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 Surprise Santa Gift

Posted on December 28, 2025 by Jennie

Gloria is spending Christmas and the holidays with me and my Hubby.  She is very happy!  On Christmas Eve I asked her if she wanted to write a letter to Santa.  Yes, and no.  She felt awkward telling me that … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Gloria, Heart, Imagination, joy, Kindness, Love, Play, preschool, School | Tagged , , , , | 68 Comments

The Best Christmas Ad – My Favorite

Posted on December 23, 2025 by Jennie

I will share this Christmas ad every year, because… it’s that good. Christmas is about family and friends. It’s a time to smile and remember. Yes, remember. Because in the end, it’s our memories that stick with us. That’s what … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Heart, Inspiration, joy, Love | Tagged , | 94 Comments

A Bad Day, and a Remarkable Turnaround.

Posted on December 19, 2025 by Jennie

I believe.  This is the season of believing, and what happened yesterday is proof. Yesterday was a bad day.  Period.  School was difficult, and nothing I was doing with children made an ounce of difference.  When I got home, Hubby … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Giving thanks, Heart, Inspiration, Kindness | Tagged , , , , | 101 Comments

This Story is the Real Meaning of Christmas.

Posted on December 16, 2025 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 42 Comments

Best Children’s Christmas Books – My Annual Post

Posted on December 14, 2025 by Jennie

This is a repost of my favorite Christmas books.  The only new edition (featured in my last post) is Mr. Willowby’s Head Over Heels Christmas.  Every year these books grow stronger, because children love them.  These are the books children … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 63 Comments

Mr. Willowby’s Book, Then and Now

Posted on December 8, 2025 by Jennie

Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree, by Robert Barry is a delightfully predictable tale of a tree that is too tall.  Each time the top is snipped off, it goes to someone else who has the same problem, and so on.  The … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, reading, wonder | Tagged , , , | 60 Comments

Gloria’s Thanksgiving

Posted on December 3, 2025 by Jennie

Gloria’s adventures and weekends with children are always wonderful.  When it’s a special holiday, in this case Thanksgiving, Gloria is one lucky gal to spend the holiday with a child. First, she went to Cape Cod, Massachusetts.  She met the … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, Diversity, Family, Giving thanks, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Love | Tagged , , , | 83 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted on November 27, 2025 by Jennie

Happy Thanksgiving! Jennie

Posted in Community, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Heart, Inspiration, Kindness, Love | Tagged , , , , | 71 Comments

Writing With Children Makes a Difference

Posted on November 24, 2025 by Jennie

Language is the key to literacy, and literacy is the key to writing and reading.  That’s the pattern, how it develops.  So, what do I do in school to make this happen? I sing.  Singing cements words.  I sing “The … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, literacy, reading aloud, Singing, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 73 Comments

Community Service in a Different Way

Posted on November 19, 2025 by Jennie

I live in a town, not a city.  It’s not rural, but pretty close.  40+ years ago when we moved here there were no road signs, no traffic lights, and the phone number was just the last five digits.  It … Continue reading →

Posted in geography, Giving, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, literacy, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 62 Comments