Category Archives: Student alumni

The Real Beginning of ‘Gloria’

Posted on April 22, 2021 by Jennie

Last year at this time all of my teaching was done remotely.  It was hard, and I reached out in so many ways to make things fun and keep a connection with my preschoolers. Here is what I did, in … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, Student alumni, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 84 Comments

Halloween, Then and Now at School

Posted on October 30, 2020 by Jennie

Our classroom family event, a few years ago. Halloween is quite different this year.  There’s no trick-or-treating.  Children will be wearing pajamas to school today for ‘PJ Day’, and ‘A Day in the Dark’.  These are fun alternatives to costumes, … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Halloween, Inspiration, jack-o-lanterns, preschool, Singing, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 67 Comments

The Student’s Letter…and More

Posted on September 20, 2020 by Jennie

Roshan visiting four years ago. I am always surprised when I hear from a former student.  This letter from Roshan made my day: Dear Ms. Jennie, How are you doing? This is Roshan. I am currently in 12th grade this … Continue reading →

Posted in America, art, Early Education, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, Math, military, music, patriotism, preschool, Quotes, Student alumni, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , | 72 Comments

“You”

Posted on February 8, 2020 by Jennie

Sophia stopped by school to say hello.  It’s always a treat to see children I have taught.  I made a fuss, told her how big and grown up and beautiful she was. Making a fuss is my favorite thing to … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, preschool, Quotes, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 77 Comments

The Hundred Little Things

Posted on February 5, 2020 by Jennie

I have a handwritten list of posts I want to write, things that are important.  There is one that has been screaming at me for a long time, with yellow highlighter and a post-it note: “The Hundred Little Things.”  It … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, preschool, reading aloud, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 109 Comments

Best Buddy

Posted on January 16, 2020 by Jennie

Here is a photo of me and my Best Buddy, fifteen years ago. Yes, Best Buddy.  That’s what we called each other. As the years went on, we saw each other occasionally, and we always called each other Best Buddy. … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, music, preschool, Singing, Student alumni | Tagged , , , , , | 58 Comments

Gloria’s Holiday, a Final Adventure

Posted on January 3, 2020 by Jennie

Today Gloria’s journal was delivered to the class with a final entry, her adventures over Thanksgiving, snow days, and the build up to Christmas.  I promised her I would share it.  She was very excited.  Of course it was hard … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Gloria, Inspiration, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 57 Comments

The Sticky Bun Lady

Posted on December 25, 2019 by Jennie

Christmas Eve every year for the past thirty years the sticky bun lady delivers her special Christmas treat. Her children were my preschoolers thirty-something years ago. She made her famous sticky buns with the class and the rest is history… … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Giving thanks, Kindness, Love, preschool, Student alumni, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 43 Comments

Reading Aloud to My Preschooler – Thirty Years Later

Posted on September 23, 2019 by Jennie

My first read-aloud for the library this year was scheduled early.  It was only a few days after Labor Day.  I was excited. It was going to be the year of dog books, as I planned to read The Poet’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, Early Education, Inspiration, Particia MacLachlan, reading aloud, Student alumni | Tagged , , , , , , , | 53 Comments

The Story of Romana

Posted on September 18, 2019 by Jennie

Romana was  from Romania.  She was the kindest little girl.  She spoke very little English, yet she clearly enjoyed school.  She is the child on the far right with the biggest smile. I remember the day I took this photo. … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Death and dying, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, preschool, Student alumni | Tagged , , , | 85 Comments