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.

A Baby Bird Who Thinks I’m Her Mother

Posted on September 13, 2019 by Jennie

There she was on the playground, a tiny baby bird who could not yet fly.  The children saw her first.  Above was an enormous tree.  The branches were far out of reach.  If there was a nest way up there, … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Mother Nature, Nature, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 67 Comments

Kindness, Peace, and Love Day

Posted on September 11, 2019 by Jennie

This is a re-post of  how young children honor the heroes of 9/11. 9/11 at school is Kindness, Peace, and Love Day.  How do we help young children honor the brave people on 9/11?  By remembering and celebrating how people … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Early Education, Giving thanks, patriotism, Peace, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 50 Comments

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble Turns 50 at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

Posted on September 9, 2019 by Jennie

William Steig is one of my favorite author/illustrators.  I have most of his books.  I’ve been reading his books to children since I started teaching thirty-five years ago.  Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, one of his best, turned 50 years … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading aloud, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 81 Comments

Rainbows and Thunder

Posted on September 5, 2019 by Jennie

On the second day of school Thunder rumbled at the end of the day.  Little Emmett and I were the last ones at school. What’s that? Thunder I don’t like thunder Thunder is only a noise.  It can’t hurt you. … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Mother Nature, Nature, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , | 73 Comments

Finding Joy – A Letter to Teachers

Posted on September 2, 2019 by Jennie

This is a re-post of a letter I wrote to teachers on Joy. Joy is the magic word! Dear Teachers, As you start your new school year there is one word that will get you through the uncertainty and the … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, joy, teaching, Teaching young children, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 79 Comments

Quotations On Nature

Posted on August 30, 2019 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://commons.wikimedia.org) “The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.”                                                                                John Muir ? (https://en.wikipedia.org) “The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go…

Posted in Uncategorized | 27 Comments

Mister Rogers and Back-To-School

Posted on August 27, 2019 by Jennie

It’s back-to-school week for teachers.  We’re moving across the street to a new location for one year while our school building will undergo a long overdue renovation.  Moving is hard.  Starting a new school year is hard.  We’re in our … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, geography, Inspiration, Kindness, preschool, Quotes, self esteem, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 84 Comments

When Teachers Tell Their Stories – Part 8

Posted on August 24, 2019 by Jennie

In Part 7, I told the story of the huge tree that almost fell over on our neighbor’s house.  The Fire Chief in his big red fire truck, and the Tree Man in his cherry picker truck added plenty of real … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, storytelling, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 55 Comments

Today’s Quote

Posted on August 22, 2019 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 31 Comments

Two Moons, Two Jane Yolen Books

Posted on August 16, 2019 by Jennie

The year was 1987.  I had been teaching preschool for three years.  I was immersed in children’s books, reading the great ones and the new ones.  That was the year I became picky about books, because what I read aloud … Continue reading →

Posted in Author interview, Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Inspiration, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 81 Comments