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.

Gloria’s Holiday, a Final Adventure

Posted on January 3, 2020 by Jennie

Today Gloria’s journal was delivered to the class with a final entry, her adventures over Thanksgiving, snow days, and the build up to Christmas.  I promised her I would share it.  She was very excited.  Of course it was hard … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Gloria, Inspiration, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 57 Comments

Gloria’s Happy New Year

Posted on January 3, 2020 by Jennie

Taking Gloria home for a weekend is a big deal for children.  Taking her home for the holidays is an even bigger deal.  Gloria spent Christmas and New Years with Landon and Savannah.  She returned today, to be greeted by … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Kindness, Love, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 45 Comments

Quotations On Creativity

Posted on January 1, 2020 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://en.wikipedia.org) “Creativity takes courage. ”                                                                Henri Matisse (https://en.wikipedia.org) “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”                                                                Maya Angelou (https://en.wikipedia.org) “The knowledge of all things…

Posted in Uncategorized | 12 Comments

“Starry Night” Continues

Posted on December 31, 2019 by Jennie

The walls in my classroom are mostly filled with children’s art, as it should be.  Gone are the flashy colors and cute teacher decorations.  I learned long ago they are more of a distraction than anything else to children.  My … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, Love, museums, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 78 Comments

Today’s Quote

Posted on December 29, 2019 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 31 Comments

“The” Quote 0f 2019 – 50 years later

Posted on December 28, 2019 by Jennie

Fifty years ago the first astronauts landed on the moon.  This event brought to the world the victory of science, hopes and dreams – and proof that anything can be achieved with hard work, bravery and spirit. In recognition of … Continue reading →

Posted in America, geography, Inspiration, patriotism, Quotes | Tagged , , , | 52 Comments

The Sticky Bun Lady

Posted on December 25, 2019 by Jennie

Christmas Eve every year for the past thirty years the sticky bun lady delivers her special Christmas treat. Her children were my preschoolers thirty-something years ago. She made her famous sticky buns with the class and the rest is history… … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Giving thanks, Kindness, Love, preschool, Student alumni, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 43 Comments

The True Story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Posted on December 24, 2019 by Jennie

The Story of Rudolph While there are slightly different variations on this true story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, most of this story is accurate.  More importantly, it is heartwarming and goes well beyond the making of the story – … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Death and dying, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Singing, storytelling | Tagged , , , , | 66 Comments

Quotations On Kindness

Posted on December 23, 2019 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://en.wikipedia.org) “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.”                                                                          Plato ? (https://pixabay.com/) “My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”                                                                         Dalai Lama (https://en.wikipedia.org) “No act…

Posted in Uncategorized | 22 Comments

The Real Meaning of Christmas

Posted on December 22, 2019 by Jennie

Our astronaut / veteran / Navy Captain / pen-pal has been ill and hospitalized.  I had to tell the children.  Life can throw you a bunch of curves, and learning how handle adversity is a life lesson.  That’s why I … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, Kindness, military, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 81 Comments