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.

Almost Heaven

I went back home last weekend to West Virginia.  Yes, it is ‘almost heaven’.  Do you see the wall of trees behind the welcome sign?  That is what I saw for days of driving.  Nothing but hills and trees and … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, geography, Inspiration, Love | Tagged , , , , , | 156 Comments

Today’s Quote

As long as there is one upright man, as long as there is one compassionate woman, the contagion may spread and the scene is not desolate. Hope is the… Today’s Quote

Posted in Uncategorized | 29 Comments

Summer Solstice Sun

There’s nothing better than an Eric Carle sun to welcome the Summer Solstice. Happy Summer! Jennie

Posted in art, Eric Carle, Inspiration, Nature | Tagged , , | 54 Comments

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