Author Archives: Jennie

About Jennie

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.

How the Circus Brought Patriotism into My Classroom

Patriotism. I have always felt pride in America.  It was just part of my growing up, and that’s a good thing.  My fifth grade teacher, Miss Pinson, taught us to sing all the patriotic songs.  She sang with gusto, and … Continue reading

Posted in American flag, Early Education, Giving, patriotism, Singing, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 39 Comments

The Presence of Wonder

“Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder.“  -E.B. White- I do that every day at school. …from morning Watching the sun make colors come alive. Children discovering ladybugs everywhere.  Each one is different. …till evening Snuggling together … Continue reading

Posted in E.B. White, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 54 Comments

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! E.B. White on How To Write

I love writing.  This summer I read the best book on how to write, the advice of E.B. White, author of Charlotte’s Web and other classics. Oh, I have read a host of posts and articles on writing, many from fellow … Continue reading

Posted in books, children's books, E.B. White, reading, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 113 Comments

Hearts

The frost on every windowpane this morning is a heart!  I just know this means something.  Oh, Happy Day. ❤️ Jennie

Posted in Imagination, Inspiration, wonder | Tagged , , | 29 Comments

Why Write Letters and Picture Stories?

Learning begins with language, building words upon words.  The more words children hear, the more they learn, and the better they do in school.  All of this leads up to reading readiness.  So, if I can give children hundreds and … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, picture stories, reading, reading aloud, storytelling, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 70 Comments

Quotations on Education

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://pixabay.com) “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”                                                                       Mahatma Gandhi ? (https://pixabay.com) “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can…

Posted in Uncategorized | 34 Comments

A Pediatrician Explains How Love, Reading, and Writing Help Children

Photo: Kate Samp for Strategies for Children Writer and pediatrician Perri Klass has always been a champion of sharing books with children, but this month in the New York Times she writes about the issue by mixing research with great … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 10 Comments

Smorgasbord – Posts from Your Archives – “Art, Music and Technology by Jennie Fitzkee

Thank you, Sally, for sharing my story of art and music woven with technology. It was a remarkable week.

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

A Magical Night at School

There’s nothing quite like being a child at school – in the dark – at night – with your family. This week children and families gathered at school for a pizza party outside on the playground.  It was such fun … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Halloween, Imagination, jack-o-lanterns, Singing | Tagged , , , , , , | 52 Comments

England, and the Beatles

My preschool class is learning about England.  Our loft has been transformed into Buckingham Palace.  The Union Jack flies overhead along with a picture of Queen Elizabeth.  We made a red phone booth out of a big box, and we … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, England, music, Singing, Teaching young children, The Beatles | Tagged , , , , , , , | 68 Comments