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.

Jackson’s Letter, and a Great Book

Posted on February 17, 2020 by Jennie

When a child takes the time to write a letter to his former teacher, that in itself is a wonderful thing. Dear, Jennie I read the book the Chocolate Touch. It was a really fun book even though I Do … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 70 Comments

More Valentines For Gloria

Posted on February 14, 2020 by Jennie

The Valentine cards for Gloria kept coming. The plan was to make and decorate cards for our families, Yet children made cards for Gloria – first. All on their own. We watched the magic of giving happen. ”No act of … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Quotes, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 36 Comments

Happy Valentine’s Day, Gloria

Posted on February 14, 2020 by Jennie

Happy Valentine’s Day, Gloria. Love, your Aqua Room friends.

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Gloria, Love, preschool, young children | Tagged , , , | 39 Comments

Photo Prompt Story: Arachnophobia

Posted on February 13, 2020 by Jennie

Originally posted on beetleypete:
This is a short story, in 940 words. It was prompted by the above photo, sent to me by Jennie Fitzkee. https://jenniefitzkee.com/ It wasn’t Scott’s fault, but he couldn’t be home much when Taylor was little.…

Posted in Uncategorized | 16 Comments

Charli Mills, Bobo, and “The Poet’s Dog”

Posted on February 12, 2020 by Jennie

Charli Mills over at Carrot Ranch Literary Community posted her new flash fiction challenge.  She always starts with an incredible prologue, a personal writing that paints a deeper picture of the challenge.  I love what she writes. Charli makes me … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, books, children's books, Death and dying, Dogs, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Particia MacLachlan, self esteem, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 89 Comments

Children’s Book Trilogy – Highly Recommended

Posted on February 10, 2020 by Jennie

At long last, the third book in this trilogy, written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Scott Magoon, was published this week. The first book is Spoon, published in 2009.  I was immediately captivated by the clever story of a … Continue reading →

Posted in Author interview, Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, picture books, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 73 Comments

“You”

Posted on February 8, 2020 by Jennie

Sophia stopped by school to say hello.  It’s always a treat to see children I have taught.  I made a fuss, told her how big and grown up and beautiful she was. Making a fuss is my favorite thing to … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, preschool, Quotes, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 77 Comments

The Hundred Little Things

Posted on February 5, 2020 by Jennie

I have a handwritten list of posts I want to write, things that are important.  There is one that has been screaming at me for a long time, with yellow highlighter and a post-it note: “The Hundred Little Things.”  It … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, preschool, reading aloud, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 109 Comments

Michael Bond, creator of Paddington Bear, 1926-2017 #inmemoriam #MichaelBond #Paddingtonbear

Posted on February 2, 2020 by Jennie

My apologies for neglecting to include “A Bear Called Paddington”, or frankly any of Michael Bond’s delightful Paddington Bear books in my favorite bear books blog posts. While this was a serious error, it prompted Geoff Le Pard to forward … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 43 Comments

My Favorite Bear Books, Part 2

Posted on January 31, 2020 by Jennie

In Part 1 yesterday, I talked about half of these wonderful bear books.  Here is the second half: Blueberries For Sal, by Robert McCloskey The year was 1948.  Sal and her mother go blueberry picking.  On the other side of … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, picture books, preschool, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 62 Comments