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.

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

Week of the Young Child

Posted on April 18, 2021 by Jennie

This is ‘Week of the Young Child’, celebrated nationally by early childhood programs, accredited by NAEYC – National Association for the Education of Young Children.  It’s a big deal! We celebrated by ‘filling buckets’, literally and figuratively.  Children filled pails … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Diversity, Early Education, Giving, Inspiration, Kindness, Learning About the World, picture books, preschool, School, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 65 Comments

Snow and Flowers

Posted on April 16, 2021 by Jennie

Spring in New England Snow and flowers Two beauties of nature, together

Posted in Mother Nature, Nature | Tagged , | 53 Comments

The Crossing Guard Chronicles: The Facts, Just the Facts… ‘Did You Know Abe Lincoln Had A Sense of Humor’?

Posted on April 15, 2021 by Jennie

Originally posted on S'amusing:
‘We miss your facts’, a student at my school crossing post offered. ‘Well, here’s something, did you know that President Abraham Lincoln had a great sense of humor?’ No, she didn’t and neither did other…

Posted in Uncategorized | 40 Comments