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.

Mamma Mia!

Posted on April 7, 2026 by Jennie

Emma was in Mamma Mia!  She had a lead role, and she was wonderful.  I wouldn’t have missed her performance for the world.  How did the preschooler in the Aqua Room become a talented, kind, and very cool 10th grader- … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 61 Comments

Happy Easter From the Ducks in Boston Public Garden

Posted on April 5, 2026 by Jennie

This is a favorite post from Easter many years ago. Photo courtesy Universal Hub Robert McCloskey’s classic story, Make Way for Ducklings, is immortalized in bronze statues in the Public Garden on Boston Common.  Mrs. Mallard and her eight ducklings, Jack, … Continue reading →

Posted in art, books, children's books, Community, Inspiration, picture books, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 69 Comments

More Nan Stories, Thanks to Sally at Smorgasbord

Posted on March 31, 2026 by Jennie

When Sally at Smorgasbord Blog Magazine began her series on ‘Who Has Influenced You The Most In Your Life,’ I knew for me it was my grandmother Nan.  I realized my story, the one she published, was but a part of … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, geography, history, Inspiration, storytelling, trains, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 48 Comments

My Grandmother – Thank You, Sally

Posted on March 29, 2026 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 38 Comments

Storytelling To High Schoolers – Part 2

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Jennie

The work was done.  Well, almost.  High schoolers wrote their stories, turned it into a book, and I returned to listen to them read their stories.  After all, they would be reading the story they wrote about the kindergartner they … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Community, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture stories, reading aloud, School, storytelling, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , | 51 Comments

A Play Performance – Unexpected Surprise

Posted on March 22, 2026 by Jennie

Our local elementary school has a musical play production every spring.  It’s really good, and I always go because I know I’ll see past students.  For me it is wonderful to see the children I remember, flourishing and having fun.  … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Community, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, play performances, Student alumni, teaching, The Arts | Tagged , , | 96 Comments

Gloria Touring London

Posted on March 19, 2026 by Jennie

Gloria spent a full day in London and saw all the sights.  Need I say more?  Thank you, Willow, and thank you, Earl (Gloria’s new buddy.)  This is by far the biggest adventure Gloria has had, and it’s important that … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, geography, Gloria, Inspiration, Learning About the World, wonder | Tagged | 42 Comments

Lucky the Leprechaun

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Jennie

Every year the Aqua Roomers try to catch Lucky the Leprechaun.  It takes great planning to build a serious leprechaun trap. This trap had it all, from a pulley system to scary dragons.  It was a masterful culmination of creative … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 43 Comments

Storytelling to High Schoolers

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Jennie

I was invited to tell stories to our local prep school high schoolers, and help them write stories with a cultural perspective.  They have a winter break, and students sign up for an event.  Many signed up for me, and … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Community, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, preschool, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 47 Comments

Yes, Gloria Has Arrived in England. Thank You, Willow!

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 29 Comments