Author Archives: Jennie

Unknown's avatar

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.

Winter Sunset

Posted on February 3, 2023 by Jennie

At last, there was a winter sunset on the drive home from work at my favorite Sunset Farm intersection.  That means the days are getting longer.  At school we can now watch sunsets on the playground at the end of … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , | 72 Comments

We’re Still Pen-Pals

Posted on January 30, 2023 by Jennie

Last summer a child who had moved on from my class was missing me.  His mom emailed: He said, “Mumma, I miss Jennie.”  I said, “I’m sure you do.  What is it you miss about her? ” He said, “I … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 93 Comments

E.B. White

Posted on January 27, 2023 by Jennie

E.B. White’s thoughts always go through me like a Fourth of July sparkler.  He has a way with words, and he ‘knows’.  His wisdom is as remarkable as his writing.  He was the observer, the one who paid attention and … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, literacy, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 74 Comments

The Morning After

Posted on January 24, 2023 by Jennie

The morning after the snowstorm, winter wonderland

Posted in Uncategorized | 57 Comments

Twilight After the Snowstorm

Posted on January 23, 2023 by Jennie

Twilight after the snowstorm. All is quiet. Distant lights bring a warmth, inside me. It only takes a minute to stop and look, thank goodness I did. Jennie

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

Gloria – How She Came to Be

Posted on January 21, 2023 by Jennie

So, how did Gloria the puppet become Gloria the person? I know puppets help teach preschoolers.  Any good teacher knows that.  When I first realized that a puppet in the classroom would be a great teaching tool, I had no … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 64 Comments

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