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 Edward Hopper House

Posted on February 25, 2022 by Jennie

When the sun goes down in the late afternoon, the light and shadows on the white house across the field remind me of an Edward Hopper painting. I love his art. I love this house along the way.  This coming … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Inspiration, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , | 52 Comments

Little House in the Big Woods

Posted on February 24, 2022 by Jennie

“Little House in the Big Woods”, by Laura Ingalls Wilder This is our new chapter reading book at school.  When I introduced the book to the children, I talked about all the chapter books we have read up till now … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Family, geography, history, Learning About the World, literacy, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 83 Comments

Boston Dynamics Robots – Update

Posted on February 22, 2022 by Jennie

As many of you know, my preschool children love the robots from Boston Dynamics.  Last year it all started when I accidentally found this video: Children were over the moon.  We watched this video every day, and children began to … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , | 49 Comments

Reading For a Straw: A ‘Eureka’ Moment

Posted on February 21, 2022 by Jennie

Originally posted on S'amusing:
Sometimes, the simplest reward can motivate kids. Take the 1 cent Pixy Stix… A Chrysler assembly plant and Green Giant packing plant were the chief employers in the small northern Illinois town where I began…

Posted in Uncategorized | 17 Comments

Norway and the Olympics

Posted on February 20, 2022 by Jennie

Norway has dominated the winter Olympics.  Yet, the story behind how their athletes got there is fascinating.  Is it rooted in childhood?  You bet! A recent article by Reuters, “Fun and Friendship Fuel Norway’s Gold Rush” hits the nail on … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 47 Comments

Quotations About Teaching

Posted on February 20, 2022 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://pixabay.com) “Those who know, do. Those that understand, teach.”                                                                              Aristotle (https://en.wikipedia.org) “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.”                                                                             Malala Yousafzai (https://pixabay.com) “Share your knowledge.…

Posted in Uncategorized | 37 Comments

A Discovery!

Posted on February 19, 2022 by Jennie

Today was the kindergarten’s “100 Day Museum’”display in the library at school.  When children reach the 100 day milestone, they make a project at home, something that contains 100 objects.  Classes are invited to the ‘museum’.  We even had tickets … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, literacy, museums, School, Teaching young children | 50 Comments

It Seems Like Yesterday

Posted on February 18, 2022 by Jennie

Happy Anniversary with WordPress.com! You registered on WordPress.com 8 years ago. Thanks for flying with us. Keep up the good blogging.

Posted in Uncategorized | 57 Comments

Dolls, Love, and Lucy School

Posted on February 17, 2022 by Jennie

My beloved childhood dolls It started last week.  Dolls.  It is growing in ways teachers hadn’t imagined.  We rotate our dramatic play area frequently, and it’s been a while since it was our traditional housekeeping area with a play kitchen … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Gloria, Inspiration, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 73 Comments

Today’s Quote

Posted on February 15, 2022 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 23 Comments