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 Past Two (and more) Weeks – School Then and Now, Part 3

Posted on April 13, 2020 by Jennie

In Part 2, I detailed our annual Art Show over the years, with stories of children and major works of art.  I also described how music played a major role in helping children feel inspired to create masterpieces.  The magnitude … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Gloria, Inspiration, Mindfulness, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 82 Comments

My Words To a Parent

Posted on April 10, 2020 by Jennie

To all parents out there, worried about their young child, and trying to keep school and learning going at home – here are my words to a parent who was concerned that her child often wanted to play: “When you … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Play, preschool, Quotes, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 90 Comments

Quotations On Empathy

Posted on April 8, 2020 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://commons.wikimedia.org) “Never Criticize A Man Until You Have Walked A Mile In His Moccasins.”                                                             Native American Saying (https://en.wikipedia.org) “I do not ask the wounded person how he feels, I myself…

Posted in Uncategorized | 35 Comments

Seeing the World Through a Child’s Eyes

Posted on April 8, 2020 by Jennie

Originally posted on Pete Springer:
One of the things about life is that experience is often the best teacher.? While most of us have endured plenty of personal challenges in our lives, the COVID-19 virus is brand new to us…

Posted in Uncategorized | 17 Comments

Pandemic Parodies

Posted on April 6, 2020 by Jennie

Originally posted on By Hook Or By Book:
https://youtu.be/MMBh-eo3tvE ?

Posted in Uncategorized | 45 Comments

Making Lemonade Today Out of Lemons – Birthday Parade

Posted on April 5, 2020 by Jennie

Today was Amelia’s birthday.  It turned out to be a grand event.  Life has given us lemons recently.  It has given everyone lemons, and we made the finest lemonade. We had a Birthday Party Car Parade! I arrived at Amelia’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, preschool, young children | Tagged , , , , , | 77 Comments

The Past Two Weeks – School Then and Now, Part 2

Posted on April 2, 2020 by Jennie

In Part 1, I immediately addressed how much I miss the children.  They miss me, too.  We had started learning about France, with a big atlas and twenty wide-eyed children who were eager to ‘travel’ to a new country.  Getting sidetracked … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Inspiration, music, preschool, self esteem, The Arts, The Beatles | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 83 Comments

The Past Two Weeks – School Then and Now, Part 1

Posted on March 30, 2020 by Jennie

I am missing the children.  I know they are missing me.  Learning will always happen, these tender moments won’t.  In the past two weeks our class has completely changed.  Yet, change can be a good thing.  Resilience is born.  Let … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, geography, Inspiration, Learning About the World, music, preschool, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 81 Comments

Whimsical Wednesday ~ Social Distancing Edition

Posted on March 28, 2020 by Jennie

Originally posted on By Hook Or By Book:
https://youtu.be/oHx_slAQfMM https://youtu.be/4S2v3DMnb10 ? ?

Posted in Uncategorized | 27 Comments

“The Story of Little Babaji” – a Classic Children’s Book

Posted on March 27, 2020 by Jennie

This week I read aloud one of the children’s favorite books on YouTube.  In order to understand the book and its popularity, first let me back up – a long time ago. I vividly remember the book Little Black Sambo … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, picture books, play performances, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 81 Comments