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 Teacher’s Story – #2

Posted on June 6, 2020 by Jennie

I don’t think people know who my hero is.  I doubt my own children even know; they would say my it’s my grandmother, Nan.  And, so would most people close to me.  Nan was the best grandmother, and what I … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, teaching, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 76 Comments

A Teacher’s Story – #1

Posted on June 3, 2020 by Jennie

When I was a new teacher I stumbled across this wonderful story.  I still have my well-worn hard copy, which I read from time to time.  It never gets old, it fills me up. I’ve read that it may not … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Death and dying, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, self esteem, teaching | Tagged , , , , , | 84 Comments

The Crossing Guard Chronicles: Oh, What We’ve Missed…

Posted on May 31, 2020 by Jennie

Originally posted on S'amusing:
“Today, April 30, 1789, is a big day in American history. It happened in New York City and was the first of its kind. Do you know what it is?” * This would have been…

Posted in Uncategorized | 38 Comments

Please Honor Memorial Day

Posted on May 25, 2020 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://pixabay.com) I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend, but I also hope you remember why this holiday exists.  The word “holiday” comes from “holy day,” and the remembrance of…

Posted in Uncategorized | 18 Comments

“Blue Sky, White Stars”, the New Book about America and our Flag

Posted on May 24, 2020 by Jennie

How do you teach children about America – past and also present? How do you teach about our flag? How do you smile a deep down smile, with childhood memories? How and what do you you remember? Blue Sky, White … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, books, children's books, Early Education, history, patriotism, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 51 Comments

Children and “The Star-Spangled Banner” – Including a Video

Posted on May 21, 2020 by Jennie

This is a repost, and I have included a video of me reading aloud this important book, singing the words, and talking about our American flag and National Anthem. Bringing our National Anthem to Life Few books have the power … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Book Review, children's books, Early Education, history, military, patriotism, picture books, reading aloud, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 33 Comments

HELLO! Remember Me?

Posted on May 19, 2020 by Jennie

Originally posted on Pacific Paratrooper:
Tomorrow is 1 May, the start of Military Appreciation Month.  I thought it appropriate to remind some about the flag they fly under and why…… Some call me Old Glory, others call me the Star…

Posted in Uncategorized | 30 Comments

Music and Beauty

Posted on May 17, 2020 by Jennie

“The Hills are Alive With the Sound of Music.” Music fills the soul. When atop a hill, on a farm, surrounded by the glory of nature as far as the eye can see, all is good. Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, geography, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Mother Nature, music, Nature, Singing, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 59 Comments

My 70th Birthday

Posted on May 15, 2020 by Jennie

There were the many cards and the emails, texts and phone calls, to wish me a happy birthday today.  70 is weird, because when I was young 70 was old, and I’m still the queen of rock and roll (at … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Giving thanks, Kindness, picture books, reading | Tagged , , , , , | 123 Comments

Quotations on Perseverance

Posted on May 12, 2020 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
In these difficult times when many are feeling great stress and fear, please do not be upset about inconvenience. I hope a few quotations might be useful. (www.pixabay.com) “Courage is not…

Posted in Uncategorized | 40 Comments