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.

Parenting Illustrated

Posted on March 14, 2018 by Jennie

Parenting and Humor. Thank you, Mitch Teemley! Mitch Teemley Raising a Toddler: Raising a Teenager: Parent’s School Experience: Child’s School Experience: Parent’s Goals for Teenager: Teenager’s Goals: Off to College! After College: Any Questions? View original post

Posted in Uncategorized | 28 Comments

Meeting Jane Yolen at the Eric Carle Museum

Posted on March 12, 2018 by Jennie

Jane Yolen spoke to teachers, librarians and writers yesterday at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts.  She has just published her 365th book.  Really.  Sold out event.  I knew I had to be there because … Continue reading →

Posted in Author interview, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 59 Comments

When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” – Fred Rogers

Posted on March 10, 2018 by Jennie

Originally posted on Children Are Our Future Now!:
Children Are Our Future Now! View original post

Posted in Uncategorized | 26 Comments

How Not to Become a Troubled School Shooter

Posted on March 9, 2018 by Jennie

Make Friends Be Kind Share Play Read Books, Together Laugh Know That Crying Lets The Hurt Come Out Tell Stories, Real and Make Believe Tell your Mom When You Feel Angry Say Please and Thank You Ask For Help Accept … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Kindness, Love, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 69 Comments

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