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.

Kindergarten Means “Garden of Children”

My garden is a new venture every year.  We bought an older home with an established flower garden in 2002.  When summer arrived I couldn’t wait to see what  would bloom.  It was a joy to discover new flowers.  Since … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, preschool, self esteem, Teaching young children, The Arts, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 96 Comments

Words, Wonderful Words…

Originally posted on Joy Lennick:
Every now and then I pontificate on the power and magic of words. Those twenty-six little letters have faithfully served us ever since “Adam” said Ugg to “Eve.” And, in what variety! True and Fairy…

Posted in Uncategorized | 35 Comments

Quote of the day

Originally posted on M.C. Tuggle, Writer:
“By failing to read or listen to poets, society dooms itself to inferior modes of articulation, those of the politician, the salesman, or the charlatan. In other words, it forfeits its own evolutionary…

Posted in Uncategorized | 33 Comments

Fourth of July

Someone in the family is very talented! Happy Fourth of July! Jennie

Posted in America, American flag, Inspiration | Tagged , , | 48 Comments

Happy Birthday, America

Happy Birthday, America. This flag was flown over the Navy Memorial in Washington DC. Proud to be an American, one nation, one people, with freedoms I will never take for granted. Jennie

Posted in America, American flag, Expressing words and feelings, geography, history, Inspiration, military, patriotism | Tagged , , , | 52 Comments

Underground Library Society

What would you do if a beloved book, rich in meaning and literature, were to be banned, gone forever? Would you vow to memorize the book in order to save it? I would. When Charles French, a professor of English … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Diversity, E.B. White, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Learning About the World, Nature, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 89 Comments

Today’s Quote

Vincent van Gogh not only painted beautifully, he spoke of love and strength. Thank you Theresa for posting van Gogh’s Starry Night and his quotation.

Posted in Uncategorized | 33 Comments

Locked On

Look at our eyes. The words I’m reading are terrific. Landon is hearing every word. I can’t say enough, and he can’t hear enough. We’re locked on. Reading aloud is powerful, in the best of ways. Jennie

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 52 Comments

End of the School Year

The end of the school year is always fast, furious, and fun. Emotions run wild, both with children and teachers. The week started with visits to every child’s house. Really. How cool is that, to have your teacher come to … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Family, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, preschool, teaching, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 68 Comments

Chapter Reading Summary at School

As a teacher, I write about many things I do with young children.  I will tell you that the most important thing I do is reading aloud.  I know this is #1.  I also chapter read, which is uncommon in … Continue reading

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Jim Trelease, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 70 Comments