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 Sky, and Really Talking

Posted on July 27, 2020 by Jennie

A hot night and a beautiful sky. We dangled our feet in the water and looked up. The wonder and conversation began. The quarter moon a few days ago is now a half moon. Did the first caveman watch the … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Imagination, Inspiration, Learning About the World, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 46 Comments

Look Up, Look Down

Posted on July 25, 2020 by Jennie

We can all take a lesson from children.  They notice everything.  They look up, and they look down.  They stop to look, really look, and to wonder.  They remember what they see, and if an adult is around they ask … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Nature, summer camp, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 87 Comments

Inhale and Exhale of Timeless.

Posted on July 22, 2020 by Jennie

Originally posted on Language of Essence:
Sunrise and Sunset are inhale and exhale of Time . Love and Happiness are inhale and exhale of Timeless. Love all. (c) ram H singhal

Posted in Uncategorized | 21 Comments

Thank You to the Eric Carle Museum, and Kate DiCamillo’s New Book.

Posted on July 22, 2020 by Jennie

Just before the pandemic hit, the Eric Carle Museum asked me if they could include in their quarterly newsletter my story, my blog post, about visiting the museum and hearing author Kate DiCamillo speak. Yes!  Of course, yes! They enjoy … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, reading, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 70 Comments

“Hitch Hiking” 196 Blocks Through New York’s Central Park! Peering Into Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rear Window!”

Posted on July 19, 2020 by Jennie

Originally posted on johnrieber:
“Hitch Hiking” Through The Urban Jungle! My wife Alex came up with the idea of “Hitch Hiking” – a cool hike followed by a classic Hitchcock thriller – and as we are all living a #quarantinelife,…

Posted in Uncategorized | 30 Comments

My Happy Garden of Children

Posted on July 17, 2020 by Jennie

Today the flowers in my garden, my children, are happy. You might spot a fish or two. They are the caretakers.       Jennie

Posted in Giving thanks, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , | 62 Comments

Current News – Lee Greenwood & the Air Force Band Singing Sergeants

Posted on July 16, 2020 by Jennie

Originally posted on Pacific Paratrooper:
? Home Free – Greenwood & the Air Force Band Singing Sergeants ? The traditional rendition of country music singer Lee Greenwood’s iconic “God Bless the U.S.A.,” already has a broad appeal as an uplifting…

Posted in Uncategorized | 15 Comments

The Purple Snapdragon

Posted on July 14, 2020 by Jennie

Dear Purple Snapdragon, Your stalk grew too tall. You fell over every day. I cradled you and propped you up. Nothing worked.  Nothing helped. Finally I let you go. I put you in the garden to fend for yourself. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, self esteem, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 63 Comments

Quotation on the Importance of Play

Posted on July 12, 2020 by Jennie

Yesterday my post on Kindergarten Means “Garden of Children” inspired many wonderful comments.  In particular, Dan Antion at nofacilities.com said this: We have our entire lives to learn, but the period of time we have to really play keeps getting … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Play, preschool, Quotes, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 47 Comments

Kindergarten Means “Garden of Children”

Posted on July 11, 2020 by Jennie

My garden is a new venture every year.  We bought an older home with an established flower garden in 2002.  When summer arrived I couldn’t wait to see what  would bloom.  It was a joy to discover new flowers.  Since … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, preschool, self esteem, Teaching young children, The Arts, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 96 Comments