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.

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

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