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.

TV and Reading

Posted on December 19, 2019 by Jennie

Many years ago, Finland purchased old American TV shows.  One was “McHale’s Navy”. The problem was, they didn’t have the money to change the language from English into Finnish on the show.  Instead,  they put in subtitles.  The printed word … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Early Education, preschool, reading | Tagged , , , , , , | 62 Comments

The Best Children’s Christmas Books

Posted on December 17, 2019 by Jennie

This is a repost of my favorite Christmas books.  Every year they grow stronger, because children love them.  These are the books children and adults want to read over and over again.  That’s why they’re the best.  Please, go to … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, picture books, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 69 Comments

Joy, at the End of the Day

Posted on December 14, 2019 by Jennie

It’s Friday at 5:00 PM.  We’ve had a full day (and week) at school.  In the last hour we painted a gigantic box that will become a lunar module next week and fly to the moon. Yesterday was the Cold … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, joy, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 77 Comments

How The Grinch Stole Christmas

Posted on December 12, 2019 by Jennie

One of the most beloved children’s Christmas stories is How the Grinch Stole Christmas, by Dr. Seuss.  It has been a child favorite ever since it was written in 1957. I read the book aloud to my preschool class today.  When … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 71 Comments

The Tree, The Moon, and The Rainbow

Posted on December 11, 2019 by Jennie

Leaving school this evening I was greeted by a full moon and a glistening tree. Together. They were one. They spoke to each other. They spoke to me. This tree is a giver, at least to me. Last fall it … Continue reading →

Posted in E.B. White, Giving, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 60 Comments

The Crossing Guard Chronicles: “Don’t You Mean ‘Ate’?”

Posted on December 8, 2019 by Jennie

Originally posted on S'amusing:
The ‘Curbside Classroom’ Johnny Carson had Ed McMahon, Groucho Marks had George Fenneman. My ‘straight man’, here at the ‘curbside classroom’, was a middle schooler with a contagious laugh, perfect for the role. Me, to…

Posted in Uncategorized | 22 Comments

Pearl Harbor Day

Posted on December 7, 2019 by Jennie

Today, December 7th, is Pearl Harbor Day.  I think of the children and their families on that day, caught up in the excitement of Christmas, only to have their lives abruptly changed.  Suddenly Santa must have been a far away … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Early Education, history, young children | Tagged , , , , , | 49 Comments

True Magic In Writing!

Posted on December 5, 2019 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://commons.wikimedia.org) There is magic in stories. Magic is the transmutation of objects or the manipulation of the world in ways that move outside the realm of science. Whether or not magic…

Posted in Uncategorized | 21 Comments

Why the Need for Art, Stories, Poems, and Music?

Posted on December 3, 2019 by Jennie

“Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play. “ Wise words from Philip Pullman, who received the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in 2005: Children need art and … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, music, Poetry, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, storytelling, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 75 Comments

The Reader

Posted on December 1, 2019 by Jennie

Grammy:  “Do you want me to read you a book?  It’s so good!  It’s about a little girl like you who moves to America.  Here’s the book.” A Patricia MacLachlan book. Nora moves from Russia to the prairie of North … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Particia MacLachlan, picture books, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , | 68 Comments