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 Apollo, the Eagle, and an Astronaut

Posted on October 16, 2019 by Jennie

“With courage, imagination, and the will to explore, nothing is impossible.” -Neil Armstrong- Those were the words that stuck with me when I visited the Kennedy Space Center in Florida last week.  I will make a banner of Armstrong’s quote … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Early Education, geography, history, Inspiration, Learning About the World, military, patriotism, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 68 Comments

Reading Aloud – To You! Part 4

Posted on October 13, 2019 by Jennie

My reading aloud The Poet’s Dog by Patricia MacLachlan continues with chapters six and seven.  Chapter six is 4:25 and chapter seven is 3:04. Ellie can now hear Teddy speak, and Sylvan becomes quite sick.  The snow storm is showing no sign … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Dogs, Early Education, Particia MacLachlan, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , | 37 Comments

Reading Aloud = Academic Success

Posted on October 10, 2019 by Jennie

I will always champion reading aloud to children because I know, first hand, what a huge difference it makes.  Some people need to hear all the reasons.  I have written plenty of stories about those.  Some people need to read … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Early Education, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , | 86 Comments

The Crossing Guard Chronicles: New School Year and The ‘Curbside Classroom’

Posted on October 7, 2019 by Jennie

Originally posted on S'amusing:
I stood resolute at my post, the early morning calm about to be broken by the approaching din of young voices and squeaky bicycles, a familiar and welcoming sound. It’s the first day of the…

Posted in Uncategorized | 68 Comments

Reading Aloud – To You! Part 3

Posted on October 5, 2019 by Jennie

I continue reading aloud The Poet’s Dog, by Patricia MacLachlan, with chapters four and five.  Chapter four is 4:22 and chapter five is 4:32. In chapters two and three, Teddy took the children to the cabin.  We learned about Sylvan.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Dogs, Inspiration, Particia MacLachlan, Poetry, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , | 30 Comments

Sad News on WWII Plane

Posted on October 2, 2019 by Jennie

The WWII plane that flew overhead in my backyard last weekend and inspired my Saturday blog post, crashed today. Here is the photo I was lucky to capture over the weekend.  It was gigantic, low flying, and possibly a B-29. … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Death and dying, history, military, patriotism | Tagged , , | 53 Comments

Gloria

Posted on October 2, 2019 by Jennie

Gloria joined the classroom today, and oh what a homecoming it was. It’s doubtful Santa Claus would receive such a welcome. After all these years we are still amazed at the difference Gloria makes and how children are drawn to … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 71 Comments

Reading Aloud – To You! Part 2

Posted on September 30, 2019 by Jennie

Dogs speak words But only poets And children Hear ~Patricia MacLachlan~ I continue reading aloud The Poet’s Dog, by Patricia MacLachlan, with chapters two and three.  Chapter two is 6:48 and chapter three is 1:44. In chapter one you met Teddy … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Particia MacLachlan, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 65 Comments

A WWII Plane and Singing a Patriotic Song

Posted on September 28, 2019 by Jennie

It’s not everyday that a WWII plane appears out of nowhere, overhead, in my own backyard.  It was enormous! Hubby thought it could be a B-24 or even a rarer B-29 Superfortress. Somehow it seemed very fitting. Yesterday at school … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Early Education, music, patriotism, preschool, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 43 Comments

Reading Aloud – to You!

Posted on September 27, 2019 by Jennie

Darlene Foster, a fellow blogger, friend, and a wonderful author, asked me to read aloud to her, and to you.  She wanted me to read The Poet’s Dog, by Patricia MacLachlan.  I am touched, Darlene.  Thank you!  Here I am, … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Dogs, Inspiration, Particia MacLachlan, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , | 89 Comments