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 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

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