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.

Hope, and a Wish Tree

Posted on March 19, 2021 by Jennie

This is a year of Hope.  Children need it.   Adults need it.  When they find Hope, it carries them along.  Far.  Wish Trees are beacons of hope, where people give their most important and sacred wishes.  They have been … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, Nature, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 106 Comments

Gloria Enjoying St. Patrick’s Day

Posted on March 17, 2021 by Jennie

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Gloria! Jennie

Posted in Diversity, Gloria, Inspiration, joy | Tagged , | 49 Comments

Humpty Dumpty – What Happened After His Fall?

Posted on March 15, 2021 by Jennie

“All the king’s horses and all the king’s men couldn’t put Humpty together again.” So, what  really happened to Humpty after his fall? “After the Fall” by Dan Santat tells the story.  It is one of the most innovative children’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, self esteem | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 65 Comments

Hope

Posted on March 11, 2021 by Jennie

At the end of the road on my way home from work this is what I see. A silhouette against the setting sun. Dark against light. A daily reminder of life and hope. There is always hope. Always. Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 108 Comments

Another Spectacular Book by Melissa Sweet

Posted on March 8, 2021 by Jennie

Originally posted on Dayne Sislen Children's Book Illustration:
A book review though an illustrator’s eyes by Dayne Sislen My last post was a book review of the fun book, BALLOONS OVER BROADWAY, also by Melissa Sweet. On that post,…

Posted in Uncategorized | 34 Comments

Read Across America Day ~ 2021

Posted on March 5, 2021 by Jennie

Originally posted on By Hook Or By Book:
Stories never really end…even if the books like to pretend they do. Stories always go on. They don’t end on the last page, any more than they begin on the first page.…

Posted in Uncategorized | 34 Comments

Quote of the day

Posted on March 4, 2021 by Jennie

Thank you Mike Tuggle for posting this outstanding quotation on the importance of stories. M.C. Tuggle, Writer “Stories are among the most intimate and personal things we have. Stories touch the imagination and are deeply implanted in one’s psyche and … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 27 Comments

Sue Vincent, the Wordsmith and Giver

Posted on March 1, 2021 by Jennie

A true wordsmith can pack a punch into few words that leaves the reader feeling as if s/he has been given a golden key to questioning and understanding. A wordsmith who is also a giver leaves the reader feeling that … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Giving thanks, Inspiration, reading, storytelling, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 77 Comments

A Tale of Two Dale Chihuly’s – Part 3

Posted on February 28, 2021 by Jennie

In Part 1, I discovered my first Dale Chihuly at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia.  In Part 2, I read aloud the poetry book my classroom wrote, inspired by the museum. A recent update: the museum is planning a new Peace exhibit … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Inspiration, museums, preschool, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , | 57 Comments

“Life Begins When You Get Back Up” – a Memorable Day at School

Posted on February 24, 2021 by Jennie

 Music brings joy to children. Books bring questions and thinking. Teachers bring love and answers. Today at school was a day I’ll always remember.  So will the children.  Emotions ran high.  In Dickens’ words, “It was the best of times, … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, music, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, School, Singing, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , | 91 Comments