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.

Never Forget…

Posted on May 29, 2023 by Jennie

Memorial Day is a day to honor and remember the brave men and women in our military who have died. It is also a day to thank those who serve. Never forget to thank a soldier or a sailor. Never … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, military, patriotism, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 53 Comments

appetite.

Posted on May 25, 2023 by Jennie

Originally posted on I didn't have my glasses on….:
? we are learning and doing so many new things: how to weave how to be very gentle with a rescue mini pony how to make veggie sushi how to…

Posted in Uncategorized | 17 Comments

How “Goodnight Moon” Evolves Each School Year

Posted on May 25, 2023 by Jennie

Language is #1 for children, and literacy is the road to developing their language.  I read picture books to children all the time, and chapter read at rest time.  Books are always available to children.  They become ‘good friends’ and … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, literacy, picture books, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 69 Comments

A Song For the Ages – The Voices of Children

Posted on May 20, 2023 by Jennie

This is the song of the school year, the song that makes me swell with joy, cry, and feel so very proud to be teaching children. Children are our future. “Where words fail, music speaks” ~Hans Christian Andersen~ Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, music, Singing | Tagged , , , | 37 Comments

Play is Everything

Posted on May 17, 2023 by Jennie

I took this video of children playing on their own. No adults, no guidance or suggestions for play. Everyone loves happy times of playing, especially when nothing is scripted, and the play, well, evolves.  And grows.  Children are especially drawn … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Play, Teaching young children, young children | Tagged , , | 86 Comments

Wonder—5+ Stars

Posted on May 11, 2023 by Jennie

Originally posted on Pete Springer:
Wonder by R.J. Palacio Like most elementary teachers, certain books became annual reads in my classroom. It would seem a disservice not to share those books with a whole new crop of children. Of course,…

Posted in Uncategorized | 56 Comments

A Magnificent Photo Each Day

Posted on May 6, 2023 by Jennie

I have followed kevinwanderlust for a long time.  He posts one photo a day from around the world, and every one is magnificent, something that sticks with you.  Here is yesterday’s photo: The Milky Way, Canterbury, New Zealand I hope … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , | 32 Comments

Thank You Letters!

Posted on May 3, 2023 by Jennie

Today we got mail!  Our pen-pals in Michigan sent us a gigantic thank you letter.  What a treat!  Thank you Beth at I didn’t have my glasses on…. Just look at all that beautiful drawing and hard work.  It is … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 84 Comments

Happy Birthday, Gloria!

Posted on April 30, 2023 by Jennie

After all these years, Gloria had a real Birthday Party. Children were excited to plan the event. They were giving, and children love to give. They decorated a big Birthday Party invitation. The invitation went to Gloria’s old friend, Rosie, … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 66 Comments

Dan (the Tool Man) Antion Visits the Aqua Room

Posted on April 26, 2023 by Jennie

Fellow blogger Dan Antion at No Facilities visited my classroom.  YES!  Meeting a favorite blogger is a big deal.  We connected like we’ve been friends for years. Well, yes we have.  Lucky me. Dan is the guy with tools who … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Gloria, Inspiration, preschool, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , | 149 Comments