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.

Teaching Patriotism – Where it Began

Posted on May 27, 2024 by Jennie

Planting flags in our Memory Garden at school. It all started with our field trip to the Shriners Circus years ago.  This circus is a perfect event for preschoolers as it’s grand but not overwhelming.  My class was seated and … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Death and dying, military, patriotism, preschool, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 67 Comments

Every Story is Important – Especially Children’s Stories

Posted on May 24, 2024 by Jennie

I pay attention to children’s play, because play is their work.  By this time in the school year, children are more than settled; they work together like a team.  Today they built an incredible ‘scene’, something far more complex than … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 60 Comments

Giving Thanks – Teacher to Teacher, Blogger to Blogger, Friend to Friend

Posted on May 13, 2024 by Jennie

Let me tell you about my friend Pete Springer- fellow blogger, teacher, and dear friend.  He is a retired teacher with all the ‘right stuff’ when it comes to understanding children.  He visited my classroom a few years ago (which … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, teaching | Tagged , , , | 147 Comments

New Books, Authors, Art and Birds – at The Eric Carle Museum

Posted on May 4, 2024 by Jennie

A great day at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art Two new picture books just came out, and they are terrific.  I had the pleasure of meeting and greeting both of the authors, as they read their books … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Book Review, books, children's books, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, museums, Nature, picture books, reading aloud, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , | 75 Comments

The Kandinsky Epilogue – From the Hood Museum of Art

Posted on April 30, 2024 by Jennie

My visit to the Hood Museum of Art was the start of a great journey.  It began back in February. https://jenniefitzkee.com/2024/02/17/a-kandinsky-painting-at-last/ when I visited the museum.  When I returned to school I was excited to show children the real Kandinsky painting I … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, museums, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 65 Comments

Albert Einstein, and Jennie

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Jennie

When it comes to education Albert Einstein and I share the same wisdom, only he says it far better, with clarity, humor, and a brilliant example Einstein’s words: Jennie’s words: Assuming all children are the same is putting a round … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Einstein, Inspiration, Quotes, teaching, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 81 Comments

A Look at Yesteryear and How Children Grew Up.

Posted on April 21, 2024 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 24 Comments

Finding a Rainbow

Posted on April 18, 2024 by Jennie

You just never know when or where you might find a rainbow. “Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder.” -E.B. White- Bev Bos was THE best when it comes to children, especially music. I still sing this … Continue reading →

Posted in E.B. White, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, music, Nature, Singing, wonder | Tagged , , , | 80 Comments

The Sun and the Moon – Eric Carle

Posted on April 15, 2024 by Jennie

Discovering an Eric Carle illustration that is over 50 years old is delightful. His words give new meaning to the art. “I often include the sun, and the moon, in my books and in a way I am trying to … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Eric Carle, Imagination, Inspiration, Nature, picture books, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , | 69 Comments

Thank You, Teagan, for Welcoming Gloria!

Posted on April 12, 2024 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 19 Comments