Author Archives: Jennie

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.

Visiting the Eric Carle Museum – The Best!

Posted on August 10, 2026 by Jennie

Every visit to the Eric Carle Museum is a new and exciting adventure. I always discover something wonderful. Yes, it’s that good. When I arrived I headed to the Art Studio. I wish every elementary school teacher could visit and … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Book Review, children's books, Eric Carle, Eric Carle Museum, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, museums, picture books | Tagged Eric Carle Museum, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Ferdinand the bull, Jerry Pinkney, The Story of Ferdinand picture book | 64 Comments

More Fish – Inside

Posted on August 7, 2026 by Jennie

Our pool boasts over 50 fish, from hanging on the fence to sitting on the ground, and perched atop fence posts. I’ve posted the fish before. You may not know that we also have fish on the porch. They’re like … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Family, Inspiration, Nature, The Arts, wonder | Tagged Fish decorations, Fish on the porch | 59 Comments

Oh, What a Sky!

Posted on August 3, 2026 by Jennie

The sky went on forever, looking just like the photo, spread across my world. It was ominous. I couldn’t stop looking, and imagining. I saw stories. I saw mystery. I saw wonder. Thank goodness I looked up. Look up and … Continue reading →

Posted in E.B. White, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, Poetry, Quotes, wonder | Tagged An ominious sky, E.B. White, look down, Look up, The presence of wonder, The sky | 71 Comments

Billy Elliot

Posted on August 1, 2026 by Jennie

For my fellow bloggers in London, or close by, I’m excited that my dear friend’s grandson has the part of Billy Elliot. Big Wow. Over 700 boys tried out, and he was the only American who made it. He is … Continue reading →

Posted in art, England, Inspiration, music, play performances, Singing, The Arts | Tagged Billy Elliot, Elton John, London performances | 44 Comments

Milly’s Farewell

Posted on July 27, 2026 by Jennie

This card was passed out at the memorial service. It’s an odd thing to say that a eulogy was inspirational. Yet for Milly, how could it be anything less? And, it’s unusual to laugh out loud at the words the … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Community, Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, Love, Peace, quilting, The Arts | Tagged Milly the Qiilter, Milly's eulogy, Milly's funeral | 61 Comments

I’m Here!

Posted on July 25, 2026 by Jennie

I was the last to bloom, but I’m here. Can you tell how happy I am? My leaves are outstretched like arms reaching for the sky. Winged Victory! Jennie was the first to see me. She told me flowers are … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, flowers, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature | Tagged Children and flowers, flowers, Garden of children, Late bloomers, Winged Victory | 63 Comments

Milly the Quilter – Part 10

Posted on July 23, 2026 by Jennie

In Part 9, Milly continued her visits to school. The children and Gloria were always thrilled when it was a ‘Milly day’. At last, after years of quilts that went away to places of honor, Milly made a quilt, “Our Towns” … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Heart, Inspiration, Peace, preschool, quilting, School | Tagged A new Peace Quilt, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, Massachusetts State House, Milly the Quilter | 59 Comments

Milly the Quilter Story – Part 9

Posted on July 20, 2026 by Jennie

In Part 8, Milly and the children were guests of honor at the one-year anniversary of the Boston Fisher House. With a full crowd in attendance, including members of the Fisher family, we presented the God Bless America quilt. And, a … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Community, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Peace, quilting, The Arts | Tagged A new Peace Quilt, Milly the Qiilter, Our Towns Quilt, quilting | 50 Comments

Managing the Heat

Posted on July 18, 2026 by Jennie

Hot is the word this summer. How to stay cool? Eat dinner in the pool! What a great way to spend time with neighbors. The kids and I ate our pizza in the pool. The other adults did not. Crazy. … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Gloria, Inspiration, wonder, young children | Tagged Beating the heat, Eating dinner in the pool, Gloria on a raft in the pool | 63 Comments

Milly the Quilter Story – Part 8

Posted on July 16, 2026 by Jennie

In Part 7, the God Bless America quilt was delivered to the Massachusetts Fisher House in Boston. The plan was to have a grand event and send-off, but the Director asked if Boston could have the quilt. Headquarters not only agreed, … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Community, Giving, Giving thanks, Heart, Inspiration, military, patriotism, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts, Uncategorized | Tagged Boston Fisher House, Fisher Foundation, God Bless America Quilt, Milly the Qiilter | 45 Comments

	John W. Howell on Late Summer Evenings
	Jennie on Late Summer Evenings
	jilldennison on Late Summer Evenings
	The Mindful Migraine… on Late Summer Evenings
	Jennie on Late Summer Evenings

	John W. Howell on Late Summer Evenings
	Jennie on Late Summer Evenings
	jilldennison on Late Summer Evenings
	The Mindful Migraine… on Late Summer Evenings
	Jennie on Late Summer Evenings