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.

Four Seasons of the Wishtree – Photos Framed

Posted on March 17, 2022 by Jennie

At last, photos of our Wishtree in every season are framed and gifted to school. Spring was the beginning.  The wishes are bright and new against a bare tree. Summer’s deep foliage cannot hide the wishes. Fall’s colors are beautiful, … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Nature, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 39 Comments

Today’s Quote

Posted on March 15, 2022 by Jennie

I know that the little things are really the big things. This quote is what happens next.

Posted in Uncategorized | 17 Comments

peptoc.

Posted on March 13, 2022 by Jennie

Originally posted on I didn't have my glasses on….:
The kids at West Side Elementary in Healdsburg, Calif., handed out Peptoc hotline cards to help spread the word about the project — Amid a crush of heavy news from…

Posted in Uncategorized | 47 Comments

Goodnight Moon – In French, Too

Posted on March 12, 2022 by Jennie

We are having a grand time in school learning about France.  Since we’re now singing the Days of the Week in French, I thought it would be fun to read our beloved “Goodnight Moon” (recited every day before chapter reading) … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, reading aloud | Tagged , , | 73 Comments

Blogger of the Week

Posted on March 9, 2022 by Jennie

I am honored to be the featured ‘Blogger of the Week’ over at Mitch Teemley’s blog.  He is terrific!  He tells the best stories, and has  humor and a heart that will make you want to know this blogger. When … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 48 Comments

Four Seasons of Our Wishtree

Posted on March 8, 2022 by Jennie

Last spring children made wishes and hung them onto a tree on the playground at school.  Wishes are important.  The tradition of a Wishtree is worldwide.  We were excited to make our very own.  Everyday those wishes would flutter, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, School, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 84 Comments

My Grandmother Nan, and Art

Posted on March 6, 2022 by Jennie

Last week I told the story of my grandmother, Nan. Rose, My Nan, the Log House and Stories She was born and raised in a log house in West Virginia.  She was kind and strong.  She was the same age, … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, history, Inspiration, Love, museums, storytelling, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , | 75 Comments

Friday happy dance

Posted on March 5, 2022 by Jennie

Originally posted on bluebird of bitterness:
https://youtu.be/UDx3iCv2XCY

Posted in Uncategorized | 33 Comments

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss

Posted on March 2, 2022 by Jennie

We celebrated the birthday of Dr. Seuss by reading many of his books today.  The rhyming is fun, and critical to children’s language and literacy development.  Dr. Seuss knew how to make learning fun! Then, things took a turn.  A … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, museums, reading, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 68 Comments

Monday Musings …28th February 2022…

Posted on February 28, 2022 by Jennie

Originally posted on Retired? No one told me!:
Norway dominated the winter Olympics.  Yet, the story behind how their athletes got there is fascinating.  Is it rooted in childhood?  You bet!… I found this really fascinating about children’s early years…

Posted in Uncategorized | 11 Comments