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.

New Exhibits (and More) at the Eric Carle Museum

Posted on August 26, 2023 by Jennie

It finally struck me – while art museums hold beautiful collections of art, there is a big difference when it comes to the art and exhibits at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art – they tell a story. … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Eric Carle, Inspiration, museums, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 60 Comments

My Song Follow-Up Story

Posted on August 23, 2023 by Jennie

In my last blog post, I included a favorite song I sing with children, “The Sun and the Rain Make a Rainbow.”  I searched through YouTube to find the song- nothing.  So, I just sang it myself.  Fellow blogger Debby … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, preschool, Singing, Teaching young children, young children | Tagged , , | 73 Comments

The Sun and the Rain Make a Rainbow

Posted on August 19, 2023 by Jennie

Today’s weather was everything in dramatic fashion.  The morning brought torrential rains, including five tornadoes here in Massachusetts.  Tornadoes are rare up here.  Then, the sun came out.  Next, billowing thunderclouds began to form. We had to run errands, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, music, Nature, preschool, Quotes, wonder | Tagged , , | 78 Comments

Clouds

Posted on August 16, 2023 by Jennie

I’ve always loved looking at clouds, even as a child.  When we moved to New England I appreciated clouds even more.  Were they different or more beautiful?  No, I think it was me, especially the preschool teacher in me.  I … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , | 66 Comments

Letter From a Parent

Posted on August 11, 2023 by Jennie

A letter from a parent is always special.  When the parent is my pen-pal and former student’s mom, it’s very special.  When she bought a book I had recommended on this blog, that was the frosting on the cake.  I … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, literacy | Tagged , , , | 56 Comments

Finding Peace

Posted on August 7, 2023 by Jennie

Tonight was a beautiful evening, the kind that makes you stop and take notice, spend time looking… and thinking. I needed to do some thinking.  A child who was in my class years ago passed away.  The funeral was a … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Mother Nature, Nature, Peace, wonder | Tagged , , | 75 Comments

Reading Again – At Last!

Posted on August 4, 2023 by Jennie

He has been unable to read for two years. The words and pages ‘move’ with his eye problems. As a result, he stopped reading books. He gave it another try. Seeing him reading again is a joy. I think he … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, literacy, reading | Tagged , , , | 49 Comments

More by the Pool – Bravery

Posted on July 31, 2023 by Jennie

Did you ever eat dinner in the pool? Not by the pool, in the pool. It happened like this… The children had been brave all afternoon, jumping onto rafts without adult hands, mastering super soakers, and playing in the deep … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, wonder, young children | Tagged , , | 51 Comments

Amanda!

Posted on July 27, 2023 by Jennie

Reading a book is perfect. Reading by the pool is more perfect. Reading Amanda books is most perfect. I just finished the book! I don’t get to read as much as I want to.  Summer is my window, and I … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, geography, Learning About the World, literacy, reading | Tagged , , , | 104 Comments

Plato and Music

Posted on July 22, 2023 by Jennie

“Music is a moral law. it gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” ~ Plato ~ For more wonderful quotations at the end of great … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, history, Inspiration, music, Quotes, wonder | Tagged , , | 46 Comments