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.

Cloud Watching – Messages

Posted on July 24, 2025 by Jennie

This cloud appeared late afternoon. It was one bright streak coming out of a gloomy gray cloud. What does that say? Nature always gives us messages in their art, telling us to look and to think. So I looked, and … Continue reading →

Posted in E.B. White, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 72 Comments

Gloria in the Heat Wave

Posted on July 20, 2025 by Jennie

Our neighbors came over for a swim after dinner.  Things had started to cool down and the sun was behind the trees.  Their children love us, and of course follow me everywhere.  6 and 4 year olds do that (thank … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, Love, young children | Tagged , , | 91 Comments

Heat Wave

Posted on July 17, 2025 by Jennie

What do you do in a heat wave? Eat dinner in the pool, of course. And sing and dance to “Heat Wave.”   Stay cool.  Listen to your inner child.  Always! Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Love, Mother Nature, music, Nature, Singing | Tagged , , , , | 80 Comments

Making History Come Alive For Children – Part 3

Posted on July 14, 2025 by Jennie

History is an abstract concept for children, so if I can link something tangible – like me – to history, perhaps they can have an understanding. At the end of the school year we read non-fiction chapter books.  Little House on … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, Early Education, Family, Gloria, history, Inspiration, literacy, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 46 Comments

I’ve Lost Hubby

Posted on July 11, 2025 by Jennie

I’ve lost hubby to Dan and Willow’s new book, Poetic Justice. Isn’t that wonderful? Jennie

Posted in Book Review, books, Giving thanks, literacy, reading | Tagged , , , | 77 Comments

Making History Come Alive For Children – Part 2

Posted on July 7, 2025 by Jennie

As I read one of the classic children’s books, The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton, it turned out to be an unexpected history lesson.  This wonderful book begins with a charming little house on a hill, living through days … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, history, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, School, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 63 Comments

4th of July

Posted on July 4, 2025 by Jennie

This is a repost. The 4th of July – America’s declaration of independence.  I teach children about the American flag, and patriotism.  It’s important.  Best of all, children often lead the way.  Their interests are the springboard for the best … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Inspiration, military, music, patriotism, School, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 43 Comments

Why Goodnight Moon?

Posted on June 29, 2025 by Jennie

Why do I read aloud GoodNight Moon to my preschoolers every day? Yes, every day, right before chapter reading. It has the words that paint images in the minds of young children.  It has rhyming that sways.  The words feel … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Heart, history, Inspiration, Library, literacy, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 75 Comments

Making History Come Alive For Children – Part 1

Posted on June 24, 2025 by Jennie

I am the schoolmarm for third graders at the end of the school year, in the old New England schoolhouse in town.  The year I bring to life for children is 1833.  I ring the bell to welcome ‘scholars’ as … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Early Education, history, Inspiration, literacy, Math, music, patriotism, reading aloud, School, Singing | Tagged , , , | 95 Comments

Gifting a Book to the Public Library

Posted on June 16, 2025 by Jennie

Discovering a great new book is one thing. Reading the book to children, over and over again, is another thing. Gifting that book to the public library is the icing on the cake.   The Little Red Chair, by Cathy … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, Library, literacy, picture books, reading | Tagged , , | 83 Comments