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.

Children Around the World – Sending Cards

Posted on April 22, 2022 by Jennie

In April we celebrate Children Around the World. We started with our Big Book Atlas. Then we studied the world, talking about children everywhere. Look at our arms – we are all different, yet much the same. We made cards … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, geography, Inspiration, Learning About the World, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , | 90 Comments

Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Guest Post – I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now! by Jennie Fitzkee

Posted on April 20, 2022 by Jennie

Originally posted on Smorgasbord Blog Magazine:
I am sure like me, there have been times when you have wondered what difference might have been made to your life, if your younger self had been gifted with the experience and knowledge…

Posted in Uncategorized | 24 Comments

Gloria Goes To Washington – Part 3, the Finale

Posted on April 19, 2022 by Jennie

In Part 2, Gloria saw the White House and an Egyptian Mummy at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Part 3 Hey Aqua Room, Gloria had a really exciting day yesterday.  First she went to the Spy Museum!  It was pretty … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Diversity, Early Education, Gloria, Inspiration, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , | 43 Comments

Children and Adults self-care meme…

Posted on April 18, 2022 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 24 Comments

Gloria Goes To Washington – Part 2

Posted on April 18, 2022 by Jennie

In Part 1, Gloria and Tim visited the Lincoln Memorial. President Lincoln believed in equality for all. Tim and his parents thought Gloria would like that lesson. Part 2 Hey Aqua Room, Gloria had a very busy day yesterday!  First … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Diversity, geography, Gloria, history, Inspiration, museums, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , | 47 Comments

Gloria Goes To Washington – Part 1

Posted on April 16, 2022 by Jennie

Gloria has been in Washington D.C. with a classmate (I’ll call him Tim.)  His father sent an email and photos to the class each day about Gloria’s adventures in Washington. Hey Aqua Room, Tim wanted to send a note to … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Diversity, Gloria, Inspiration, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 49 Comments

Family

Posted on April 12, 2022 by Jennie

I call my classroom a family.  We are a family.  Children hear me say all the time, “Once an Aqua Roomer, always an Aqua Roomer.”  That means family is always there for you.  Children can take Gloria home long after … Continue reading →

Posted in children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, reading aloud, wonder | Tagged , , | 69 Comments

Visiting the Art Show

Posted on April 12, 2022 by Jennie

Last week I took the children and their families to see the Art Show.  It has been two years since we took a field trip.  As you can imagine, the event was eagerly anticipated by families as well as the … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , | 58 Comments

Calm Before the Storm

Posted on April 10, 2022 by Jennie

My favorite intersection for sunsets, appropriately named Sunset Farm. Today a storm was brewing. The view was as beautiful as a sunset. The surprise was a rare hailstorm. “Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder” ~E.B. White~ … Continue reading →

Posted in E.B. White, Inspiration, Nature, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 68 Comments

The Best of Chapter Reading

Posted on April 7, 2022 by Jennie

My Grandfather Our current chapter reading book at school is Little House on the Prairie, by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  The last chapter that we read, ‘Indians in the House’, sparked intense questions and conversations about Indians and people who are … Continue reading →

Posted in America, books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Gloria, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 67 Comments