Author Archives: Jennie

About Jennie

I have been teaching preschool for over thirty-five 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.

Veterans Day for Preschoolers

Posted on November 10, 2018 by Jennie

Veterans Day in my classroom is about far more than honoring our veterans.  For preschoolers it is an introduction to the American flag and our country.  It is history, geography, and patriotic songs.  What started out as a day to … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, children's books, geography, Giving thanks, military, picture books, Singing, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 49 Comments

The Importance Of Play

Posted on November 7, 2018 by Jennie

We all hear that play is important for children.  I know it’s important.  It’s their work; how they learn to make friends, negotiate, solve problems with objects, and solve problems with other children.  Play is having fun, and it’s also … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Kindness, Play, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 72 Comments

Extra Innings by Don Massenzio – an excerpt

Posted on November 3, 2018 by Jennie

Originally posted on Author Don Massenzio:
Ever since I was a kid in Upstate New York, the magic of going to a baseball game was something I’ll never forget. We had a AAA team in our town and they were…

Posted in Uncategorized | 10 Comments

Quotations on Education

Posted on November 2, 2018 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://pixabay.com) “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”                                                                          Mahatma Gandhi ? (https://pixabay.com) “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can…

Posted in Uncategorized | 21 Comments

Halloween Parent Email

Posted on November 1, 2018 by Jennie

An email from a parent, to all the families, late last night: Hello! I wanted to share this moment from today: while we were trick-or-treating at the library today I lost sight of Luella (truth be told, I was in … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, preschool, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 36 Comments

Halloween at School

Posted on October 31, 2018 by Jennie

Halloween at school is Pajama Day!  Everyone wears PJs, teachers included.  Of course there’s a (wonderful) method behind our madness.  Costumes can be scary for some children, and how cool is it to wear your pajamas to school! We also … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Halloween, Imagination, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 37 Comments

Language, Literacy, and Storytelling – Part 5 – The Conclusion

Posted on October 30, 2018 by Jennie

In Part 4, I shared my storytelling at school.  In the bathroom I use rhyming words and tell make-believe stories.  I incorporate children’s names into the story.  I add complex vocabulary words.  At lunchtime, I tell Jennie Stories, true stories of … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Death and dying, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, Kindness, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, storytelling, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 42 Comments

E.B. White’s Grandniece – In My Classroom

Posted on October 27, 2018 by Jennie

It happened like this: And as you know, those are the beginning words to a really good story.  So, hold on to your hat. Last spring I learned that E.B. White’s grandniece was giving a presentation at my local library.  … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 89 Comments

‘Friday Night Lights’ With My Preschooler

Posted on October 26, 2018 by Jennie

Thank you, Wesley.  I was thrilled to come to your high school football game. Children are precious.  I’m the lucky one when they come into my class.  And when they leave, they never really leave, because they are a part … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, preschool, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 25 Comments

“Buck Buck! How Many Horns Are Up?”

Posted on October 24, 2018 by Jennie

Originally posted on toritto:
hffe OMG! – Those kids don’t have bike helmets on!  Call the cops on their parents!  (that’s Toritto and his brother Alfred – now 76 and 72 respectively) Times have changed.  Once upon a time kids…

Posted in Uncategorized | 22 Comments