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.

Gems at the Eric Carle Museum

Posted on November 17, 2023 by Jennie

Eric Carle Every visit to the Eric Carle Museum is a wonder, because I always discover something new.  I know what the current exhibits are and I plan my visit…but something ‘else’ happens along the way.  This visit was about … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Book Review, children's books, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, Nature, picture books, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 54 Comments

“This Land is Your Land”

Posted on November 12, 2023 by Jennie

In light of Veterans Day and how our country needs to come together, I am reposting an old post on patriotism and singing, specifically Woody Guthrie’s song “This Land is Your Land.”  Thank you to Don Ostertag who said I … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Book Review, children's books, history, Inspiration, patriotism, picture books, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 39 Comments

Veterans Day

Posted on November 11, 2023 by Jennie

Freedom is not free. Veterans are heroes. Today is the day to say ‘thank you’. At school we thanked a retired Air Force Master Sergeant. He talked with the children. They were in awe. They hugged him. They sang “God … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Giving thanks, Inspiration, military, patriotism, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 61 Comments

Poetry can be beautiful. When the words stick with you and paint a picture that is true to life, and true to what the heart feels, it needs to be read over and over again. Welcome November. Read on!

Posted on November 8, 2023 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 12 Comments

Play + Nature and “The Giving Tree”

Posted on November 7, 2023 by Jennie

When play occurs outdoors in natural elements, it draws children in.  It whispers, “Come and play, I have everything to give you.” The leaves were bursting with color. Ladybugs were everywhere. Sticks and rocks are great for building. The playground … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Nature, Play, preschool, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 63 Comments

The Importance of Play

Posted on November 4, 2023 by Jennie

Play = Life Skills. Children who play can better attend at school. Children who play have greater academic success. Children who play make friends. Children who play develop kindness, heart. Children who play are problem solvers. (This is just the … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Play, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 65 Comments

Halloween At School

Posted on October 31, 2023 by Jennie

~Happy Halloween~ Today at school was a Day in the Dark. Children wore pajamas. Gloria did, too. We played with glow sticks and black playdoh on tin foil. We built with MagnaTiles creating structures that housed light. We painted with … Continue reading →

Posted in Giving, Gloria, Halloween, Imagination, Inspiration, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 64 Comments

Children and Spirits – Three True Stories

Posted on October 30, 2023 by Jennie

There is a difference between spirits and ghosts.  Spirits are the soul that has survived when a person dies.  Ghosts on the other hand are tied to a location where they died, often a tragic or sudden death. I believe … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, Nature, Peace, wonder | Tagged , , | 78 Comments

I often write about being kind, but what about neglecting to be kind and not stepping in. It is all too common. Read on!

Posted on October 24, 2023 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 28 Comments

24 Hours Later…

Posted on October 20, 2023 by Jennie

It’s been 24 hours since I posted my brief letter to families about inviting Gloria home for a weekend Gloria and the President  She is now ‘booked’ through Thanksgiving, including going Trick-Or-Treating and being at Thanksgiving dinner.  24 hours.  Bless you, … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Gloria, Teaching young children | Tagged | 50 Comments