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.

Parent Newsletter, Robots, TED Talk

Posted on February 7, 2022 by Jennie

One of the hardest things this school year has been communicating with parents.  That all important face-to-face greeting and conversation, every day at drop-off and pick-up, is limited to distancing in the school lobby while wearing masks.  We Zoom, write … Continue reading →

Posted in Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture stories, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 74 Comments

My Portrait

Posted on February 5, 2022 by Jennie

Can you tell I’m a robot?  Isn’t this the best portrait of me, ever? We’re learning about robots in school this month.  It’s exciting for children.  So far we have built our own giant classroom robot,  played with Snap-Bots and … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Inspiration, preschool, Teaching young children, Uncategorized, wonder | Tagged , , , | 63 Comments

When I Became a ‘Real’ Teacher

Posted on February 3, 2022 by Jennie

 ‘TheHundred Little Things’ The hundred little things- that’s what it’s all about, in teaching and in life.  It took me many years as a teacher to figure this out.  Thank goodness I had a ‘lightbulb moment’. As a teacher, I … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Love, museums, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 125 Comments

Bear Books – the Best Ones for Children

Posted on January 31, 2022 by Jennie

Winter is here, and it is time to feel cozy, just like bears.  I love bears and bear stories. Children do too.  While stories about animals are always popular, bear stories are favorites, year after year.  I’ve posted about these … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, literacy, picture books, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 58 Comments

sorry.

Posted on January 30, 2022 by Jennie

Originally posted on I didn't have my glasses on….:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXjJnqrWZkg ? this film, an oscar winner, was shot in 30 minutes though it may not be voiced in your language  all people will understand it  at under 4 minutes,…

Posted in Uncategorized | 30 Comments

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

Posted on January 29, 2022 by Jennie

Yesterday A scary weather forecast Today High winds and lots of snow Tomorrow Playing in the snow with the children Reading “Katy and the Big Snow” Jennie  

Posted in children's books, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, picture books, wonder | Tagged , , , | 84 Comments

Sunset in Cold January – Hope

Posted on January 27, 2022 by Jennie

Every drive home from school I come to this intersection. Tonight I saw hope. Days are now longer. Sunsets are more brilliant, hanging onto their color until the end. Silhouettes of barns and trees make me want to stop and … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , | 78 Comments

Goodnight Moon – There’s More!

Posted on January 25, 2022 by Jennie

My recent post on Goodnight Moon, a classic book and certainly a staple in my classroom, was well received. Fellow blogger Beth I didn’t have my glasses on… has her school’s Spanish teacher read the book aloud to her Pre-K … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 50 Comments

Goodnight Moon – A Staple, Every Year

Posted on January 23, 2022 by Jennie

Before children learn to read, first they must hear the words.  It’s developmental, like learning to crawl before learning to walk.  The auditory piece, including singing, hits both the brain and the soul in learning.  In my preschool class, reading … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, literacy, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 84 Comments

Words and Moments of Endearment – They Last a Lifetime

Posted on January 21, 2022 by Jennie

When children leave my class and move on to Pre-K or Kindergarten, we often see each other in the hallway.  A wave, a smile, and sometimes a big hug, comes naturally.  Those moments are genuine.  You can’t make children feel … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Love, preschool, Quotes, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 65 Comments