Author Archives: Jennie

Unknown's avatar

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.

Change The World

Posted on August 19, 2017 by Jennie

Originally posted on fourth generation farmgirl:
This speech by US Navy Admiral, William H. McRaven is beautiful, moving, and inspiring.  I hope you will watch it. ? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sK3wJAxGfs

Posted in Uncategorized | 35 Comments

August G…uest #7: Children – Teaching, Reading, Storytelling, and More

Posted on August 16, 2017 by Jennie

Originally posted on EsmeSalon:
 Meet Jennie @ A Teacher’s Reflections Thank you, Esmé, for having me as a guest on your wonderful blog.  First, let me introduce myself.  I am Jennie, a long time preschool teacher, 30+ years is definitely a…

Posted in Uncategorized | 25 Comments

Guest writer: Jennie Fitzkee – The Peanut Man

Posted on August 13, 2017 by Jennie

Originally posted on Sue Vincent's Daily Echo:
Teacher Jennie Fitzkee shares another of her ‘Jennie stories…tales she tells to delight the children in her care… and the child inside the rest of us. “It happened like this… When I…

Posted in Uncategorized | 8 Comments

No Words Needed

Posted on August 11, 2017 by Jennie

“Imagination is more important than knowledge.  Knowledge is limited.  Imagination encircles the world.” – Albert Einstein- And, a picture really is worth a thousand words~that light the fire of imagination.  What if there were books that could do just that? … Continue reading →

Posted in David Wiesner, Early Education, Einstein, Eric Carle, Imagination, picture books, reading, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 78 Comments

Writing Quote Number 1 from the Archives

Posted on August 9, 2017 by Jennie

Originally posted on BRIDGET WHELAN writer:
If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have…

Posted in Uncategorized | 19 Comments

Meeting Yet Another Author

Posted on August 8, 2017 by Jennie

Mount Holyoke College in Western Massachusetts hosts children’s book authors, and recently Patricia MacLachlan was a speaker.  Remember Sarah, Plain and Tall?  It was the first book that made me cry as an adult.  Mandatory reading for my children when … Continue reading →

Posted in Author interview, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Patricia MacLachlan, picture books, reading, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 45 Comments

Peace, The Real Peace

Posted on August 4, 2017 by Jennie

I talk about peace often in my classroom.  Well, that’s partially true.  When children talk about peace, I jump right in. They have a lot to say. We adults should listen more. Years ago, when I first had the the … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, Kindness, Peace, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 95 Comments

Meeting an Author

Posted on July 31, 2017 by Jennie

Last week I met Eric Carle. Let me say it a little louder, “Last week I met Eric Carle!”  The man, a world renowned children’s author and illustrator, is 88 years old.  His history is fascinating.  So is he. My author … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Author interview, Early Education, Eric Carle, Leo Lionni, museums, picture books, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 73 Comments

The History — and Magic — of Outdoor Play

Posted on July 27, 2017 by Jennie

Photo: Alyssa Haywoode for Strategies for Children ? It’s summer and NAEYC’s publication, Young Child, has a compelling and seasonally appropriate article about the history of outdoor play. Written by Joe L. Frost, an emeritus professor at the University of…

Posted in Uncategorized | 14 Comments

Guest writer: Jennie Fitzkee – The Spider Story

Posted on July 27, 2017 by Jennie

Originally posted on Sue Vincent's Daily Echo:
“Oh, Sue. I need to tell you “The Spider Story”, one of the ‘Jennie Stories’ for my preschoolers. All true. That’s why children are glued when I say, “It happened like this.”…

Posted in Uncategorized | 17 Comments