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.

The Legacy of Milly, Part 5

Posted on July 17, 2018 by Jennie

In Part 4 the Peace Quilt became part of the permanent collection at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, and Milly became an important part of my classroom.  Children adored her.  She loved singing, and Milly’s favorite song was our favorite … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, geography, history, Imagination, Inspiration, military, museums, patriotism, quilting, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 68 Comments

The Big Sky – Lucky Me, Lucky You

Posted on July 15, 2018 by Jennie

The Big Sky.  That’s what I call my view from my backyard.  Every time I see this beauty of nature I remember meeting a brilliant and kind woman from Beijing.  She had just been hired by the company my husband … Continue reading →

Posted in geography, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Learning About the World, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 69 Comments

The Legacy of Milly, Part 4

Posted on July 14, 2018 by Jennie

In Part 3, Milly brought in beautiful fabrics and placed them on the sketch of the Peace Quilt spread out across a big table.  Children came to her like moths to a candle, picking out just the right fabrics.  At … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, Peace, quilting, The Arts, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 75 Comments

Wednesday Bedtime Reading

Posted on July 11, 2018 by Jennie

Originally posted on Jean's Writing:
It has been a terrible, horrible, no good very bad day! Judith Viorst But! Tomorrow will be better. Kevin Henkes

Posted in Uncategorized | 20 Comments

The Legacy of Milly, Part 3

Posted on July 10, 2018 by Jennie

In Part 2, Milly came onto the scene, meeting the children and Gloria.  She accepted the “challenge” – as she called it – of quilting a mural which would become a Peace Quilt.  Gloria started the ball rolling with her own … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, Peace, quilting, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 64 Comments

Words of Wisdom, Beautifully Illustrated

Posted on July 8, 2018 by Jennie

Quote from “The Power and the Glory” by Graham Greene. Words illustrated by Eric Carle. Jennie

Posted in art, Early Education, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Quotes, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , | 43 Comments

The Legacy of Milly, Part 2

Posted on July 6, 2018 by Jennie

In Part 1, I discovered a Peace Portal at a museum and recreated it in my classroom.  Peace became a big deal and very real to children.  When I saw quilts that were murals, I knew I had to make … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, Peace, quilting, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 72 Comments

Boston Pops, 4th of July, and Music

Posted on July 4, 2018 by Jennie

I moved to Massachusetts in 1984.  Since then, I have faithfully watched the Boston Pops perform every Fourth of July.  Back then, John Williams was the conductor.  He was the man who wrote the music for my favorite movies, “ET”, … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, music, patriotism, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 47 Comments

The Legacy of Milly, Part 1

Posted on July 2, 2018 by Jennie

Every good story has a great backstory.  To know how Milly came into my life and tell you about her early years in my classroom, I have to back up and tell you what really happened.  It’s a great story, … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, quilting, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 59 Comments

The Legacy of Milly the Quilter- a Series of Stories

Posted on June 30, 2018 by Jennie

Milly the quilter, a beloved friend to children in my classroom (and to me!) for ages, and the creator of many quilts designed by the children and hanging in places of prominence, has recently passed away.  Her last words to … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Early Education, quilting, storytelling | Tagged , , , , , , | 75 Comments