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.

Memories of Mac

This Christmas card arrived from Mac and his family.  Oh, the memories and stories I have to tell.  He is quite ‘old’ in this photo, so I have to go back four years to tell you about Mac. “Oh Jennie, … Continue reading

Posted in American flag, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, geography, Gloria, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, preschool, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 86 Comments

A New Year

As the sun sets on 2021, May we have Hope, Health, and Happiness in the New Year Happy New Year! Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 110 Comments

Goodness

Frank at Frank @ Beach Walk Reflections recently wrote a post about Good.  You can read it here: https://beachwalkreflections.wordpress.com/2021/12/29/101-time/.  It’s important, and it made me think.  Frank’s posts always make me think.  I immediately replied, “Goodness is the root of humanity”, … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, reading aloud, teaching | Tagged , , , , | 45 Comments

Fire and Ice

Ice storm on Christmas Day It lasted…and lasted. The only thing to do was start a fire. Fire and Ice, Football, and Leftovers. Life is Good. Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , | 65 Comments

‘Tis the Season to Be Kind

This gallery contains 15 photos.

Originally posted on No Facilities:
My one-liner is inside the video below. That’s my favorite Christmas commercial, and has been on the air for the past 39 years in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Some people say it isn’t the Christmas…

More Galleries | 44 Comments

Giving – Dollar General, Kelly Clarkson, Dolly Parton, and Me

It is the season of giving.  I can’t tell you how much it meant for me to give to Read Aloud West Virginia.  This would not have happened if I hadn’t been a guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show.  Her … Continue reading

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Giving, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, literacy, reading, reading aloud, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 88 Comments

Best Children’s Christmas Books – and a New One

Red and Lulu, by Matt Tavares is the story of two cardinals who live in a mighty evergreen tree.  They love their home, their tree.  Best of all, they love it when winter arrives and Christmas carolers sing close by.  … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Giving thanks, Inspiration, literacy, Nature, picture books, preschool, reading, young children | Tagged , , | 64 Comments

An Arcing Contrail Against a Full Moon

At school, December has been a month of learning about the planets, stars, and light.  We have watched a video of the Atlantis Space Shuttle launch in 1985, and hoped to see the new James Webb telescope launch into space.  … Continue reading

Posted in Inspiration, Learning About the World, Nature, Quotes, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , | 48 Comments

Best Christmas Commercial – From Darlene Foster

Thank you to Darlene at Darlene Foster’s Blog  for sharing this wonderful Christmas Commercial!  Yes, I recommend having a tissue on hand. https://youtu.be/c4-oyBnknHk Merry Christmas, Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Giving thanks, Inspiration | Tagged , , , | 39 Comments

Best Christmas Commercial

Here is my all-time favorite Christmas Commercial.  I have watched this hundreds of times, and it fills me up – always.  I hope it brings you the same joy.  You might want to have a tissue handy for those happy … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Inspiration, Love, music | Tagged , , , | 77 Comments