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 Memorial Day Remembrance at School

Posted on May 25, 2025 by Jennie

American flags blowing in the breeze planted by children in the Memory Garden, where beloved classroom pets are buried along with markers for deceased parents and children. A perfect place for a school-wide Memorial Day Remembrance. Mike, a retired Air … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, military, patriotism, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 56 Comments

Gloria – Through the Eyes and Words of the Missouri Kids

Posted on May 18, 2025 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 36 Comments

Happy Birthday!

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Jennie

The children surprised me with a balloon, a plant, and singing “Happy Birthday.” We celebrated with ice cream. When they asked me how old I am I held up my birthday card so they could read the number. “57!” Well, … Continue reading →

Posted in Giving, Giving thanks, Heart, Kindness, Love, preschool, School | Tagged , , | 114 Comments

Gloria Goes to Missouri – Part 2

Posted on May 11, 2025 by Jennie

Awww…just look at that smile! Gloria arrived back home with much fanfare.  There’s nothing like welcoming a best friend after a long trip.  We learned that Missouri has cows.  Lots of cows.  So, included in Gloria’s welcome home box was … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, geography, Giving thanks, Gloria, history, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, School, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 61 Comments

Gloria Goes to Missouri – Part 1

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Jennie

Gloria has been visiting Zeb the zebra in Missouri.  Back in January, Zeb came to visit Gloria in Massachusetts.  Both were lonely, and together their friendship blossomed – thanks to the children. Children – that’s the magic word.  It was … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, geography, Gloria, Heart, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, Play, School, teaching | Tagged , , , , | 78 Comments

Carl Sagan’s Quote on Books – Wow! Thank You, Beetley Pete

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 21 Comments

Happy Easter from Boston’s Make Way for Ducklings

Posted on April 20, 2025 by Jennie

Photo courtesy Universal Hub Robert McCloskey’s classic story, Make Way for Ducklings, is immortalized in bronze statues in the Public Garden on Boston Common.  Mrs. Mallard and her eight ducklings, Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack  are all … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, history, Imagination, Inspiration, picture books, The Arts | Tagged , , | 73 Comments

Real Connections With Children – From a Carpet Sweeper to a Princess Phone

Posted on April 16, 2025 by Jennie

Teachers need to connect with children.  That’s a given.  The smiles, hugs, and laughing are always the foundation for developing relationships with children. While these positive interactions are the most common, sometimes unexpected moments – bad moments – can become … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Mindfulness, preschool, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 76 Comments

The Art Show

Posted on April 10, 2025 by Jennie

My art palette pin.  I wear it every year.  I introduce art for the Art Show step-by-step, easy to difficult.  Since we studied Italy in March, our first art was ‘spaghetti art’.  Children stood on a table (that was exciting), … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 99 Comments

Love is the Greatest Healer. This Picture is Worth a Thousand Words.

Posted on April 6, 2025 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | 39 Comments