Author Archives: Jennie

About Jennie

I have been teaching preschool for over forty 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.

My Favorite Children’s Books When I was a Child

Posted on February 23, 2019 by Jennie

Originally posted on All in a Day's Breath:
Little Golden Books courtesy Ebay.com The books I remember most as a young child were the Little Golden Books. These were the books I could read on my own. The four…

Posted in Uncategorized | 31 Comments

The Wisdom of Mister Rogers – Part 1

Posted on February 22, 2019 by Jennie

I had the good fortune to watch Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood on television with my children in the 80’s. I also had the good fortune to hear Fred Rogers speak at a national teacher’s conference in the 90’s. He was a … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Kindness, Learning About the World, Love, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged Early Education, Fred Rogers, Making a Difference, Mister Rogers, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, prejudice, teaching young children, Understanding children, Won't You Be My Neighbor documentary | 88 Comments

Who Are Some of Your Favorite Fantasy Writers?

Posted on February 20, 2019 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
I thought I would continue this series on favorite writers by asking specifically about Fantasy today. I have addressed Speculative and Science-fiction writers, but now let us consider those we love…

Posted in Uncategorized | 36 Comments

The Importance of Reading Chapter Books by guest blogger Jennie

Posted on February 19, 2019 by Jennie

Originally posted on Darlene Foster's Blog:
I follow the blog of pre-school teacher Jennie Fitkzee at A Teacher’s Reflections. Jennie is an amazing teacher who truly loves her job and shares her 30-year teaching experiences with her readers. In…

Posted in Uncategorized | 24 Comments

Happy Presidents Day

Posted on February 18, 2019 by Jennie

Jennie

Posted in patriotism, Quotes | Tagged Abraham Lincoln quote, America, Happiness, Presidents Day | 23 Comments

Talking Death and Dying with Children – Part 3

Posted on February 17, 2019 by Jennie

In Part 2, I talked about the dreaded “D” words – death and dying – that teachers and parents fear. I introduced a gentle and friendly book, City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Willems, that may be helpful in starting a … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, Death and dying, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Love, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged chapter reading, Charlotte's Web, Death and dying, E.B. White, Early Education, parent tips on reading to children, reading aloud, Teaching death and dying | 59 Comments

divine.

Posted on February 16, 2019 by Jennie

Originally posted on I didn't have my glasses on….:
“if you see with innocent eyes, everything is divine.” -federico fellini

Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Happy Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 14, 2019 by Jennie

Happy Valentine’s Day. Love, Jennie

Posted in Early Education, Kindness, Love, Mindfulness, Quotes, young children | Tagged educating the heart, Heart, Love, Quotations, teaching, Valentine’s Day, young children | 54 Comments

Talking Death and Dying with Children – Part 2

Posted on February 13, 2019 by Jennie

In Part 1, I opened the doors to talking with young children about death and dying. Finding a dead bunny on the playground was the opportunity I needed. Children are often angry when a pet or loved one dies. I shared … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Death and dying, Dogs, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged children's books, City Dog Country Frog by Mo Willems, Death and dying, Early Education, picture books, preschool, reading books to children, Teaching death and dying | 55 Comments

Doing the Right Thing

Posted on February 10, 2019 by Jennie