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.

Terrific Children’s Books – #1

Posted on November 26, 2021 by Jennie

Looking ahead to Christmas and gift giving, books are always a timeless and welcome gift.  I have found a few excellent books which I want to share with you.  I had to buy them, as they’re that good.  Children in … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Kindness, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 49 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving

Posted on November 25, 2021 by Jennie

Happy Thanksgiving May you enjoy friends, family, and be thankful. Count your blessings and give to others. Carry the spirit of Thanksgiving, always.

Posted in Giving thanks, Uncategorized | Tagged , | 48 Comments

November

Posted on November 22, 2021 by Jennie

November arrives with glorious color, splendor in the leaves on trees. The colors that began to flame in October are finally brilliant, vibrant when November comes calling. There are days of balmy temperatures and warm breezes. November is saying come … Continue reading →

Posted in Death and dying, Dogs, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Love, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 80 Comments

A Day at the Eric Carle Museum

Posted on November 21, 2021 by Jennie

There is always something new at the Carle. I say this all the time, because it’s true.  Every visit there is ‘something’ that floors me – sets me off like a sparkler. Marc Brown, author of the beloved “Arthur” books … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Author interview, Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, literacy, museums, picture books, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , | 60 Comments

Smorgasbord Posts from Your Archives 2021 – #Potluck – #Nursery Rhyme – Humpty Dumpty – What Happened After His Fall? – Jennie Fitzkee

Posted on November 19, 2021 by Jennie

Thank you to Sally for sharing this blog post on a wonderful children’s book. It takes the classic fairy tale of Humpty Dumpty, and looks at what happened next. That ‘next’ is a story of Humpty’s mending and resilience. It’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 17 Comments

Smorgasbord Posts from Your Archives 2021 – #Potluck – #Reading Aloud & Reading – There’s a Big Difference – Jennie Fitzkee

Posted on November 18, 2021 by Jennie

Sally Cronin has shared one of my favorite blog posts – reading aloud. For me, the stories that the ‘father’ of reading aloud (Jim Trelease) told were absolutely gripping. The Boston school principal is just the story to make everyone … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 12 Comments

Sam and Alex, Then and Now

Posted on November 16, 2021 by Jennie

When children return to school to visit, it is always a treat for teachers.  When children return to give back, it becomes a whole new chapter.  I am the one filled with wonder, the children are just eager. Sam and … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Gloria, Inspiration, preschool, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 87 Comments

The End of the Day at School

Posted on November 12, 2021 by Jennie

It’s Friday, and the day has been blustery.  We watched the wind and rain blow leaves off the trees.  We’re learning about Russia, and we’re planning a Zoom play performance next week of ‘Peter and the Wolf’.  We listened to … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 50 Comments

Veterans Day With Preschoolers

Posted on November 11, 2021 by Jennie

Preschoolers need hands-on experiences to help cement their learning.  Today we learned about the American flag, so making one was just the right thing to do, because patriotism begins with our flag.  We needed to thank our veterans, but let … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, chapter reading, children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, military, patriotism, preschool | Tagged , , , , , | 78 Comments

E.B. White’s Letter to the Library Children

Posted on November 9, 2021 by Jennie

Early-1971, in an effort to attract as many youngsters to the premises as possible, Marguerite Hart — children’s librarian at the newly-opened public library in Troy, Michigan — wrote to a number of notable people with a request: to reply … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, reading | Tagged , , , , , | 57 Comments