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.

End of the School Year, a Family Event

“Gloria, we’re going to a castle. It’s a party for the Aqua Room families. You’re in charge of the picnic basket.” “Are you having a fun ride in the wagon? It’s a long ride up the hill.” “Whoa!  What is … Continue reading

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Gloria, Inspiration, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 74 Comments

Quotations on Stories

“We owe it to each other to tell stories.”                                                                          Neil Gaiman   “Fiction is the … Quotations on Stories

Posted in Uncategorized | 25 Comments

Chapter Reading Newsletter to Families

My final newsletter to families at school, telling them how important reading aloud chapter books is to their children.  Hopefully this opens the door for them. Chapter Reading June 16, 2021 Chapter reading is one of our treasured moments of … Continue reading

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, reading aloud, reading aloud, School | Tagged , , , , , , , | 71 Comments

Today’s Quote

…Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight… ~ Francis Scott Key ~ _____________ Today’s Quote

Posted in Uncategorized | 29 Comments

“Ladeez and Gentlemen, Children of All Ages…”

The circus came to town!  Children were excited to perform for their families on Zoom.  It was a grand finalé to a month of learning about animals, what happens behind the scenes in a real circus, and writing circus picture … Continue reading

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, picture books, picture stories, Play, play performances | Tagged , , , , , , , | 75 Comments

Tanya, the Real Deal For Kindness

When you meet kindness head on, consider yourself lucky. On our way home from a long overdue visit with our grandchildren, we stopped for dinner at an Applebee’s, our first dinner in a restaurant in over a year.  Our server … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, Love | Tagged , , , , | 116 Comments

Amanda in Holland

We had a wonderful visit with our grandchildren after 18 long months. Guess who loves Amanda! Jennie

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, reading | Tagged , , , | 42 Comments

Gloria and the Indians

‘Gloria’ was very involved in a recent discussion on Indians.  It was a huge moment in teaching.  She understands being different. It happened like this… I have finished reading “Little House on the Prairie” to my preschoolers.  At the end … Continue reading

Posted in America, chapter reading, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, history, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , | 63 Comments

Today’s Quote

I will never forget, but will my students never forget? Have my teachings of Memorial Day through songs, books, and the American flag been remembered? Have they passed down a sense of patriotism? Roshan remembers. He told me so. “I … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 28 Comments

Preschoolers and Memorial Day

How do I teach preschoolers about Memorial Day? I start at the beginning, with a great book that teaches children about America. I teach them how to sing “God Bless America”, starting by singing the book. We then learn about … Continue reading

Posted in America, American flag, children's books, Death and dying, Early Education, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, military, patriotism, picture books, School, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 81 Comments