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.

Teaching kids to be creative

Posted on March 8, 2018 by Jennie

Originally posted on Dayne Sislen Children's Book Illustration:
If trends continue, most jobs in the future will be taken over by robots. Robots perform repetitious jobs very well. They can even be programmed to perform complicated tasks that require much learning and…

Posted in Uncategorized | 15 Comments

My Mother’s Fairy Tales

Posted on March 6, 2018 by Jennie

My mother gave me her childhood book of fairy tales when my children were young.  This wasn’t a book she had ever shown me, or my brother and sisters.  I think it was my teaching and my newfound love of … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, reading, self esteem, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 89 Comments

From “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” to Dr. Seuss

Posted on March 3, 2018 by Jennie

This week began with National Fairy Tale Day and ended with Dr. Seuss’s birthday.  I was in my glory.  So were the children. We voted on our favorite fairy tale.  The Three Billy Goats Gruff won, hands-down.  This was a … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, picture books, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 69 Comments

The Power of “Yet”

Posted on March 1, 2018 by Jennie

“Yet” has quickly become one of our favorite words this year.  It’s the most powerful word in my classroom.  As children learn and grow, it is a constant process of trying, over and over again.  Saying “Practice makes perfect” can … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, music, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 51 Comments

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

Posted on February 26, 2018 by Jennie

Originally posted on Sue Vincent's Daily Echo:
Reblogged from A Teacher’s Reflections: 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…

Posted in Uncategorized | 19 Comments

Smorgasbord Posts from Your Archives – The Boy Who Cried Tears of the Heart by Jennie Fitzkee

Posted on February 25, 2018 by Jennie

Sally over at Smorgasbord shares one of my very favorite blog posts. It’s all about heart, and reading aloud. Thank you, Sally!

Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Love Note

Posted on February 23, 2018 by Jennie

“Dear Jennie, I can’t wait to see you.  But I don’t see you much.  So I am so happy to see you and I will see you the rest of the day.  Jennie I love you so much.” I love … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Love, Student alumni, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 67 Comments

It Comes Down To Reading

Posted on February 22, 2018 by Jennie

Children who were in my class many years ago are now making decisions on college acceptances.  They stay in touch, and I feel the worry and joy right along with them.  And guess what happens?  They are accepted into the … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Early Education, Jim Trelease, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 76 Comments

Children’s Literature in Massachusetts

Posted on February 20, 2018 by Jennie

Nerdy Book Club Thank you to Beth of this wonderful blog, Nerdy Book Club, for sharing Lesley Burnap’s post on a KidLit visit to Massachusetts, and the top ten places to go. About Nerdy Book Awards » Posts » The … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 28 Comments

An Art Museum For Book Lovers

Posted on February 19, 2018 by Jennie

Thank you, Sally, for sharing this popular post from my archives.  As I await WordPress to fix the reblog button issue, I’m using Press This for the first time.  Happy reading! via Smorgasbord Posts from Your Archives – An Art … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 9 Comments