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.

Dinosaurs Are Not Extinct

Posted on August 22, 2021 by Jennie

Dinosaurs are not extinct.  Way back in ‘95, a dinosaur was born.  He was lovingly painted, stuffed with paper, and tied with string.  Don’t you love the big, toothy smile? That year was a happy year for this dinosaur, hanging … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, picture books, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 57 Comments

An Eric Carle Trilogy

Posted on August 19, 2021 by Jennie

Surely, The Very Hungry Caterpillar was here.   Words to live by.   The sun – Eric Carle’s most immortalized art. Jennie

Posted in art, children's books, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Nature, Quotes, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 61 Comments

Wordless – at the Eric Carle Museum

Posted on August 17, 2021 by Jennie

The new exhibit at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is: Speechless: The Art of Wordless Picture Books Wordless books?  How can that be?  How can you read a wordless book to a child?  I’ll tell you just … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Author interview, Book Review, children's books, David Wiesner, Early Education, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading aloud, reading aloud, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 52 Comments

In praise of… crafts

Posted on August 16, 2021 by Jennie

From Milly to the Textiliste, three cheers to the work and beauty of quilters!

Posted in Uncategorized | 22 Comments

Milly’s Epilogue

Posted on August 13, 2021 by Jennie

This card was passed out at the memorial service. It’s an odd thing to say that a eulogy was inspirational.  Yet for Milly, how could it be anything less?  And, it’s unusual to laugh out loud at the words the … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, quilting | Tagged , | 74 Comments

Milly – Part 10

Posted on August 12, 2021 by Jennie

In Part 9, Milly continued her visits to school.  The children and Gloria were always thrilled when it was a ‘Milly day’.  At last, after years of quilts that went away to places of honor, Milly made a quilt, “Our Towns” … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Giving thanks, Inspiration, preschool, quilting, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 61 Comments

Moments #3

Posted on August 10, 2021 by Jennie

Moments #2 were sunsets, grandchildren, and what happens in my classroom.  My final ‘moments’ post, Moments #3, is looking up, looking down, and looking out. Rainbow around the sun yesterday at noon Rainbows under water in my pool Thank you … Continue reading →

Posted in E.B. White, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Nature, Quotes, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 57 Comments

National Book Lovers Day 2021

Posted on August 9, 2021 by Jennie

National Book Lovers Day 2021

Posted in Uncategorized | 30 Comments

Milly – Part 9

Posted on August 8, 2021 by Jennie

In Part 8, Milly and the children were guests of honor at the one-year anniversary of the Boston Fisher House.  With a full crowd in attendance, including members of the Fisher family, we presented the God Bless America quilt.  And, a … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, Peace, preschool, quilting, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 62 Comments

Moments #2

Posted on August 6, 2021 by Jennie

Moments #1 happened in my backyard on a beautiful day.  I paid attention to the world around me, up high and down low.  Moments #2 (below) goes far deeper into the importance of little things, and how they really become … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, geography, Inspiration, joy, Learning About the World, Nature, patriotism, picture books, play performances, preschool, quilting, summer camp, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 87 Comments