Author Archives: Jennie

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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.

The Light in the Toothbrush

Posted on September 14, 2018 by Jennie

This week my Book Bears reading group at the public library had our first meeting of the year.  September is always ‘bring your favorite book that you read over the summer’.  It’s a great way to meet the kids – … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, reading, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 72 Comments

9/11 – Kindness Peace and Love Day

Posted on September 11, 2018 by Jennie

9/11 at school is Kindness, Peace, and Love Day.  How do we help young children honor the brave people on 9/11?  By remembering and celebrating how people were united in brotherhood and came together to help each other.  We talk … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Peace, preschool, Singing, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 39 Comments

The Best Words From a Child

Posted on September 9, 2018 by Jennie

A child said to me this week, “Jennie, tell me all the books.” Surely those are the best words a teacher can hear. Jennie

Posted in books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, reading, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 52 Comments

Looking For a Good Book?

Posted on September 8, 2018 by Jennie

To start the school year, I always pick a random selection of books for my classroom bookshelf.  Nothing theme-y, just good literature.  Poetry, rhyming, humor, old favorites and new award winners.  So take a look, go reading, and get lost … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, picture books, preschool, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 65 Comments

Interview with Teacher Jennie Fitzkee!

Posted on September 5, 2018 by Jennie

Originally posted on JEMSBOOKS:
INTERVIEW WITH TEACHER JENNIE FITZKEE! Jennie Fitzkee Please help me welcome teacher Jennie Fitzkee to Jemsbooks.blog Interview Segment. Jennie is the first teacher that I have had the pleasure to interview. Jennie is a lovely lady…

Posted in Uncategorized | 22 Comments

Amber Waves of Grain

Posted on September 3, 2018 by Jennie

My view every evening is this: As the sun goes in and out, and the breeze flows across the open grass, I can only think of “amber waves of grain.”  I see “spacious skies” every evening.  And some evenings I … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, music, Nature, Singing | Tagged , , , , | 39 Comments

The Autoharp

Posted on September 2, 2018 by Jennie

I had just met the children.  The classroom was overflowing with eager parents and not-so-eager children.  New + big + different = scary. For fifteen minutes we looked at each other, me smiling and children with big worried eyes.  The … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, music, preschool, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 69 Comments

The Miracle of Reading

Posted on August 31, 2018 by Jennie

Originally posted on Myths of the Mirror:
pixabay I had another post prepared for today… but then a miracle happened… I showed up at Tornado Boy’s house for two days of “Grammy Time.” Kindergarten doesn’t kick off until Tuesday and…

Posted in Uncategorized | 26 Comments

School, Yesterday and Today

Posted on August 29, 2018 by Jennie

Yesterday:  The classroom is a disaster.  So much to do.  Overwhelming.  How will I ever be ready? Today: Lookin’ good! Tomorrow:  Children!  I can’t wait. ❤️ Jennie

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Teaching young children, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , | 51 Comments

Quotations on Books

Posted on August 28, 2018 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://pixabay.com) “A room without books is like a body without a soul.”                                                                  Marcus Tullius Cicero (https://en.wikipedia.org) “Books are a uniquely portable magic.”                                                                  Stephen King ? “Books are the lifeblood…

Posted in Uncategorized | 17 Comments