Category Archives: Uncategorized

My Hero

Posted on February 21, 2016 by Jennie

I don’t think people know who my hero is.  I doubt my own children even know; they would say my it’s my grandmother, Nan.  And, so would most people close to me.  Nan was the best grandmother, and what I … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

How Reading-Aloud Made Me the Teacher and Person I Am Today.

Posted on February 14, 2016 by Jennie

My very first day of teaching preschool in Massachusetts, thirty-two years ago, was both career and life altering.  Lindy, my co-teacher, asked me to read the picture books to children each day after our Morning Meeting.  Sure (gulp)!  I was … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 41 Comments

An Honor and a Thank You

Posted on February 10, 2016 by Jennie

I want to thank the American Legion Auxiliary for interviewing and including me in their magazine.  The recent edition of the American Legion Auxiliary Magazine features patriotism: “Keeping America’s Patriotism GOING STRONG.  All across the country, Americans are demonstrating their … Continue reading →

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Singing “God Bless America”

Posted on February 6, 2016 by Jennie

Children love to sing.  Over the years in my classroom a favorite song always emerges; “God Bless America”.  The tune is nice and the words are simple for children to sing.  I bring all types of music into my classroom.  … Continue reading →

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Mindfulness, Part II

Posted on January 31, 2016 by Jennie

I always write about the little moments, things that happen; things that I know deep down inside are gigantic in the world of ‘importance’ and ‘all knowing’.  Those moments can easily slip by if you’re not in the zone.  Yes, … Continue reading →

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Spirit Animal Blog Award

Posted on January 27, 2016 by Jennie

Spirit Animal Blog Award I have been nominated for the Spirit Animal Blog Award.  Thank you, Charles French https://charlesfrenchonwordsreadingandwriting.wordpress.com for nominating me for this award.   I am honored, indeed.  When a blogger receives recognition from a fellow blogger it … Continue reading →

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Music Brings Unexpected Learning

Posted on January 24, 2016 by Jennie

A child brought to school a CD with the “Star Wars” theme song.  Fortunately it was a recording of all the John Williams movie themes, and that means good music and a golden opportunity for learning.  We began with mindful … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Children’s Stories

Posted on January 18, 2016 by Jennie

Children have incredible words, given the opportunity to tell their story. As I took down a hallway art display I read (yet again) the story that children had created about living in a castle.  What would they do and who … Continue reading →

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The Boy With the Red Hair

Posted on January 13, 2016 by Jennie

January is always a busy month at school, and tonight I was tired.  My husband and I had errands to do after school, so we had dinner at a small local restaurant.  Just when I thought I had nothing left, … Continue reading →

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Reading Aloud. ‘Star Wars’, Move Over

Posted on January 7, 2016 by Jennie

Thursdays I read aloud at the library.  I chapter read, and that is far different than reading a story.  Each Thursday ends with and then?  For thirty minutes children are glued to every word, because those words are powerful and … Continue reading →

Posted in Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments