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.

Gloria – a New Visit and an Old Visit

Posted on January 20, 2023 by Jennie

Gloria spent the weekend with Lukas.  Lukas adores Gloria.  The two have been bonded at the hip.  When Gloria spends a weekend with an Aqua Roomer, she carries along her journal, and it is always filled with adventures and photos. … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Dogs, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Gloria, Inspiration, Love, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 54 Comments

Elvis, and Martin Luther King

Posted on January 16, 2023 by Jennie

When Martin Luther King died, Elvis Presley was devastated- along with everyone else.  He was scheduled to perform a few days later, and he was troubled.  He stayed up all night and wrote a song, and sang it instead of … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, music, Peace, Singing | Tagged , , , | 52 Comments

A Story of Bravery – The Piano, and the Pianist, and Me

Posted on January 12, 2023 by Jennie

The scene: It’s the holiday party for teachers and staff.  We’re at the lovely home of a fellow teacher, who is an accomplished pianist.  Actually, that’s an understatement. Everyone is in the kitchen, eating and laughing.  The big family room … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 69 Comments

Remembering My Mentor and Hero, Jim Trelease

Posted on January 5, 2023 by Jennie

Jim Trelease visiting my classroom. Jim Trelease, the man who put reading-aloud on the map as #1 for children, has died. I had his million copy bestseller book since my kids were little. When I heard him speak at a … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, Early Education, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, literacy, Quotes, reading aloud | Tagged , , , | 119 Comments

Still Getting Cards From Students

Posted on January 1, 2023 by Jennie

As I go through my holiday cards today, my greatest joy is reading, touching, and re-reading the collection of cards from former students: Amanda, age 16, now in California Sophie, age 15, still in town Mac, age 8, now in … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, E.B. White, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, literacy, reading, Teaching young children | Tagged , | 73 Comments

“Devotion” – The (Personal) Backstory

Posted on December 30, 2022 by Jennie

Current movie, “Devotion” The story of Jesse Brown and Tom Hudner in the movie is true.  There’s much more to the story, which involves me and my family.  Really. It happened like this… 1972.  Hubby is an Ensign in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, military, patriotism | Tagged , , , , | 50 Comments

A Message

Posted on December 28, 2022 by Jennie

Surely there is a message here. This must be a sign. I’m excited! Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, wonder | Tagged , , | 43 Comments

Merry Christmas

Posted on December 25, 2022 by Jennie

Merry Christmas! Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, wonder | Tagged | 50 Comments

The True Story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Posted on December 23, 2022 by Jennie

As the holiday season of 1938 came to Chicago, Bob May wasn’t feeling much comfort or joy. A 34-year-old ad writer for Montgomery Ward, May was exhausted and nearly broke. His wife, Evelyn, was bedridden, on the losing end of … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, picture books, self esteem, wonder | Tagged , , | 67 Comments

My Favorite Christmas Ad – Repost

Posted on December 21, 2022 by Jennie

My favorite Christmas Ad, every year. The Spirit of Christmas That’s what it’s really about. This is the year we need to keep that spirit alive. This is the year we need to find happiness. If we are happy, it … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, joy, Love, wonder | Tagged , , , | 70 Comments