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.

Storms and Rainbows

Posted on August 4, 2018 by Jennie

A violent thunderstorm this evening brought  crackling lightening and booming thunder. All in a moment, two rainbows appeared. And then the power of one intensified and literally glowed. Nature is a wonder. “Those who don’t believe in magic will never … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 51 Comments

The Legacy of Milly, Part 8

Posted on August 3, 2018 by Jennie

In Part 7, the God Bless America quilt was delivered to the Massachusetts Fisher House in Boston.  The plan was to have a grand event and send-off, but the Director asked if Boston could have the quilt.  Headquarters not only agreed, … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, military, patriotism, quilting, Singing, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 45 Comments

Dragonflies, Not Bats

Posted on July 31, 2018 by Jennie

A rare dragonfly show tonight. They were huge. They swooped high and low, and all around. I stood with outstretched arms, and they danced around me. Thank you, Mother Nature. Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , | 59 Comments

A Guest Post for the ULS, The Underground Library Society, by Jennie Fitzkee

Posted on July 30, 2018 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
Thank you to Jennie Fitzkee for her guest post for the U.L.S., the Underground Library Society. She deals with a book that is easily misunderstood as being racist, and she details…

Posted in Uncategorized | 16 Comments

Roots, Wings, and Thunderstorms

Posted on July 28, 2018 by Jennie

A beautiful sky was appearing after the storm tonight.  I love thunderstorms. Watching the clouds grow and change as a storm builds is exciting.  The light becomes very different.  Mother Nature is getting ready to put on quite a show. … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Imagination, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, self esteem, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 64 Comments

The Legacy of Milly, Part 7

Posted on July 27, 2018 by Jennie

In Part 6, the quilt, Milly, and the children were VIPs aboard the Intrepid Museum in NYC.  What an event!  The museum’s Curator called me to say the quilt was too large to hang at the museum.  Their Executive Board unanimously … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Giving, Imagination, Inspiration, military, patriotism, quilting, Singing, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 52 Comments

A Day At the Eric Carle Museum

Posted on July 25, 2018 by Jennie

For book lovers and art lovers, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts has it all.  There are three galleries of rotating art exhibits, the best book store-hands down, and a host of well known authors … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Author interview, Book Review, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 52 Comments

The Legacy of Milly, Part 6

Posted on July 21, 2018 by Jennie

In Part 5, the children were over the moon singing “God Bless America” at every opportunity.  We sang for soldiers, and made our own God Bless America book for families, writing and illustrating all the words to the song.  Children still … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Giving, history, Imagination, Inspiration, military, museums, patriotism, quilting, Singing, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 72 Comments

His Memory Corner For Milly

Posted on July 19, 2018 by Jennie

A “Memory Corner” made for Milly from a child who adored her. A favorite birthday photo of them together, laughing and wearing a silly hat. Tiny treasures carefully and lovingly arranged, and a note that reads: “Dear Milly, I hope … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, young children | Tagged , , , , | 72 Comments

The Legacy of Milly, Part 5

Posted on July 17, 2018 by Jennie

In Part 4 the Peace Quilt became part of the permanent collection at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, and Milly became an important part of my classroom.  Children adored her.  She loved singing, and Milly’s favorite song was our favorite … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, geography, history, Imagination, Inspiration, military, museums, patriotism, quilting, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 68 Comments