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.

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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

The magic of storytelling

Posted on January 24, 2018 by Jennie

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…

Posted on January 22, 2018 by Jennie

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

Posted on January 19, 2018 by Jennie

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