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.

These Robots Got the Moves!

Posted on May 7, 2021 by Jennie

Thank you Mitch Teemley for featuring my post. It was a pleasure to be a guest on your blog. This was one of my favorite moments, too! Mitch Teemley Guest Blog by A Teacher’s Reflections New England-based preschool teacher Jennie … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 26 Comments

My Sweet Children

Posted on May 5, 2021 by Jennie

This could be me… My wonderful students said ‘thank you’ for Teacher Appreciation Week. Coffee, cookies, flowers, and a card that made me cry. I am touched, and so very lucky. Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, preschool | Tagged , , , , | 102 Comments

📚Teacher Appreciation Week🍎

Posted on May 4, 2021 by Jennie

Originally posted on By Hook Or By Book:
?I’ve done a few posts over the years to honor teachers, especially this time of year. As I have such wonderful memories of my own school-age experiences, as well as of the…

Posted in Uncategorized | 31 Comments

Reading Aloud + Family History = The Best Learning

Posted on May 2, 2021 by Jennie

We often take it for granted that we have fresh water to drink.  Children certainly do. In our chapter reading book, “Little House on the Prairie”, Pa and Mr. Scott dig a well.  Learning where fresh water comes from was … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, Early Education, Family, history, Learning About the World, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , | 124 Comments

Just a Reminder…

Posted on April 30, 2021 by Jennie

Originally posted on Raising Readers…:
This is normally thought of in the context of school, but I think its important at home as well, especially when #raisingreaders!

Posted in Uncategorized | 54 Comments

“Amanda in Holland” is Terrific!

Posted on April 27, 2021 by Jennie

I’m the book guru at school.  That’s what they call me.  Finding a good children’s book is one of my greatest pleasures, next to reading aloud to children.  Teachers and parents lean on me for good books.  The storyline of … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, history, Learning About the World, military, reading | Tagged , , , , , , | 80 Comments

Flowers and Children

Posted on April 24, 2021 by Jennie

Spring Flowers are blooming. Children are, too. A blossom is a smile, a warm hug, the feeling of goodness, a garden of children. Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, Nature, young children | Tagged , , , | 88 Comments

Seeds of Generosity

Posted on April 23, 2021 by Jennie

Charli Mills over at the Carrot Ranch posted her flash fiction challenge: Seeds of Generosity Spreading the seeds of generosity from one story to the next. April 15, 2021, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 50 Comments

The Real Beginning of ‘Gloria’

Posted on April 22, 2021 by Jennie

Last year at this time all of my teaching was done remotely.  It was hard, and I reached out in so many ways to make things fun and keep a connection with my preschoolers. Here is what I did, in … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, Student alumni, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 85 Comments

The Barn in “Charlotte’s Web” and My Porch

Posted on April 19, 2021 by Jennie

E.B. White on the infamous rope swing in his barn. Today I was ‘in the barn’ when we opened the doors to our porch.  E.B. White wrote about opening the barn doors at springtime in “Charlotte’s Web”. Then came a … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Inspiration, Nature, Quotes, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 53 Comments