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’s Weekend

Posted on October 30, 2022 by Jennie

Gloria had her first weekend visit with a child this year. Year after year, Gloria becomes a well-loved member of the classroom.  Why?  Because children naturally want to be loving.  They need a platform to do that outside of their … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 85 Comments

Robots…Again!

Posted on October 26, 2022 by Jennie

Over the past two years children in my class have loved Boston Dynamics’ robots.  Well, that’s actually an understatement.  Children have been over the moon, and they have embraced every video from dancing to technology. A new year just began.  … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 61 Comments

Magic at School

Posted on October 22, 2022 by Jennie

The most important part of school is making connections.  When teachers connect with children, and when children connect with each other, the school year begins.  It turns on ‘the light’, and that light enables learning, and is deep inside everyone.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Halloween, Inspiration, jack-o-lanterns, preschool | Tagged , , | 70 Comments

Old Cemeteries in New England

Posted on October 20, 2022 by Jennie

Fall in New England is beautiful in color.  Groton’s old cemetery is lush with ancient trees and headstones that date back to the 1600’s.  Most of the headstones are made of slate, so they retain their carvings.  A walk through … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Family, Halloween, history, Nature | Tagged , , , | 112 Comments

sprinkle magic.

Posted on October 16, 2022 by Jennie

Originally posted on I didn't have my glasses on….:
a tribe not my own, but with the same kind of spirit — “surround yourself with people who add value to your life. who challenge you to be greater than…

Posted in Uncategorized | 20 Comments

Today’s Quote

Posted on October 16, 2022 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 22 Comments

Fall and Nature’s Red Fingertips

Posted on October 14, 2022 by Jennie

Fall in New England is beautiful.  Spectacular might be a better word.  Every year is a marvel for children on the playground at school.  We have maple trees.  They turn bright red and orange.  This year was different.  The bright … Continue reading →

Posted in E.B. White, Inspiration, Nature, Quotes, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , | 78 Comments

The New Groton Hill Music Center

Posted on October 9, 2022 by Jennie

A new music venue is in Groton.  The design, acoustics, and architecture are world class, with multiple concert halls and studios.  One opens like an airplane hanger so people can enjoy the concert outside.  This will rival anything outside of … Continue reading →

Posted in Giving thanks, Inspiration, music, Singing, The Arts | Tagged , , | 80 Comments

Gloria!

Posted on October 5, 2022 by Jennie

Every year, Gloria comes into the classroom and becomes a beloved friend, someone who understands children.  She represents everything that is kind… yet different, and that is the pathway to acceptance.  Gloria is diversity, and the catalyst to acceptance.  She … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, preschool, wonder | Tagged , , | 78 Comments

A Smile Says it All – The Written Word, and Reading

Posted on September 29, 2022 by Jennie

My pen-pal is reading my letter.  Connecting with a child is a wondrous thing.  When that connection is cemented in written words and reading aloud, it gives the child an enormous boost in emotional development and confidence.  Suddenly the world … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Jim Trelease, literacy, reading, reading aloud, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 58 Comments