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.

Self Portraits

Posted on June 15, 2022 by Jennie

My favorite year-end art project, children drawing a picture of themselves and comparing it to the drawing they made at the start of the school year. Look at how they’ve grown! Jennie

Posted in art, preschool, Teaching young children, Uncategorized, wonder | Tagged , , | 67 Comments

a wish for my students on their last day.

Posted on June 11, 2022 by Jennie

Originally posted on I didn't have my glasses on….:
“there is nothing wrong with loving the crap out of everything. negative people find their walls. so never apologize for your enthusiasm. never.ever.ever. -ryan adams ? may you all live…

Posted in Uncategorized | 33 Comments

A Year of Chapter Reading, 2022

Posted on June 11, 2022 by Jennie

Here is my newsletter to parents about our year of chapter reading.  It’s the best part of the day in the classroom. Chapter Reading June 10, 2022 Chapter reading is one of our treasured moments of the day.  We bring … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, literacy, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 48 Comments

A Package From the White House!

Posted on June 9, 2022 by Jennie

My class loves singing, and this year “God Bless America” has been a favorite song.  How do I know?  Children sing it from the loft in the classroom, and when using the bathroom.  They sing it while building with toys, … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, military, patriotism, quilting, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 75 Comments

Pen-Pal Explosion

Posted on June 6, 2022 by Jennie

Our Pen-Pal Wall Back in April, when school was celebrating children around the world, it struck me that reaching out to other children would be a wonderful thing to do.  We could write letters, send cards, get to know each … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Learning About the World, literacy, preschool, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , | 45 Comments

Today’s Quote

Posted on June 3, 2022 by Jennie

I was ready to write a blog post, but first I always read my comments and notices from fellow bloggers. Low and behold, there was this blog post. Thank you, Theresa on Soul Gatherings.  It bowled me over. It is … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 34 Comments

Daily Quip

Posted on June 2, 2022 by Jennie

Originally posted on Butterfly Sand:
You only truly get old when you stop believing.

Posted in Uncategorized | 24 Comments

Playdough

Posted on June 1, 2022 by Jennie

Playdough is much better when it becomes a melting pot of colors. People are, too. Jennie

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 51 Comments

A Memorial Day Remembrance, and Much More

Posted on May 30, 2022 by Jennie

Air Force Master Sergeant Michael Kennedy was our guest speaker at school for our Memorial Day Remembrance.  Children sang “God Bless America” and “Red, White, and Blue.”  The Aqua Room held the American flag.  Can preschoolers understand Memorial Day?  You … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Early Education, Giving thanks, military, patriotism, picture books, preschool, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 61 Comments

Thunderstorms, Courage, and So Much More

Posted on May 26, 2022 by Jennie

Two days of mid 90-degree heat is rare in May up here in New England.  I knew a thunderstorm would soon roll in.  I sat on my porch, watching the sky, and was drawn to memories of thunderstorms and how … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Learning About the World, Mother Nature, Nature, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 88 Comments