Category Archives: books

Jennie Video on The Kelly Clarkson Show

Posted on October 7, 2021 by Jennie

For my blogging friends who are unable to see The Kelly Clarkson Show, here is a clip of my part on the show.  Many bloggers have wanted to see me on the show, so here I am: https://www.nbc.com/the-kelly-clarkson-show/video/preschool-teacher-gets-huge-surprise-after-35-years-connecting-kids-with-books/824261977 I cannot … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 113 Comments

The Most Important Things in Life

Posted on September 22, 2021 by Jennie

Bottom line = times have changed, but children have not.  What they need and want is the same as it has always been.  Academics are one thing, but in order to get there, children have to be grounded in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, self esteem, teaching, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 115 Comments

My New Books Arrived

Posted on August 24, 2021 by Jennie

Look what just arrived in the mail today! Jennie

Posted in books, Giving thanks, Inspiration, reading | Tagged , , , | 58 Comments

Chapter Reading Newsletter to Families

Posted on June 17, 2021 by Jennie

My final newsletter to families at school, telling them how important reading aloud chapter books is to their children.  Hopefully this opens the door for them. Chapter Reading June 16, 2021 Chapter reading is one of our treasured moments of … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, reading aloud, reading aloud, School | Tagged , , , , , , , | 71 Comments

Our Wish Tree

Posted on May 13, 2021 by Jennie

What is a Wish Tree? Wikipedia says: A wish tree is an individual tree, usually distinguished by species, position or appearance, which is used as an object of wishes and offerings.  Such trees are identified as possessing a special spiritual … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, Love, Nature, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 82 Comments

Reading Aloud & Reading – There’s a Big Difference.

Posted on May 9, 2021 by Jennie

My greatest passion is reading aloud to children.  I thought it was time to talk about the difference between reading and reading aloud, as I often post about good children’s books.  While reading is the goal, the dream- reading aloud … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Early Education, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 99 Comments

Reading Aloud + Family History = The Best Learning

Posted on May 2, 2021 by Jennie

We often take it for granted that we have fresh water to drink.  Children certainly do. In our chapter reading book, “Little House on the Prairie”, Pa and Mr. Scott dig a well.  Learning where fresh water comes from was … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, Early Education, Family, history, Learning About the World, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , | 124 Comments

“Life Begins When You Get Back Up” – a Memorable Day at School

Posted on February 24, 2021 by Jennie

 Music brings joy to children. Books bring questions and thinking. Teachers bring love and answers. Today at school was a day I’ll always remember.  So will the children.  Emotions ran high.  In Dickens’ words, “It was the best of times, … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, music, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, School, Singing, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , | 91 Comments

A Tale of Two Dale Chihuly’s – Part 2

Posted on February 20, 2021 by Jennie

In Part 1, I discovered a magnificent Dale Chihuly work of art at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia.  The glass structure is 21 feet tall and titled “Flame of Liberty”.  In the same museum is a Peace Portal, a structure with … Continue reading →

Posted in art, books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, museums, Peace, picture books, Poetry, reading aloud, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , | 64 Comments

A Tale of Two Dale Chihuly’s – Part 1

Posted on February 17, 2021 by Jennie

Dale Chihuly’s glass art is magnificent.  I have been fortunate to see two of his blown glass sculptures, each with a different story that inspired me in unexpected ways. “It happened like this…” The first Chihuly I saw was at … Continue reading →

Posted in art, books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, museums, Peace, Poetry, preschool, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 77 Comments