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.

“You”

Posted on February 8, 2020 by Jennie

Sophia stopped by school to say hello.  It’s always a treat to see children I have taught.  I made a fuss, told her how big and grown up and beautiful she was. Making a fuss is my favorite thing to … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, preschool, Quotes, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 77 Comments

The Hundred Little Things

Posted on February 5, 2020 by Jennie

I have a handwritten list of posts I want to write, things that are important.  There is one that has been screaming at me for a long time, with yellow highlighter and a post-it note: “The Hundred Little Things.”  It … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, preschool, reading aloud, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 109 Comments

Michael Bond, creator of Paddington Bear, 1926-2017 #inmemoriam #MichaelBond #Paddingtonbear

Posted on February 2, 2020 by Jennie

My apologies for neglecting to include “A Bear Called Paddington”, or frankly any of Michael Bond’s delightful Paddington Bear books in my favorite bear books blog posts. While this was a serious error, it prompted Geoff Le Pard to forward … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 43 Comments

My Favorite Bear Books, Part 2

Posted on January 31, 2020 by Jennie

In Part 1 yesterday, I talked about half of these wonderful bear books.  Here is the second half: Blueberries For Sal, by Robert McCloskey The year was 1948.  Sal and her mother go blueberry picking.  On the other side of … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, picture books, preschool, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 62 Comments

My Favorite Bear Books, Part 1

Posted on January 30, 2020 by Jennie

Winter is here, and it is time to feel cozy, just like bears.  I love bears and bear stories. Children do too.  While stories about animals are always popular, bear stories are favorites, year after year. Here are my favorite … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, picture books, reading, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , | 56 Comments

A Walk Down Memory Lane – Photos Tell the Stories

Posted on January 27, 2020 by Jennie

I have been plugging away at deleting photos from my media library, because I am close to using up my available space.  I know, it’s only a photo, but as I scroll through the photos, every one has been a … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, Author interview, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, history, Inspiration, military, Nature, picture books, play performances, preschool, quilting, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 103 Comments

The Female Librarians Who Delivered Books On Horseback

Posted on January 25, 2020 by Jennie

Originally posted on Nicholas C. Rossis:
Dusty Old Thing recently published an article by Rose Heichelbech about The Fierce Female Librarians Who Delivered Books On Horseback During The Great Depression. While everyone’s heard of the Pony Express, this is a rarely-told…

Posted in Uncategorized | 51 Comments

Gloria’s Necklace, Part 2

Posted on January 23, 2020 by Jennie

Yesterday’s tragedy of breaking Gloria’s beloved necklace, the one Milly gave her years ago, was a lesson in a whole lot of things – from how do you fix a problem, to doing the right thing, and caring for others.  … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Gloria, Inspiration, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 72 Comments

Gloria’s Necklace, Part 1

Posted on January 22, 2020 by Jennie

Today was not a good day.  Everything broke.  It started with the key to our favorite game, Cranium Cariboo.  We call it “The Ball Game”.  It is THE game, and of course it’s no longer made.  The purple key to … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Giving, Gloria, Inspiration, joy, preschool, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 64 Comments

Roots

Posted on January 19, 2020 by Jennie

My artist friend at Mountain Roots Studio in Asheville, North Carolina, makes trees out of twisted wire.  Her trees have deep, pronounced roots.  I’ve always liked that.  Roots.  That’s where it all begins.  Without roots we have nothing. I liken … Continue reading →

Posted in art, behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, preschool, self esteem, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 67 Comments