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.

My Teacher Lightbulb Moment – Part 1

Posted on November 21, 2022 by Jennie

Fellow blogger Don at Don Ostertag: Off Stage recently commented, “If only other teachers were children at heart.” It hit home with me, because that is when I became a ‘real’ teacher.  That’s when I found my heart.  No, that’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, joy, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder, young children | Tagged , , | 98 Comments

The Most Important Lessons in School

Posted on November 18, 2022 by Jennie

Originally posted on Pete Springer:
The Dalai Lama (Photo from Pixabay) One of the first pieces of advice I offer new teachers is never to lose focus on the universal lessons they want their students to learn. The primary role…

Posted in Uncategorized | 23 Comments

Never Underestimate Children’s Creativity

Posted on November 17, 2022 by Jennie

I am still learning.  After 39 years of teaching preschool, I still learn from children.  Thank goodness!  Today was one of those days, or I should say one of those ‘moments’. It happened like this… We’re learning about woodland animals.  … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Diversity, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 71 Comments

An Oxymoron Sky

Posted on November 13, 2022 by Jennie

Bright sun, black sky late this afternoon. An oxymoron, Mother Nature’s playful way. Did she want us to look up? Take in the last color of fall? I was captivated. People walked by, never looking. I was the winner, others … Continue reading →

Posted in E.B. White, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 62 Comments

Showing An Act of Kindness: You Never Know!

Posted on November 13, 2022 by Jennie

Originally posted on My Good Time Stories:
The great Chinese movie actor, Jackie Chan, once said, “Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life”. It is so true! The great thing about showing…

Posted in Uncategorized | 21 Comments

Veterans Day at School

Posted on November 11, 2022 by Jennie

Today children thanked a veteran.  That in itself is a big deal, because the children are preschoolers.  In order to thank a veteran, I need to give children a context of understanding.  That starts with songs, and my preschoolers love … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, military, patriotism, picture books, preschool, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 66 Comments

A Few Quotations On Books

Posted on November 9, 2022 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://en.wikipedia.org) “A room without books is like a body without a soul.”                              Marcus Tullius Cicero (https://en.wikipedia.org) “Books are the perfect entertainment: no commercials, no batteries, hours of enjoyment for each dollar…

Posted in Uncategorized | 30 Comments

“Charlotte’s Web” and a Parent Conversation.

Posted on November 4, 2022 by Jennie

Dad (Michael) picked up his son (Bradley) from school this week.  We had a brief but powerful conversation, one I will long remember: Dad:  “You know, Bradley talks a lot about chapter reading at school.  He talks about Charlotte’s Web.” … Continue reading →

Posted in 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 Fog Calls a Teacher

Posted on November 1, 2022 by Jennie

Halloween was over, and a thick fog settled in. This was a fog never seen.  Never. The fog called me. I wanted to run, be with the fog, get swallowed. I am a child at heart. I have the eyes … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Halloween, Imagination, Inspiration, Nature, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 57 Comments

Creepy Sunset

Posted on October 30, 2022 by Jennie

My favorite intersection on the way home has beautiful sunsets. Tonight was different. The house! I’ve never seen it ‘come alive’. Halloween is here. Beware! Jennie

Posted in Halloween, Mother Nature, Nature | Tagged , | 46 Comments