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.

Small Town America

Posted on May 27, 2019 by Jennie

Driving the back roads of New Hampshire today. Every town had pristine flags flying. The flags seemed proud, whether they were on a utility pole, or a home, or planted in the ground. Small towns and their many flags give … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Giving thanks, military, patriotism | Tagged , , , , , | 33 Comments

Children and Memorial Day

Posted on May 26, 2019 by Jennie

Patriotism is a constant thread in my classroom, from the American flag to singing songs.   Here are the children “flying to the red white and blue”: These moments happen all the time.  They’re spontaneous and driven by the children. … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Early Education, Giving thanks, patriotism, preschool, Singing, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 66 Comments

From Little House on the Prairie, to Geography, to Maps, to Mount Rushmore, to History… And More

Posted on May 24, 2019 by Jennie

When good reading happens in my classroom, it opens the door to so many other things. Children have questions and ideas.  Interrupting in the middle of chapter reading means children are listening and interested.  I can answer those questions and … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, history, preschool, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 64 Comments

Discovering The Wonders of Spring With Children

Posted on May 21, 2019 by Jennie

This tree on the playground is beside the climbing structure. It is gorgeous. Today we stopped climbing to look. Really look. It was windy, so petals we’re flying everywhere. And children paid attention. They soaked up the wind and flying … Continue reading →

Posted in Imagination, Inspiration, joy, Mother Nature, Nature, preschool, Uncategorized, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , | 62 Comments

A New Quilt – Part 4

Posted on May 19, 2019 by Jennie

In Part 3, we made a giant sketch for the quilt based on what the children felt were important parts of the song and the book, “This Land is Your Land.”  Woody’s guitar, the church from the ‘sad page’, landmarks … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Early Education, history, Imagination, Inspiration, music, patriotism, quilting, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 72 Comments

Words of Wisdom From C. S. Lewis

Posted on May 16, 2019 by Jennie

It takes more wisdom to be a child than to be an adult. C.S. Lewis understood this, but not until he was fifty. “When I was ten, I read fairy tales in secret and would have been ashamed if I … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Inspiration, Quotes, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 75 Comments

Rock and Roll (and Alexa) Save the Day

Posted on May 14, 2019 by Jennie

When there’s something wrong In your neighborhood Who you gonna call?  Alexa! “Alexa, play ‘Shout’ by the Isley Brothers.” Music is the universal language of mankind.  –Henry Wadsworth Longfellow- Jennie

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Inspiration, joy, music, Quotes, Singing, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , | 41 Comments

Mother Nature, and Alberta

Posted on May 12, 2019 by Jennie

It has taken me nearly seven decades to fully appreciate the canvas that Mother Nature paints every day.  And I still have a long way to go.  Often I feel more humbled than appreciative.  I’m working on that.  Because this … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 61 Comments

From One Superhero to Another

Posted on May 10, 2019 by Jennie

Riley and I are the two non-Captain America Superheroes in this photo.  But day in and day out, Riley is the real Superhero, the one who is always brave, helps her friends, and leads the way.  Always.  And with a … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Giving thanks, Inspiration, preschool, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 47 Comments

The Boy Who Cried Tears of the Heart – Epilogue

Posted on May 9, 2019 by Jennie

Reading aloud happened today, twice.  Both events spanned years – well, connected years – yet were about the same child.  Let me explain. This is the time of year that I chapter read fact, not fiction books.  I start with … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, Dogs, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, history, reading aloud, reading aloud, Student alumni | Tagged , , , , , , | 57 Comments