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.

Cape Cod and Friends

Posted on July 11, 2021 by Jennie

I am on the Cape with dear friends.  Dear is an understatement.  We have been together for 25 years, since our children were little.  Now, we have grandchildren, and our adventures keep on going.  I wouldn’t trade these ladies for … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Love, Nature | Tagged , | 74 Comments

The Real Start of Teaching the Fourth of July – Part 4

Posted on July 10, 2021 by Jennie

In Part 3, we made a giant sketch for the quilt based on what the children felt were important parts of the song and the book, “This Land is Your Land.”  Woody’s guitar, the church from the ‘sad page’, landmarks … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, picture books, preschool, quilting, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 67 Comments

Tiny Julia and a Tiny Tree

Posted on July 9, 2021 by Jennie

It is raining cats and dogs today.  I went outside to check on Julia, our baby frog who has taken up residence in our pool.  The children named the frog Julia.  The vote was unanimous.  Julia was nowhere to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, Nature, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 62 Comments

The Real Start of Teaching the Fourth of July – Part 3

Posted on July 8, 2021 by Jennie

In Part 2, after the song had become all-consuming for children, I told Naomi about the one time this had happened before, eight years ago.  A song was  beloved to children.  They couldn’t get enough.  And so, we made a quilt.  … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, patriotism, preschool, quilting, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 42 Comments

Poolside Visitor

Posted on July 6, 2021 by Jennie

There he was, on the stairs, so very tiny. He wasn’t afraid. I reached out my fingers, And he climbed right on. His black eyes have a gold circle. His chin line is bright yellow. He’s really beautiful. I told … Continue reading →

Posted in Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, Learning About the World, Nature, Quotes, wonder | Tagged , , , | 80 Comments

The Real Start of Teaching the Fourth of July – Part 2

Posted on July 5, 2021 by Jennie

This piece is actually about the last quilt my class made. Bloggers have asked me to ‘finish the story’. Here is Part 2, with two more to follow. Over the summer I will go back to the beginning, how it … Continue reading →

Posted in America, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, geography, Gloria, Inspiration, music, picture books, quilting, Singing, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 51 Comments

The Real Start of Teaching the Fourth of July

Posted on July 3, 2021 by Jennie

The Fourth 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 learning. The Fourth of … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Early Education, geography, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, music, patriotism, picture books, preschool, quilting, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 72 Comments

Happy Birthday Canada!

Posted on July 1, 2021 by Jennie

Originally posted on Butterfly Sand:
I first posted this when Canada turned 150 years old. I don’t think I could do anything better for this year. So, if it is familiar, my apologises. If it is new, please enjoy .…

Posted in Uncategorized | 27 Comments

Poolside Dinner

Posted on June 30, 2021 by Jennie

When a heat wave hits, a poolside dinner is in order. No need to get out of the water to eat pizza and veggies. Life is good. Jennie

Posted in Family, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, Nature | Tagged , | 63 Comments

Reflections

Posted on June 29, 2021 by Jennie

The great outdoors is a window for reflection. We just have to stop and look. I was sitting by my pool long after dinner time. Do you see the many reflections in the pool? They’re telling me to pay attention, … Continue reading →

Posted in E.B. White, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, preschool, Quotes, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 123 Comments