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.

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

Gloria and the President

Posted on October 19, 2023 by Jennie

After watching the President speak to the nation and Hubby’s lightbulb question, here is what I sent to families tonight: Hi Families, My husband and I watched the President address the nation tonight.  The speech was full of passion for … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Inspiration, Love | Tagged , , | 39 Comments

A Magical Evening at School

Posted on October 16, 2023 by Jennie

As the sky darkened, families enjoyed a pizza dinner on the playground. It was the first time everyone was together. Families brought pumpkins and went to work carving them into jack-o-lanterns. We set all the jack-o-lanterns along the stone wall. … Continue reading →

Posted in Halloween, Imagination, Inspiration, jack-o-lanterns, music, Singing, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , | 67 Comments

Gloria’s Debut, and a Letter to Parents

Posted on October 12, 2023 by Jennie

I’m always a bit nervous with excitement when Gloria makes her ‘debut’ in the classroom.  I know the children will welcome her because every year she is loved from Day One.  Today was no exception.  Frankly, it was wonderful.  She … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Gloria, Inspiration, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 79 Comments

The Road Out of Hate

Posted on October 10, 2023 by Jennie

Hate is the ugliest and most debilitating feeling.  I know, and I have come a long way.  Growing up in the south in America in the 50’s and 60’s, there was hate.  The wall of segregation made sure that hate … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration | Tagged , , , | 51 Comments

I often quote E.B. White on his keen observations of nature. M.C. Tuggle gives us another remarkable quotation.

Posted on October 6, 2023 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 29 Comments

The Story of Art – My Journey With Juliet

Posted on October 2, 2023 by Jennie

I write this journey backwards in time, as it tells a better story. Juliet, fourteen years later. Juliet noticed everything.  She loved to draw, and her pictures were detailed and beautiful.  Little did I know she had paid attention to … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Inspiration, museums, Peace, quilting, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 67 Comments

I Was There!

Posted on September 27, 2023 by Jennie

I was at the library the same day he was. It was his birthday, six years old at last, which means he can get his very own library card. He did! Look at his enormous smile. I was his preschool … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Inspiration, literacy, reading, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 74 Comments

The Mystery Gifter

Posted on September 24, 2023 by Jennie

Remember my beloved 9/11 pin that I gifted to the granddaughter of a NYC firefighter, who fought bravely that terrible day?  Here is what happened:  9/11 – Learning and Giving, Today The story doesn’t end there. This week I went … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Giving, Giving thanks, patriotism | Tagged , , | 52 Comments