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.

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

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

Posted in Uncategorized | 30 Comments

Quotations on Teaching

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

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

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

The magic of storytelling

Originally posted on Norah Colvin:
Telling stories to and with young children has many benefits. Including other things, it helps to develop: relationships with the storyteller and other listeners language – vocabulary, language structure, imagery understanding of narrative structure as…

Posted in Uncategorized | 16 Comments

Yet…

Yet.  It’s a word I use often at school with children.  When they try hard and struggle, and say, “I can’t”, I add the word “yet”.  A child might not be able to do it just now, but with practice … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Mindfulness, music, Singing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 92 Comments

Quotations on Character

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://commons.wikimedia.org) “Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.”                      …

Posted in Uncategorized | 21 Comments

Book Bears, and Reading Aloud

My library reading group is Book Bears.  We read a book each month, and I host the discussion.  These are mostly second graders, eager to read.  We have a full and lively house, until…  Let me back up.  Many things … Continue reading

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 73 Comments

Beautiful art…was created by human beings just like you… Maya Angelou QUOTE FOR WRITERS (and people who like quotes)

Originally posted on BRIDGET WHELAN writer:
Find a beautiful piece of art. If you fall in love with Van Gogh or Matisse or John Oliver Killens, or if you fall love with the music of Coltrane, the music of Aretha…

Posted in Uncategorized | 29 Comments

“How Much Wood Could a Woodchuck Chuck…?”

Thank you, Steve, for being a role model for engaging children in learning and fun.  They will remember you!  I am honored that you dedicated this post to me.  It is a terrific read! “How Much Wood Could A Woodchuck Chuck…?” … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Learning About the World, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 43 Comments