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.

Then and Now

Posted on February 17, 2018 by Jennie

I was invited to a high school hockey game by one of my former preschoolers.  Lucky me, and what a special treat.  She’s on the team.  It turns out that the hockey team has many more of my preschoolers. Look … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, history, Kindness, Love, self esteem, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 48 Comments

A Play Performance

Posted on February 13, 2018 by Jennie

A play performance with preschoolers?  Where children pick parts, make props, and decide on what to say?  You bet.  Instead of telling children what to do, I ask them what they want to do. That’s empowering. We learned about the Southwest, … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, play performances, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 46 Comments

Quotations on Reading

Posted on February 11, 2018 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://pixabay.com) “And reading itself is an amazing activity: You glance at a thin, flat object made from a tree…and the voice of the author begins to speak inside your head. (Hello!)”…

Posted in Uncategorized | 19 Comments

1-800-Help!

Posted on February 9, 2018 by Jennie

Perhaps it was the ice storm that left the playground like a skating rink nestled among trees.  Or perhaps it was the freezing temperatures day after day, because we have not been outside at school.  Whatever the reason, today was … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Kindness, picture books, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 73 Comments

Smorgasbord Posts from Your Archives – “Starry Night” II by Jennie Fitzkee

Posted on February 8, 2018 by Jennie

A story of the arts, the creativity of a child, and one of my best moments in teaching. Thank you for sharing this, Sally.

Posted in Uncategorized | 16 Comments

Mr. Popper’s Penguins and Calling 911

Posted on February 4, 2018 by Jennie

Every day of chapter reading is an adventure; a roller coaster of wonder, laughter, and even sadness.  Reading the words aloud to children without any pictures means that we stop to talk and ask questions. As children hear the words, … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 88 Comments

Smorgasbord Posts from Your Archives – How Reading-Aloud Made Me the Teacher and Person I Am Today by Jennie Fitzkee

Posted on February 2, 2018 by Jennie

Thank you, Sally, for sharing my story of reading aloud.

Posted in Uncategorized | 30 Comments

Quotations on Teaching

Posted on January 31, 2018 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://pixabay.com) “Those who know, do. Those that understand, teach.”                                                                              Aristotle ? (https://en.wikipedia.org) “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.”                                                                             Malala Yousafzai ? (https://pixabay.com) “Share…

Posted in Uncategorized | 35 Comments

Einstein, and Why He is My Hero

Posted on January 29, 2018 by Jennie

Jim Trelease sent me Einstein’s quote, “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”  Jim knew this would strike me, and it did.  All that I do in teaching is centered on creativity.  And of course fun is essential in order to make … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Einstein, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, music, Quotes, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 72 Comments

Smorgasbord Posts from Your Archives -The Best Book, Every Year by Jennie Fitzkee

Posted on January 26, 2018 by Jennie

Thank you, Sally. This post is the heart of my teaching young children. Reading aloud chapter books, especially Charlotte’s Web, makes a world of difference.

Posted in Uncategorized | 15 Comments