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.

9/11 – Learning and Giving, Today

Posted on September 11, 2023 by Jennie

Tonight, 9/11, 7:00 P.M. Photo was taken from Hoboken, NJ right across the water. Before I went to school today, ready to help children honor heroes and learn about the American flag, I sent a text to all the teachers, … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Kindness, patriotism | Tagged , , | 54 Comments

Books to Read on 9/11

Posted on September 11, 2023 by Jennie

On this day, 9/11, we must remember the tragedy.  We must never forget the bravery of firefighters and police officers, and so many people who stopped their lives to do the right thing.  There are stories to help us remember. … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, books, children's books, history, patriotism, picture books, reading, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 38 Comments

Imagination is the root of learning, discovery, and joy. Thank you, Charles French, for these excellent quotations on imagination.

Posted on September 10, 2023 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 15 Comments

School – Day One

Posted on September 6, 2023 by Jennie

I tossed and turned the night before school, as I always do every year. Will I remember the children I met last week? Will they remember me? Will we connect? I walked into school smiling at our Peace Dove. I … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Love, music, Peace, preschool, School, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 79 Comments

Summer Reading

Posted on September 5, 2023 by Jennie

As I was starting a blog post on the books I have read this summer, a parent sent me this photo: Two former students, one reading to the other – while at the pool! This photo is far more important … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, literacy, preschool, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, teaching, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 52 Comments

Oh No – Not Yet

Posted on September 1, 2023 by Jennie

No!  No!  You are not supposed to turn red – yet.  I love fall and the beautiful red leaves… just not yet.  It’s the end of August, and you are welcome in October.  Not now. What?  Your tree has more?  … Continue reading →

Posted in Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , | 68 Comments

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