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.

Art and Music and Italy – Part 3

Posted on March 31, 2019 by Jennie

In Part 1, children began to learn about Italy through maps and a big atlas. First we ‘travelled’, then we learned fun facts (pretzels were invented in Italy, pasta was not).  We learned that opera is from Italy, and children … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, music, picture books, preschool, The Arts, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 71 Comments

Magic In Books — Quotations

Posted on March 29, 2019 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://en.wikipedia.org) “Books are a uniquely portable magic.”                                                                  Stephen King (https://commons.wikimedia.org) “I don’t believe in the kind of magic in my books. But I do believe something very magical can happen…

Posted in Uncategorized | 20 Comments

Today’s Quote

Posted on March 28, 2019 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 11 Comments

Best Job Ever

Posted on March 26, 2019 by Jennie

Friday was a rainy day.  I played the autoharp, and children sang and danced their hearts out.  I love rainy days.  I love music.  More importantly, children love music.  A child came up to me in the middle of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, music, preschool, The Arts, The Beatles | Tagged , , , , , , | 111 Comments

Children’s Questions and a Serenade

Posted on March 24, 2019 by Jennie

I finished reading aloud the chapter book, The Story of Doctor Dolittle.  This is a favorite book with children, and I discourage watching the movie which makes silliness out of an excellent story. The animals are the characters, each with … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, music, reading aloud, reading aloud, Singing, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 80 Comments

Quotations on Diversity–Revisited

Posted on March 22, 2019 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://en.wikipedia.org) ? “It is never too late to give up your prejudices”                                                             Henry David Thoreau ? (https://pixabay.com) “Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the…

Posted in Uncategorized | 14 Comments

Today’s Quote

Posted on March 22, 2019 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 19 Comments

Art and Music and Italy – Part 2

Posted on March 20, 2019 by Jennie

A journey with children is much like a walk on a path.  There are many things to discover along the way, and there are multiple junctions, crossroads and turns.  The children direct which turn to take – if I pay … Continue reading →

Posted in art | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 61 Comments

Sunshine Blogger Award

Posted on March 19, 2019 by Jennie

A big thank you to Annika Perry for my Sunshine Blogger Award Nomination. If I can be a ray of sunshine to a fellow blogger, that in itself is a tremendous thing.  While I am not a participant in awards, … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Kindness | Tagged , , , , , , | 38 Comments

The Crossing Guard Chronicles: These Kids Are Sharp…

Posted on March 17, 2019 by Jennie

Originally posted on S'amusing:
“Good morning…know what day it is?” Now, this was not a trick question. Rather, it was a ‘PSA”, Public Service Announcement, for the kids I cross as a school crossing guard. I thought that I…

Posted in Uncategorized | 12 Comments