Author Archives: Jennie

About Jennie

I have been teaching preschool for over thirty-five 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.

Excellent Quotations on Education – Thank You, Charles French.

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Gloria’s Journal and Many Adventures

It’s a new school year for Gloria, and she has spent most weekends with a child.  Her adventures on weekends have been delightful.  Reading her journal to children is always exciting. Back in the beginning of Gloria in the Aqua … Continue reading

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 91 Comments

Robots!

Meet Curiosity Atlas, our classroom robot.  He is mounted on a scooter board so children can pull him everywhere.  Oh, they do.  He is beloved.  Of course there is a story behind Curiosity Atlas. We were learning about robots.  Children … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, preschool, robots, School, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , | 79 Comments

Gloria’s Sleepover At My House

Gloria has been everywhere this year – except with me.  She had a sleepover at my house last night!  When it was time for her to go to bed, she wanted a story (of course), so I read to her … Continue reading

Posted in books, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, picture books, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , | 75 Comments

The New Year Ahead

Unlike many bloggers, I don’t write reviews about my year. I don’t have lofty goals for the New Year. My joy comes from the little things everyday, because these are the big things, and become my landscape, my portrait. Writing … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 73 Comments

The Little Things Really Are the Big Things – Especially When it Comes to Laughter! This Baby Video is Priceless. Children Laugh and Love at the Little (Important) Things Better Than Adults.

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The Day After

The day after Christmas was a full moon to the east with a deep blue sky. I thought about the Christmas Star and stopped to remember the Three Wise Men. To the west was a beautiful sunset and a contrail. … Continue reading

Posted in art, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, The Arts | Tagged , , , , | 67 Comments

All You Need is Love

The last day of school before Christmas. Pajama Day! Everyone is excited. A child rushed up to give me a big hug. “I love you, Jennie.” “I love you, too.” The ‘I Love You Rush’ began. I knew exactly what … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, Love, music, picture books, preschool, Singing, Teaching young children, The Beatles, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 69 Comments

Edelweiss

Christmas lights and decorations are up.  It feels so good.  Light is joy and hope. After dinner I put on my jammies and settled in to read my fellow bloggers’ posts.  I had ‘The Sound of Music’ movie in the … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, music, Quotes, Singing, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 67 Comments

When the words of children become Found Poetry, that is inspiring. I asked my library reading group to tell me their wishes, and they are still going strong. Read on!

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