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.

Heaven at Night

Posted on August 13, 2019 by Jennie

The dragonfly show has finished. Summer children are sleeping. The sun has set. Another beautiful world is awakening. Heaven, indeed. Jennie

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 47 Comments

My Summer Children

Posted on August 12, 2019 by Jennie

Children are a wonder. Nature is a wonder, too. Both grow, with the help of loving adults. I take care of my ‘summer children.’ My eyes are witness to life, and sometimes death.  I see beauty, and I am humbled … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 51 Comments

When Teachers Tell Their Stories – Part 7

Posted on August 11, 2019 by Jennie

In Part 6, I turned off the lights to tell a story, “The Halloween Story.”  Lights off can be as bonding as snuggling, and definitely an attention grabber.  The lesson learned was being brave, and how scary things might not be … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Mother Nature, Nature, storytelling, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 61 Comments

Today’s Quote

Posted on August 9, 2019 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 27 Comments

Wish Tree

Posted on August 6, 2019 by Jennie

Have you ever seen  a Wish Tree? Walking along a beach on Cape Cod with friends, we rounded a bend along the sand where it meets the shore.  This was a remote stretch of the beach, quite a distance from … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Nature, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 83 Comments

A Few Quotations on Reading

Posted on August 3, 2019 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://pixabay.com) “No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.”                                                                    Confucius (https://en.wikipedia.org) “Once you learn to read, you…

Posted in Uncategorized | 20 Comments

When Teachers Tell Their Stories – Part 6

Posted on August 2, 2019 by Jennie

In Part 5, children were connecting words to other stories.  Their language and critical, divergent thinking was expanding.  I told another Jennie Story that had plenty of excitement, “The Spider Story.” Part 6 Turning off the lights when telling a story … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Halloween, Imagination, preschool, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 75 Comments

Today’s Quote

Posted on July 31, 2019 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 27 Comments

Bridges, Old and New, Returning Home

Posted on July 29, 2019 by Jennie

Every bridge along the Merritt Parkway in Connecticut is 1930’s Art Deco.  Each bridge is different, and a piece of art.  I had my iPhone on the dashboard of the car, hoping to capture some beauties. Winged Victory is a … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, geography, history, Inspiration, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 51 Comments

Charlotte’s Web – Another Story

Posted on July 27, 2019 by Jennie

Mac was in my preschool class for the past two years.  He always loved chapter reading and was a vessel full of questions.  Does chapter reading work with the youngest of children?  Can a four-year-old grasp the content?  Do they … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Death and dying, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Kindness, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 55 Comments