Author Archives: Jennie

About Jennie

I have been teaching preschool for over thirty-five 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.

hawk.

Posted on September 4, 2022 by Jennie

Originally posted on I didn't have my glasses on….:
today at school we looked up way up on top of the carved art pole covered in languages all saying one thing ‘peace’    a hopeful sign  the kinder could not…

Posted in Uncategorized | 37 Comments

The Hawk and Peace

Posted on September 4, 2022 by Jennie

The last day of school for teachers before children arrive to start the new year, a young hawk perched atop our Peace Pole. He stayed for a long time, looking at the world and at teachers. It was a good … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , | 93 Comments

My Preschooler, Then and Now

Posted on September 2, 2022 by Jennie

Then Now I love all my students.  Sometimes students ‘stick’ with me for a while, returning to visit and be a guest reader.  Sometimes students stick around for a long time, visiting the classroom, and then including me in their … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 105 Comments

Reflections

Posted on August 29, 2022 by Jennie

Jennie

Posted in Imagination, Inspiration, Mindfulness, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , | 63 Comments

My Fish

Posted on August 25, 2022 by Jennie

Yes, I name my fish.  They adorn our pool, and each is unique.  Much like my children at school, they have personalities and character.  They make me smile.  I love my fish.  They’re my summer family. “Ted”, named after Hubby’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Family, Imagination, Inspiration, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , | 78 Comments

My Summer Pen-Pal

Posted on August 22, 2022 by Jennie

I received an email from Kiansh’s mother in early August.  He was in my preschool class last year, and he misses me. I wanted to share what Kiansh told me before going to bed a couple of days ago.  I … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Gloria, Inspiration, preschool, wonder, young children | Tagged , , | 69 Comments

A Monarch Butterfly – a Visit and a Message

Posted on August 18, 2022 by Jennie

A monarch butterfly visited our flowers.  S/he was determined to stay, in spite of excited children and adults reaching out to touch.  This butterfly is endangered, so the visit was very special. I always give the children I teach roots- … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , | 90 Comments

Smorgasbord Posts from Your Archives 2022 – ‘Potluck’ – #Endofyear #Letter by Jennie Fitzkee

Posted on August 16, 2022 by Jennie

Originally posted on Smorgasbord Blog Magazine:
Since this series began in January 2018 there have been over 1000 Posts from Your Archives where bloggers have taken the opportunity to share posts to a new audience… mine. The topics have ranged…

Posted in Uncategorized | 23 Comments

Clouds Tell a Story

Posted on August 12, 2022 by Jennie

Tonight was sky watching and cloud watching. “These are cirrus clouds. The high altitude winds make them wispy. They’re not water droplets, like most clouds. They’re ice crystals.” “Oh.  Thank you.” You see clouds.  I see a bride’s veil, a … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Nature, storytelling, wonder | Tagged , , | 84 Comments

Elsie the Borden Cow

Posted on August 8, 2022 by Jennie

Elsie the Borden Cow was part of my childhood.  She made the best ice cream, and I have fond memories of summers standing in line to get her ice cream. Guess what?  I am welcoming Elsie into my heart – … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, wonder | Tagged , , | 109 Comments