, my blogging family, thank you for your friendship! Jennie

Posted in America, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Thanksgiving | Tagged , , | 54 Comments

Gloria and the College Football Player

Posted on November 19, 2023 by Jennie

Gloria has been away every weekend.  Her adventures have been numerous, and what she brings to children cannot be measured.  I will post her journal excerpts after Thanksgiving.  In the meantime, I have to share one of my favorite photos: … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 66 Comments