Jennie
New England
Bio: 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.
A Teacher's Reflections 
Hello,
Thanks for reaching out. Much appreciated. I love your blog.
I’m teaching mindfulness, meditation, and Tai Chi at West Chester University.
This is our hope for a brighter future.
Warmest wishes,
Mitch
Jennie, enjoying following your blog and wanted to ask when you get a chance to visit my “non-sports” blog at lifeattitudes.wordpress.com. It may be of more interest to follow – sports-free! Best Regards, Bruce B.
Thanks, Bruce. I will certainly check it out. The reason that I like and follow your blog is that I love sports. Really! And, I like how you write about sports. I doubt any of my blog followers know that about me. So, you hit two home runs with both your blogs for me. Thank you!
Jennie, then that’s a double dose of good news. Thank you! Bruce B.
Jennie, Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! That passion for teaching is a constant throughout all your posts!
Thank you! And, Happy Thanksgiving.
I’m very pleased to meet you.
Listening is one of the best things we can give to a child… or anyone, actually! That’s pretty cool about the kids designing quilts! 🙂 ♥ ❤
Teachers are awesome. My daughter teaches middle school reading and I could not be more proud of her choices.
That’s great! Does she read aloud to her class? That’s my #1, and it makes a big difference.
She does. What has been most effective is giving them something of interest to them, something to inspire passion. For instance, She taught in Hollywood, SC, an impoverished area just west of Charleston. She got their attention by pointing east and telling them that Charleston was a major slave trading port and that most of their ancestors came there on slave ships. Then she supplied reading materials and they became ravenous.
That is wonderful! Thanks for telling me her great story. I can picture the moment, pointing east and making a statement with a voice.
Thanks for dropping by my blog. 🙂
A pleasure to meet you! Wonderful that you found your passion early in life. Thanks for stopping by my blog and for following.
My pleasure!
How nice to meet you, a fellow blogger interested in the things close to my own heart — reading and writing — and who uses those gifts in a most positive way!
Thank you, and I feel the same way!
I think anyone who chooses to have 20-30 5-7 year olds all day deserves a medal, because that’s a minor miracle to get through some of those days. I’ve just started homeschooling my 11 year old, who does most of it on his own, and I really don’t know how you do it! Looking forward to seeing what I can learn from you!
Thank you, Anna. I really love what I do, and I pay close attention to the children. In that way, my teaching is so much better. For example, June is typically a month without a theme, yet this year the children wanted to learn about baseball. Okay. So I came to school the next day armed with books, a real glove, ball, and bat. We are learning together, and it’s terrific! -Jennie-
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Hi! Just thought I’d let you know I mentioned you in a post today https://theshimmerwithinher.com/2016/06/09/another-awesome-award/ 🙂
Thank you, Nikki!
A popular concept in the homeschool world is the “Read Aloud Revival”. Your blog seems to be on a similar track. I am a huge fan of reading aloud and still do to 3 of my kids even though they range in age from 9-14. The 16 year old doesn’t want to sit in anymore:(
Yes, yes! You are definitely on the right track to learning. After decades of teaching I know the difference reading aloud makes. It is #1. Do you know the book, “The Read Aloud Handbook”? Great book. Thanks so much for sharing your story with me. I look forward to following your blog. -Jennie-
I haven’t read that book. Planning to see if the library has it:)
Great! I read aloud in my classroom at least twice daily, plus chapter reading. So good!
Hi! Thanks for dropping by my blog. Looking forward to exploring yours. Pleased to meet you, Marina
You are welcome. I look forward to reading yours as well.
Oh, I am Jennie!
Hi, Jennie! Pleased to meet you
Hi Jennie, I’m so glad you found my blog. That quilt is beautiful. What an honor to have it hang in such prestigious places of honor. I hope you’ll stop by Jean’s Writing often, I’ll keep the lights on.
Hi Jean, thanks for your kind words. And, thanks for stopping by my blog. I have actually been a follower of your blog for some time. Always enjoy your posts. Glad you keep the lights on!
This is beautiful, thank you! You are inspiring, what a beautiful focus for your blog and your life.
Thank you as well for visiting my blog. It’s lovely to have your presence. ❤ Blessings your way!
You are welcome! Love your blog!
Thank you! Have a wonderful weekend, and blessings. 🙂
You, too.
Hi, I have nominated you for the Spirit Animal Award. The information can be found here:
Charles, I am deeply honored to be a recipient of your award. Thank you!
Hello Jennie I have nominated you for the 3days 3 quotes challenge. You can check my blog day 1for details. Thanks.. 🙂
Thank you so much, Rashmi!
Welcome… 🙂
🙂
Hi Jennie, I came here via Nikki at Flying Through Water. I’m so glad I did.
Thank you, Barbara!
Many thanks for following my blog, which is much appreciated.
I send you my very best wishes from England.
Pete.
My pleasure, Pete. Best to you from Massachusetts in New England.
Hello, I wanted to assist you in promoting your website and was wondering if you would consider writing for my website maybe once a month? About your thoughts, reflections or anything you want. I can then add a link to your page so people can go there. You also get more exposure this way. Or if you would consider me guest writing for your website?
If you wish to read my testimonials, work ethic and anything else, please visit jeyranmain.com and then get back to me if this offer is something you would consider.
I hope to hear back from you soon 🙂
Warm Regards,
Jeyran Main
Hi Jeyran. Thank you for your interest. Do you want me to do book
Ooops, my fingers were not working. Do you want me to write or post a book review on your blog each month? Or, do you want me to just write a post? Can you be a little more specific? I am always happy to help my fellow bloggers, if I can.
Jennie, I was hoping that you would write once a month and if you wish I would do the same for yours. The topic can be about anything related to books, writing, publishing, thoughts and reflections. I feel that when you limit the pen it takes the fun out of it. So I don’t want to restrict you as much but if it is close to the topics mentioned that would be great! Also if I could communicate with you on a little more private platform that would be also much appreciated
I can do my best to write for you once a month. I cannot change my blog, which is about my experiences in teaching– if you wrote on my blog, then that wouldn’t be my experience. So the ball is my court to help you. Email me at sfitzkee@erols.com. I hope I can help you after the new year. Thank you.
I appreciate your response and I too feel that the book loving community can always benefit from exchanging their talents and skill in promoting a broader audience and possibly encouraging others to join us as well.
Hello Jennie,
Happy New Year! 🙂
I’m sorry I haven’t visited your blog in a while. My blogging was switched off during the holidays. 🙂 But I will be back very soon and I promise I’ll keep up.
Anyways, just keeping in touch and letting you know I still follow your amazing blog. 🙂
I hope you and your family enjoyed the holidays!
Warm hugs,
Nina 🙂
Thanks, Nina. That is so kind of you to drop me a note. Good to hear from you, and thanks for thinking of me. The holidays were fine. Good to get back to normal! I dearly love your fabulous blog. Thanks for liking mine. 😀. Best to you and your family!
You have a lovely blog! My youngest grandson is so used to being read to that he now carries a book around with him just in case someone has an overwhelming desire to read to him.
Thank you, Elizabeth! I hope you get to stop and read that book your grandson carries around. Wonderful!
Unfortunately he lives out of state but he and his sisters come each summer for a week. We read a lot during their visit!
Hi Jennie, I could not help but nominate you for a sunshine blogger award in my last post (https://lifeasiinterpret.wordpress.com/2017/04/18/sunshine-blogger-award-nominated-and-nominating/). I thought I would acknowledge how much I like your blog. all the best!
Thank you so much! I am honored, indeed.
According to Google Doodle’s, today is Happy Teacher’s Day. However, it is my firm belief…. every day is Happy Teacher’s Day, especially to someone as special as you, Jennie. Bless you for all the young hearts you have opened, allowing their little buckets of joy to spill forth and nurture us all. ~~ ren
Ren! That is so nice. Thank you for your kind words. You have made my day, week, month! 😍
Hi Jennie – I left you a note on your response on my blog. Hope to have you on board shortly.
My pleasure. sfitzkee@erols.com
Whoop whoop. i will send tne invite shortly. My day just started and getting ready for the day, give me an hour then you should have your invite. I am so happy and looking forward to you post. Should you wish to add images you will have to email it to me and I will add as the contributor role unfortunately does not allow you to do it, silly but that’s a WP thing.
Invite done, so you’re good to go !!!!
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Thank you, Esmé!
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I appreciate your reblogging. All children benefit from reading aloud and literature.
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Thanks for joining our We Are The World Blogfest Simon’s Still Stanza #WATWB
I have followed you from Sally’s website to your own. If you read my comment there, I said I also teach pre-school and believe “that children have a voice.” Actually my teaching 2-year-olds is at church. My career has been with teaching English literature and composition to college age students.
Most amazing – your class has designed prize-winning quilts – wow!
Thanks so much, Marian! BTW, Lancaster is one of my favorite places. My husband’s family is from York.
🙂
Hi Jennie,
I’ve tagged you in a post I thought you might like to join in. https://wp.me/p3O5Jj-11K
You may delete this comment if you wish.
Best wishes,
Norah
Thank you!
30 years as a pre-school teacher! To me, YOU are a hero. I have a good friend who just retired from teaching pre-school for about the same amount of years. She loved the kids and the teaching every single day. This job is one of most important in our education system, yet so often ignored. Thank you. xo
Thank you so much for your very kind words and comments. Much appreciated! Like you, I feel it is one of the most important jobs. Actually, I don’t like the word “job” because it a labor of love. Knowing that I can make a difference is enormously rewarding and important. Best to you!
Hi Jennie. I have a question to ask you. Could you send me an email at darlene (dot) foster (at) telus (dot) net so I can reply with my question? Thanks! Darlene
I just sent it over to you. 🙂
Could you send me your email as well? I’d love to send you something as a thank you for replying to me a few weeks ago! (My email is on my contact page.)
sfitzkee@erols.com. Please though, that is not at all necessary.
Morning Jennie..just popped online to make sure that your post went out this morning. Will check on comments on my return..hugs Sally https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/2018/02/18/smorgasbord-blog-sitting-special-the-wedding-dancer-by-jennie-fitzkee/comment-page-1/#comment-131828
Just went over to see this. Thanks so much, Sally! The photos worked, too. Hilarious laughing every time I read this. Hope you and your sisters are having a ball!
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Love your blogs, I am writing and illustrating a Children’s Book – Ajji and Mili – Into the Forest. It is about connecting children to nature through stories. Would love it if you could review it or have a look at it. more here http://www.parinithakonanur.com http://www.ajjiandmili.com
Thank you
Regards
Parinitha
Nice!
Jennie,
What are your beliefs about teaching children to read? What do you do at the preschool level that you see making the most difference in getting kids started off on the best path to literacy? (I’m not trying to open up a whole language/phonics debate at ALL; that’s futile.) Super curious at what you’ve found most effective. Thank you.
Hi Kate,
It all starts with reading aloud so children can see the printed word and know that it represents what you are saying. That means LOTS of reading where I always point and follow the words with my finger. Once children can recognize the letters in the alphabet, I use magnetic letters on easels, sing rhyming words and songs, and roll our playdoh to make letters and words. I do this WITH children, not just putting out the activity and tools for them.
That all is greatly important to help children learn to read words. BUT to grow and sustain a love of reading is far more important. And that stems from reading aloud, all kinds of books. My key area in the classroom is my front-facing bookshelf holding at least 20 books which I often rotate, plus a basket of books in a quiet area. Children are free to look at books anytime. And they do! Also, I chapter read at rest time when the lights are out so they can fill their minds and heart, and make the pictures in their head.
All of this works. It tells children that reading = pleasure. Children return to visit me in my classroom all the time and tell me how much they love to read. Often they are a guest reader. Older children return to tell me of high school and college acceptances. I always ask them what they remember most. And it is reading books.
Does this help? Let me know if there is something else you want to know. Many thanks. -Jennie-
Hi Jennie
Firstly, I wish to take this opportunity to thank you in person for all the sharing of my posts at EsmeSalon.
This is a personal invitation to come and join us next week and every coming Monday through to Friday and share a post link here with us at Senior Salon. Thanks for your visit/s to my blog and looking forward to reading your posts
Thank you, Esme. I would love to do that. I’m not quite sure how that works. Can you give me some guidelines. And what are you most interested in reading?
Hi Jennie, I came across your interview on Esme’s blog. I knew right away that I had to come over and follow your writings. I love the theme and the category that you write about. I am not a teacher but have worked on designing course materials for introducing simple science concepts for elementary kids. We always did that through stories. I thoroughly enjoyed that process.
When I walk my kid back from school, on days when he is tired and fussy, I tell him a story. It’s only when we reach home that I tell him that the story was made up by me and then he hugs me tight and says that I am his favorite story writer.. That is pure bliss. 🙂
Looking forward to reading your blog regularly.
Deepa.
Thank you so much! I so appreciate you reading and your kind words. I love the story of you telling stories to your son. Yes, it is pure bliss. 🙂
Thank You Jennie. Looking forward to more of your posts.
You are welcome!
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Thank you so much, Hook. I am honored. 😊
Hi, Jennie. I’ve been trying to get in touch with you. If you have the time please email me at: Huckfinn76@gmail.com
Thanks,
Andrew
Will do!
Hi, Jennie,
I don’t see a contact form on your blog, so I hope it’s okay to contact you here. I have a student in my college writing process course who is struggling a bit with a research paper trying to make a case for the role of creativity in preschool education. I would like to refer her to your blog because I think citing some of your content would support the case she is making. (She already has found relevant research studies in child development. Seeing what you do would give her the theory into practice perspective.) In addition, I think it would benefit her to ask you some questions about your teaching practice, given the scope of your experience. Would you be willing?
Liz
Absolutely! I’d be happy to help her in any way I can. I thought my contact information was included in my profile. Thanks for the heads up. My email address is sfitzkee@erols.com. Thank you, Liz.
Thank you, Jenny! The student’s name is Savannah Witham.
Thanks!
So glad to have met you, Jennie. We would have totally connected as educators because your nurturing style aligns with my most important teaching philosophies.
The feeling is mutual, Pete! All the way around.
Hi, Jennie. When I read this article, I immediately thought of you: https://www.brainpickings.org/2019/06/17/the-lost-words-macfarlane-morris/.
This is a treasure! Words are everything. When they are lost, it is a tragedy, especially with children. I have ordered a copy from Amazon. I’ll be diving into this book over the summer and then sharing it with children. Thank you, Liz.
Oh, I’m so pleased! I hope the children enjoy it. I do worry that our young people are losing touch with the natural world.
I had a recollection that perhaps I had seen the book before. Yes, our kindergarten teacher discovered it and shared it with staff. I remember running my hands across the magnificent illustrations. I’m so glad you sent me the link, as it gave me much more important information. I’ll be saving those lost words. 🙂
Good–they need saving!
🙂
Hi Jennie. I’m dropping in because I wanted to send you an email. I looked to see if you had one listed on your blog, but I don’t see one. Perhaps it’s there and I just didn’t find it. If you’d rather not give it out, I can understand that. My email address is petespringer77@gmail.com.
Happy to give you my email, Pete. sfitzkee@erols.com. Thank you for giving me yours.
Hi Jennie,
I hope this email finds you well. You may find our book interesting. It’s called Making the Leap: An Insider’s Guide to Teaching in China.
The book explores the transitions one needs to make when teaching Chinese students an international curriculum at an international school in China.
Let me know if you’re interested in reviewing this book (impartially) in exchange for a free copy 🙂
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com.au/Making-Leap-Insiders-Guide-Teaching-ebook/dp/B07XDGY5LH
Kind regards,
James Kennedy
Melbourne, Australia
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Thank you, Sally!
Jennie, great work! We noticed you comment on a lot of our blog posts for The American Legion Auxiliary. We are doing a story on our blog for an upcoming issue of Auxiliary magazine and would love some feedback from you. Please send an email to pr@ALAforVeterans.org with the subject line, “blog posts for magazine,” and we will reach out to communicate with you that way. Thanks for all you do!
Thank you so much! I’m emailing you right away.
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