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.

Quotations On Imagination

Posted on September 17, 2022 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(www.pixabay.com) “I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”          …

Posted in Uncategorized | 25 Comments

When Reading-Aloud Grows a Reader

Posted on September 16, 2022 by Jennie

Reading aloud to children is the most important thing I do in my classroom, every single day.  I tell parents this every year. The fundamental constant that gives children the tools to succeed in school is language. The more words … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 66 Comments

Connecting With Children

Posted on September 11, 2022 by Jennie

Week One: Tears.  Fears.  Smiles.  Worries. Then laughing crept in, and hugging.  Children learned the routine and bonded with teachers.  They sang the ‘Days of the Week’ song on their own.  Parent goodbyes became quick. In my ‘gazillion’ years of … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, preschool, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , | 82 Comments

hawk.

Posted on September 4, 2022 by Jennie

Originally posted on I didn't have my glasses on….:
today at school we looked up way up on top of the carved art pole covered in languages all saying one thing ‘peace’    a hopeful sign  the kinder could not…

Posted in Uncategorized | 37 Comments

The Hawk and Peace

Posted on September 4, 2022 by Jennie

The last day of school for teachers before children arrive to start the new year, a young hawk perched atop our Peace Pole. He stayed for a long time, looking at the world and at teachers. It was a good … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , | 93 Comments

My Preschooler, Then and Now

Posted on September 2, 2022 by Jennie

Then Now I love all my students.  Sometimes students ‘stick’ with me for a while, returning to visit and be a guest reader.  Sometimes students stick around for a long time, visiting the classroom, and then including me in their … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 105 Comments

Reflections

Posted on August 29, 2022 by Jennie

Jennie

Posted in Imagination, Inspiration, Mindfulness, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , | 63 Comments

My Fish

Posted on August 25, 2022 by Jennie

Yes, I name my fish.  They adorn our pool, and each is unique.  Much like my children at school, they have personalities and character.  They make me smile.  I love my fish.  They’re my summer family. “Ted”, named after Hubby’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Family, Imagination, Inspiration, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , | 78 Comments

My Summer Pen-Pal

Posted on August 22, 2022 by Jennie

I received an email from Kiansh’s mother in early August.  He was in my preschool class last year, and he misses me. I wanted to share what Kiansh told me before going to bed a couple of days ago.  I … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Gloria, Inspiration, preschool, wonder, young children | Tagged , , | 69 Comments

A Monarch Butterfly – a Visit and a Message

Posted on August 18, 2022 by Jennie

A monarch butterfly visited our flowers.  S/he was determined to stay, in spite of excited children and adults reaching out to touch.  This butterfly is endangered, so the visit was very special. I always give the children I teach roots- … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , | 90 Comments