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.

Visiting the Art Show

Posted on April 12, 2022 by Jennie

Last week I took the children and their families to see the Art Show.  It has been two years since we took a field trip.  As you can imagine, the event was eagerly anticipated by families as well as the … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , | 58 Comments

Calm Before the Storm

Posted on April 10, 2022 by Jennie

My favorite intersection for sunsets, appropriately named Sunset Farm. Today a storm was brewing. The view was as beautiful as a sunset. The surprise was a rare hailstorm. “Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder” ~E.B. White~ … Continue reading →

Posted in E.B. White, Inspiration, Nature, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 68 Comments

The Best of Chapter Reading

Posted on April 7, 2022 by Jennie

My Grandfather Our current chapter reading book at school is Little House on the Prairie, by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  The last chapter that we read, ‘Indians in the House’, sparked intense questions and conversations about Indians and people who are … Continue reading →

Posted in America, books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Gloria, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 67 Comments

Presenting the Art Show

Posted on April 4, 2022 by Jennie

“Art should make you feel, like music.” ~ Vasilly Kandinski ~ When children’s masterpieces were complete, framed and titled, I showed every work of art- slowly, with Vivaldi playing in the background.  I said nothing except the title of each … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 93 Comments

The Joy of Teaching – Moments

Posted on April 1, 2022 by Jennie

Since we’re learning about France, we sing the ‘Days of the Week’ song in French.  Children are excited to add new words – real words in a foreign language – to a song they already know. The ‘Helper of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, School, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 69 Comments

Keep Smiling and Stay Warm – Olaf!

Posted on March 29, 2022 by Jennie

March is going out like a lion, not a lamb. Here’s how to keep smiling and stay warm on the playground at school: Thank goodness for my Olaf hat! Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Nature, young children | Tagged , , , | 51 Comments

The Compass Rose

Posted on March 29, 2022 by Jennie

                                  “Jennie, what’s that? Those three words are music to my ears, because it means there will be a new journey to discovery.  When … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, geography, Inspiration, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 73 Comments

Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF Fri Yay/Good News

Posted on March 27, 2022 by Jennie

Originally posted on Fiction Favorites:
Today’s story comes from the Good News Network. Here it is in its entirety. Strangers are Leaving Strollers, Diapers, and Toys at the Border for Ukrainian Refugee Moms Photo courtesy of GMA An image recently…

Posted in Uncategorized | 33 Comments

More Music and Art – and Why I Teach

Posted on March 26, 2022 by Jennie

Music has been a great inspiration, and children have truly created wonderful works of art. When I think of classical music inspiring children I immediately think of the renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma playing for Mr. Rogers. This video clip speaks … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Imagination, Inspiration, music, Teaching young children, The Arts, Uncategorized, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 92 Comments

Music Inspires Art

Posted on March 23, 2022 by Jennie

Children are painting in earnest, working on their own masterpieces, preparing for our annual Art Show.  We have studied Van Gogh, Picasso, Kandinsky, Monet and Matisse.  The range of art is as diverse as the interests of the children.  That’s … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, music, Quotes, Teaching young children, The Arts, The Beatles | Tagged , , , , , , , | 108 Comments