Author Archives: Jennie

About Jennie

I have been teaching preschool for over thirty-five 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.

Goodnight Moon – A Staple, Every Year

Posted on January 23, 2022 by Jennie

Before children learn to read, first they must hear the words.  It’s developmental, like learning to crawl before learning to walk.  The auditory piece, including singing, hits both the brain and the soul in learning.  In my preschool class, reading … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, literacy, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 84 Comments

Words and Moments of Endearment – They Last a Lifetime

Posted on January 21, 2022 by Jennie

When children leave my class and move on to Pre-K or Kindergarten, we often see each other in the hallway.  A wave, a smile, and sometimes a big hug, comes naturally.  Those moments are genuine.  You can’t make children feel … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Love, preschool, Quotes, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 65 Comments

The New York Times and Charlotte’s Web

Posted on January 18, 2022 by Jennie

The Books We Loved as Children Can Comfort Us at the End The cartoonist Paul Karasik spent time with his 103-year-old mother, reading the classics, like E.B. White’s “Charlotte’s Web.” By Paul Karasik Dec. 30, 2021 Paul Karasik is a … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Death and dying, E.B. White, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, literacy, reading aloud | Tagged , , | 88 Comments

Cold hands, warm heart

Posted on January 15, 2022 by Jennie

Originally posted on bluebird of bitterness:
https://youtu.be/y5lwCA22ncs

Posted in Uncategorized | 38 Comments

There Are Never Enough Sunsets

Posted on January 14, 2022 by Jennie

In New England, winter sunsets happen around 4:30 PM.  This is today’s sunset at school.  Typically we are outside on the playground at this time.  Today we were inside.  When I saw the sunset’s pink and yellow colors, looking out … Continue reading →

Posted in Mother Nature, Nature, preschool, wonder | Tagged , , | 72 Comments

Growing Bookworms: Books to help children cope with change

Posted on January 12, 2022 by Jennie

Originally posted on Writing to be Read:
Welcome to the first post of 2022 in the Growing Bookworms series. A lot of people and children face change at the beginning of a new calendar year. In the Southern Hemisphere, children…

Posted in Uncategorized | 23 Comments

Coming to America – Circa 1905

Posted on January 11, 2022 by Jennie

Originally posted on toritto:
My grandfather Francesco at the wedding of his grand daughter – circa 1950.  He was a 33 year old widower in 1905 with 3 young children, no wife to care for them and no future in the…

Posted in Uncategorized | 31 Comments

The Morning After the Snow- Memories of “Katy and the Big Snow”, a Classic Children’s Book

Posted on January 8, 2022 by Jennie

At last the sun appeared, shining brightly. Yesterday’s first snow was in full glory. The first thing that popped into my head was, of course, a children’s book.  I wrote this post years ago, and it is as poignant today … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, geography, Inspiration, Math, Nature, picture books, preschool, reading, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 101 Comments

First Snow

Posted on January 7, 2022 by Jennie

The sun is setting on the new fallen snow Large pines rest their snow laden boughs, ready for a winter’s night. Night falls and the young trees gleam, wearing snow like children who were sledding and playing outside today. First … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, preschool, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , | 63 Comments

Memories of Romana

Posted on January 5, 2022 by Jennie

This was my New Year’s gift from Romana, seven years ago.  She made this bracelet for me from paper, tape and jewels.  I was invited to her house, and I was thunderstruck by the gift. It is a treasure, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Family, Giving, Inspiration, preschool, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 76 Comments