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.

School, the End of Summer, and My Porch

Posted on September 4, 2020 by Jennie

Back to school is hard. I feel like the children do, apprehensive and unsure. Summer is ending. The crickets are telling me so. During this transition, the place that grounds me is my porch. On my porch, I’m still part … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, teaching, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 70 Comments

The Day Before School… Ice Cream!

Posted on August 31, 2020 by Jennie

School starts tomorrow for teachers.  Today I drove out to a farm, in the country. It was a picture perfect day.  The farm is a dairy farm.  That means ice cream. New England + dairy farms = the best ice … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Nature | Tagged , , , | 81 Comments

My Summer of Books – Part 3

Posted on August 30, 2020 by Jennie

In Part 1 and Part 2, I reviewed the picture books in the photo below.  These books were new and wonderful reads this summer. Part 3: Upper grade books for older children. I had a double-dose of Patricia MacLachlan books.  Lucky me!  After … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Death and dying, Diversity, Dogs, E.B. White, Expressing words and feelings, history, Inspiration, Particia MacLachlan, reading | Tagged , , , , , , , | 68 Comments

My Summer of Books – Part 2

Posted on August 27, 2020 by Jennie

In  Part 1 I talked about many of the picture books in this photo, which shows all the children’s books I read this summer. Part 2 continues with the picture books, and bridges to older children’s books. Pigs in the Mud in … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Particia MacLachlan, picture books, reading | Tagged , , , , , | 79 Comments

Reading Aloud to the Rescue

Posted on August 24, 2020 by Jennie

A child’s serious head injury required surgery and plenty of rest at home.  Scary stuff.  How to help Miles relax and take his mind away from his boo-boo?  Reading aloud, of course.  Miles loved ‘Jennie reading’ when he was in … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, Inspiration, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , | 60 Comments

My Summer of Books – Part 1

Posted on August 23, 2020 by Jennie

My summer has been filled with reading children’s books, from new picture books to books for older children, and classics.  Every one has been satisfying and thrilling, yet in different ways.  Some books are funny, some are filled with history, … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, picture books, reading | Tagged , , , , , | 78 Comments

Little Sundrop

Posted on August 21, 2020 by Jennie

Little sundrop, where were you when you family bloomed in June? They grew, as a big happy family. They were in full glory on the Fourth of July. The days of August have put them to rest, yet here you … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , | 51 Comments

“Inspiration is not the exclusive privilege of poets or artists. There is, there has been, there will always be a certain group of people whom inspiration visits…”

Posted on August 20, 2020 by Jennie

Originally posted on Art of Quotation:
Inspiration is not the exclusive privilege of poets or artists. There is, there has been, there will always be a certain group of people whom inspiration visits. It’s made up of all those who’ve…

Posted in Uncategorized | 24 Comments

Today’s Quote

Posted on August 19, 2020 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 31 Comments

Ahead of His Time

Posted on August 18, 2020 by Jennie

“Anyone who does anything to help a child in his life is a hero.” ~Fred Rogers~ Jennie

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Quotes, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 56 Comments