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.

Rock and Roll (and Alexa) Save the Day

Posted on May 14, 2019 by Jennie

When there’s something wrong In your neighborhood Who you gonna call?  Alexa! “Alexa, play ‘Shout’ by the Isley Brothers.” Music is the universal language of mankind.  –Henry Wadsworth Longfellow- Jennie

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Inspiration, joy, music, Quotes, Singing, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , | 41 Comments

Mother Nature, and Alberta

Posted on May 12, 2019 by Jennie

It has taken me nearly seven decades to fully appreciate the canvas that Mother Nature paints every day.  And I still have a long way to go.  Often I feel more humbled than appreciative.  I’m working on that.  Because this … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 61 Comments

From One Superhero to Another

Posted on May 10, 2019 by Jennie

Riley and I are the two non-Captain America Superheroes in this photo.  But day in and day out, Riley is the real Superhero, the one who is always brave, helps her friends, and leads the way.  Always.  And with a … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Giving thanks, Inspiration, preschool, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 47 Comments

The Boy Who Cried Tears of the Heart – Epilogue

Posted on May 9, 2019 by Jennie

Reading aloud happened today, twice.  Both events spanned years – well, connected years – yet were about the same child.  Let me explain. This is the time of year that I chapter read fact, not fiction books.  I start with … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, Dogs, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, history, reading aloud, reading aloud, Student alumni | Tagged , , , , , , | 57 Comments

A New Quilt – Part 3

Posted on May 6, 2019 by Jennie

In Part 2, after the song had become all-consuming for children, I told Naomi about the one time this had happened before, eight years ago.  A song was  beloved to children.  They couldn’t get enough.  And so, we made a quilt.  … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, Diversity, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, Love, preschool, quilting, The Arts, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 58 Comments

A Free ‘Oral Vaccine’ for Literacy

Posted on May 3, 2019 by Jennie

Yes, people would definitely stand in line for days and pay hundreds of dollars.  Yet, it’s all right there, in the words of a book.  Read aloud, go to the library.  Get that free ‘oral vaccine’ for literacy.  Make a … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, picture books, Quotes, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 48 Comments

A Breakthrough, from the ‘Curbside Classroom’

Posted on April 30, 2019 by Jennie

Steve the crossing guard sent me this new story.  Sit back, read, and enjoy one of the best stories from his ‘Curbside Classroom’.  Steve is a remarkable teacher who makes a difference – no classroom needed.  He’s my role model.  … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, self esteem | Tagged , , , , , , , | 62 Comments

A New Quilt – Part 2

Posted on April 28, 2019 by Jennie

In Part 1, children embraced the song “This Land is Your Land” as their own.  They sang the song every day, multiple times a day.  By the time winter arrived, they had ‘taken over’, and constantly used the book This Land … Continue reading →

Posted in America, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, music, patriotism, Peace, picture books, quilting, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 59 Comments

Today’s Quote

Posted on April 27, 2019 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 30 Comments

Alumnus Visit

Posted on April 24, 2019 by Jennie

A senior in high school, “too soon too old” After his trip to Italy, Wesley came bearing gifts- a Pinocchio for each child and a large Pinocchio for the class.  We learned that the story and character are from northern … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, preschool, Quotes, Student alumni, young children | Tagged , , , | 56 Comments