Author Archives: Jennie

About Jennie

I have been teaching preschool for over thirty-five 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.

The New Groton Hill Music Center

Posted on October 9, 2022 by Jennie

A new music venue is in Groton.  The design, acoustics, and architecture are world class, with multiple concert halls and studios.  One opens like an airplane hanger so people can enjoy the concert outside.  This will rival anything outside of … Continue reading →

Posted in Giving thanks, Inspiration, music, Singing, The Arts | Tagged , , | 80 Comments

Gloria!

Posted on October 5, 2022 by Jennie

Every year, Gloria comes into the classroom and becomes a beloved friend, someone who understands children.  She represents everything that is kind… yet different, and that is the pathway to acceptance.  Gloria is diversity, and the catalyst to acceptance.  She … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, preschool, wonder | Tagged , , | 78 Comments

A Smile Says it All – The Written Word, and Reading

Posted on September 29, 2022 by Jennie

My pen-pal is reading my letter.  Connecting with a child is a wondrous thing.  When that connection is cemented in written words and reading aloud, it gives the child an enormous boost in emotional development and confidence.  Suddenly the world … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Jim Trelease, literacy, reading, reading aloud, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 58 Comments

My Summer Books

Posted on September 25, 2022 by Jennie

These are the wonderful book I collected over the summer. Some I have read, some were gifted to me, and some are high on my TBR list. I purchased many in the collection- a tribute to the books, because it … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 63 Comments

Gloria

Posted on September 23, 2022 by Jennie

Gloria has returned from the spa, looking refreshed and happy. She will spend the weekend with me at home, and meet the children at school next week. She is excited! Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Imagination, Kindness, Love, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged | 53 Comments

At Last!

Posted on September 20, 2022 by Jennie

Look what arrived today! I’ve been looking forward to owning and reading this book for a long time. Amanda is much like a modern day Nancy Drew. The book series, by Darlene Foster, takes Amanda all over the world. History, … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, literacy, reading | Tagged , , , | 54 Comments

Summer’s Last Hurrah

Posted on September 19, 2022 by Jennie

Summer does not want to go away. It wants to bloom and stay. Our last warm day was bursting with color, as if the flowers somehow knew, and decided to put on a show. Fall leaves have not yet turned … Continue reading →

Posted in Giving thanks, Nature, wonder | Tagged , | 51 Comments

Quotations On Imagination

Posted on September 17, 2022 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(www.pixabay.com) “I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”          …

Posted in Uncategorized | 25 Comments

When Reading-Aloud Grows a Reader

Posted on September 16, 2022 by Jennie

Reading aloud to children is the most important thing I do in my classroom, every single day.  I tell parents this every year. The fundamental constant that gives children the tools to succeed in school is language. The more words … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 66 Comments

Connecting With Children

Posted on September 11, 2022 by Jennie

Week One: Tears.  Fears.  Smiles.  Worries. Then laughing crept in, and hugging.  Children learned the routine and bonded with teachers.  They sang the ‘Days of the Week’ song on their own.  Parent goodbyes became quick. In my ‘gazillion’ years of … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, preschool, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , | 82 Comments