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.

The Library – Reading and Book Bears – Part 2

Posted on December 18, 2021 by Jennie

In Part 1, I introduced how reading aloud at the last few minutes of Book Bears became a ‘thing’, something very popular with the children.  That year the book was “Summer of the Monkeys”.  A few minutes of reading aloud turned … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, literacy, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , | 41 Comments

Smorgasbord Christmas Celebrations Rewind – The Third Day of Christmas with guests – Jennie Fitzkee, Lisa Thomson #Food Carol Taylor, Camembert Puffs and Mulled Wine

Posted on December 15, 2021 by Jennie

Sally posted her Christmas memory as a child (oh, I would have loved that cowboy suit), the two best Christmas songs ever, Christmas foods from Carol, and favorite Christmas gifts from fellow bloggers. She remembered my GI Joe Aircraft Carrier … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 13 Comments

Terrific Children’s Books – #5

Posted on December 15, 2021 by Jennie

Children’s Books #1 – #4 have been about the all-important things that children need – kindness, giving, empathy… those social and emotional skills.  #5 is two books that I discovered at the Eric Carle Museum last month.  I always find great books … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, Early Education, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, literacy, Nature, picture books, reading, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 38 Comments

Army-Navy Football, It’s Far More Than a Game

Posted on December 11, 2021 by Jennie

Today was the 122nd Army-Navy football game.  I watch it every year.  I am glued, because it is far more than a football game.  It is a rivalry between brothers.  I call it a ‘band of brothers’, much like how … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, military, patriotism, Singing | Tagged , , , | 58 Comments

The Library – Reading and Book Bears – Part 1

Posted on December 10, 2021 by Jennie

Thursdays at the library are my favorite days.  I get to read aloud to elementary school children.  And, I get to host Book Bears, a book discussion on a book everyone in the group has read.  How could I resist … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Inspiration, reading, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , | 59 Comments

MEN OF THE USS WARD

Posted on December 8, 2021 by Jennie

Originally posted on Don Ostertag: Off Stage:
A Reblog to remember December 7th, 1941 Even the open sea had adopted the Sunday morning calm of the towns that outlined the clover-leaf shaped harbor. The glow from the lights of Saturday…

Posted in Uncategorized | 22 Comments

Terrific Children’s Books – #4

Posted on December 8, 2021 by Jennie

                                                           Kindness Matters Social and emotional development are critical to young children.  … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Book Review, children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, Kindness, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 65 Comments

Play is Important – Here’s Why

Posted on December 5, 2021 by Jennie

We all hear that play is important for children.  I know it’s important.  It’s their work; how they learn to make friends, negotiate, solve problems with objects, and solve problems with other children.  Play is having fun, and it’s also … Continue reading →

Posted in Imagination, Inspiration, Play, preschool, Uncategorized, young children | Tagged , , , , , | 89 Comments

Terrific Children’s Books – #3

Posted on December 2, 2021 by Jennie

Books #1 and #2 dealt with the all-important social and emotional issues – friendship, fear, worry, kindness, courage, giving…and more. Here is #3, a story on the same important path, but at a much more complex level.  Oh, this one is … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Inspiration, Learning About the World, reading | Tagged , , , , , | 91 Comments

Perseverance + Kindness = My New Hero

Posted on November 30, 2021 by Jennie

You never know when you’ll meet a hero.  On our Thanksgiving trip to see family, we stopped at an Applebee’s for dinner.  The server was delightful.  Her name is Heaven (really), and she certainly lives up to that name.  But, … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Kindness, self esteem | Tagged , , , | 67 Comments