Author Archives: Jennie

About Jennie

I have been teaching preschool for over thirty-five 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.

Real Heroes

Posted on November 25, 2019 by Jennie

There are sad events in life that turn into goodness for others.  Gabi’s Bears is a case in point.  It started as a local fundraiser in a small Massachusetts town, after cancer had taken Gabi away.  Buy a bear to … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Early Education, Giving, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, young children | Tagged , , , , | 57 Comments

A Classic Children’s Book and History

Posted on November 22, 2019 by Jennie

I read this book yesterday to children, and I only got through the first few pages.  It is one of the best books to teach history and what happens over time.  We had to stop and talk about so many … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, geography, history, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 100 Comments

The White Feather

Posted on November 20, 2019 by Jennie

Eagles, specifically the bald eagle, is our unit of study. The live video cam was on.  We watched a mother eagle in her nest taking care of two eggs. A child said, “Jennie, you have a white feather in your … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 60 Comments

Storytelling… and Ellis

Posted on November 19, 2019 by Jennie

Interestingly, my storytelling to children often happens in the bathroom.  While that might sound strange, it really isn’t.  It’s me, sitting on the bench with three or four children, squished in close.  It feels good.  We’re waiting for the child … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, preschool, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 68 Comments

Eric Carle and Kate DiCamillo

Posted on November 15, 2019 by Jennie

Getting more than what you expected is a wonderful thing.  When that ‘more’ lingers for weeks, that’s a bonus. I went to the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art a few weeks ago to hear Newbery Award winning author … Continue reading →

Posted in Author interview, Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, museums, picture books, reading, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 97 Comments

Hands-On Math for Children

Posted on November 13, 2019 by Jennie

Often, in the flow of our day, there are unplanned learning opportunities.  Typically, this is when some of the best learning and the most fun happens.  Recently we were playing with Squigz, a toy with multiple sized rubber pieces of … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Math, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 75 Comments

Thanking a Veteran and Astronaut

Posted on November 10, 2019 by Jennie

As soon as the leaves begin to fall, I start teaching children patriotic songs.  I have my Big Book Atlas handy to look at and talk about America.  Of course the American flag hangs in my classroom. All of this … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Early Education, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, military, patriotism, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 66 Comments

Read For The Record

Posted on November 7, 2019 by Jennie

Today is the big day.  Teachers all across the world read aloud the same book on the same day to children.  The magnificence of children all over the world hearing the words and seeing the illustrations of the same story … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Family, Giving thanks, Inspiration, picture books, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 56 Comments

Gloria Trick-or-Treating

Posted on November 5, 2019 by Jennie

Gloria went trick or-treating on Halloween night as a cow.  Imagine that!  She was accompanied by Asha, who dressed up as Elsa, and by Asha’s big brother who dressed up as Harry Potter. Gloria’s journal entry reads: “Asha had so … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Gloria, Halloween, Imagination, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 54 Comments

Reading Aloud – To You! Part 7, the Final Chapters

Posted on November 3, 2019 by Jennie

I am reading aloud the final two chapters of The Poet’s Dog, by Patricia MacLachlan.  Chapter twelve is 2:44 and chapter thirteen is 6:24.  I know you will love the ending.  Many surprises come into play.  Ellie comes to rescue … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, Dogs, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Leo Lionni, Particia MacLachlan, preschool, reading aloud, Teaching young children, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 54 Comments