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.

A Christmas Tradition – The Sticky Bun Lady

Posted on December 25, 2020 by Jennie

For thirty-something years, the sticky bun lady has delivered her treats to my house.  It started when her girls were preschoolers in my class.  Every Christmas Eve she would arrive, much like Santa.  She never missed a year. I was … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, preschool | Tagged , , , , | 50 Comments

Reading Aloud on Christmas Eve

Posted on December 24, 2020 by Jennie

I wanted to read aloud to the children on Christmas Eve.  I wanted to leave them with visions of sugar plums.  Well, I wanted to give them the gift of a story.  And that’s just what I did. Last March … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, Giving, Inspiration, Kindness, picture books, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 54 Comments

Preschoolers, Christmas Emotions, and ‘Gloria’

Posted on December 20, 2020 by Jennie

The emotional roller coaster of preschoolers is in full swing at Christmastime.  Tears, yelling, hitting, not sharing – it all surfaces at this time.   I’m there to help them navigate the waters and make things right.  In the end, … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, music, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 71 Comments

Winter Wonderland

Posted on December 18, 2020 by Jennie

Over a foot of snow fell yesterday. It was a winter wonderland. Since we are alone for Christmas, it will be a treat to have a white one. Light and fluffy. Windy and cold. It found it’s way into everywhere. … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 98 Comments

Literary Lines

Posted on December 16, 2020 by Jennie

Originally posted on By Hook Or By Book:
Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see. ~ Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express ~

Posted in Uncategorized | 20 Comments

Today’s Quote

Posted on December 15, 2020 by Jennie

Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been. ~ Mark Twain ~ ________ Today’s Quote

Posted in Uncategorized | 46 Comments

Light, “Fairyland” and Preschool Poetry

Posted on December 14, 2020 by Jennie

The winter solstice draws near, and Jupiter and Saturn will come close together as the bright Christmas Star – the first time in 800 years. Light It’s all about light in December.  Holidays are centered around light. I’ve never seen … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Mindfulness, Poetry, Quotes, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 53 Comments

Kings and Queens, Writing Letters, Doctor Dolittle, and Pfizer

Posted on December 11, 2020 by Jennie

We just finished a wonderful unit on Kings and Queens at school.  What child doesn’t want to be a king or queen, live in a castle, and dream of dragons? Of course things took a turn – quite a turn. … Continue reading →

Posted in art, children's books, Death and dying, England, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Learning About the World, picture books, picture stories, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 54 Comments

My Favorite Christmas Picture Books for Children

Posted on December 7, 2020 by Jennie

This is a repost of my favorite Christmas books.  Every year they grow stronger, because children love them.  These are the books children and adults want to read over and over again.  That’s why they’re the best.  Please, go to … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, picture books, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 77 Comments

Life salutes you when you make others happy.

Posted on December 5, 2020 by Jennie

Originally posted on Purplerays:
“Life laughs at you when you are unhappy; Life smiles at you when you are happy; But, life salutes you when you make others happy.” — Charlie Chaplin Text and image source: English Literature https://www.facebook.com/111713046988381/posts/221408819352136/

Posted in Uncategorized | 30 Comments