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.

The Green Mountain State – Vermont, Part 2

Posted on August 16, 2020 by Jennie

This sight brought on a huge smile. A big American flag against the backdrop of the Green Mountains. Life is good. Our destination was the Bennington Museum in Bennington, Vermont.  There’s a back story here, which many of my longtime … Continue reading →

Posted in America, art, geography, Inspiration, museums, Nature, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 61 Comments

Morning at the Market

Posted on August 14, 2020 by Jennie

A giant field of gorgeous sunflowers and zinnias greeting customers as they arrive to shop for local produce. A delightful way to start the morning. Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 55 Comments

The Green Mountain State – Vermont, Part 1

Posted on August 12, 2020 by Jennie

Yes, I know.  You want to be there, too. Hubby and I put the top down on the old sports car and drove to Vermont.  Winding back roads all the way.  The weather was glorious, big puffy clouds and a … Continue reading →

Posted in America, geography, history, Inspiration, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 84 Comments

A Belated Graduation

Posted on August 9, 2020 by Jennie

Originally posted on Pete Springer:
Schools in our area shut down in March, and the students finished their school year online.? The high school decided to postpone graduation with the hope that they would be able to hold a formal…

Posted in Uncategorized | 22 Comments

Becoming Inspired to Write

Posted on August 7, 2020 by Jennie

The days have been hot and humid, not the best for writing.  Today I had a huge dose of inspiration.  I played with E.B. White’s Underwood typewriter.  Really. I was so very careful.  Of course I didn’t hit a key. … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Inspiration, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 77 Comments

Tonight

Posted on August 4, 2020 by Jennie

“It was a dark and stormy night.”

Posted in Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , | 54 Comments

The Calm Before the Storm

Posted on August 3, 2020 by Jennie

Mother Nature is giving us a delightful and playful calm before tomorrow’s storm. Wispy clouds are dancing, like children. Jennie

Posted in Imagination, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , | 47 Comments

Home schooling and how it has impacted my attitude towards teachers

Posted on August 3, 2020 by Jennie

Originally posted on Robbie's inspiration:
Gregory in a school concert when he was 8 years old My sons have been home schooling since our schools first closed on 18 March this year. That equates to four and a half…

Posted in Uncategorized | 28 Comments

More at The Carle, the Art of Maira Kalman, and “Fireboat”

Posted on July 31, 2020 by Jennie

After visiting the Angels exhibition at the Eric Carle Museum, I viewed the art of Maira Kalman. I knew this dog, at least I thought I did.  While there was something familiar here, I had to admit I don’t really … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 52 Comments

A New Exhibit, Eric Carle’s Art Comes Full Circle…and More

Posted on July 30, 2020 by Jennie

After months of having to close its doors to the public, the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Massachusetts has reopened.  I was thrilled.  The number of visitors and safety procedures were controlled, yet the experience was full … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, museums, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , | 48 Comments