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.

What Do Children Think?

Posted on November 7, 2021 by Jennie

It’s the last hurrah.  Fall is hanging on to its beautiful colors like a child playing in piles of leaves, or carefully making a bouquet of bright colored leaves.  That’s what children do when they are struck by wonder.  And, … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 115 Comments

Gloria Trick-Or-Treating Through the Years

Posted on November 4, 2021 by Jennie

After Halloween and trick-or-treat, children need to reminisce.  Of course they do!  They write picture stories about their adventures on Halloween night.  We talk about costumes and candy.  Remembering the good times is important. When a child talked about being … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Halloween, Inspiration, preschool, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , | 66 Comments

Pink Baby Shark

Posted on October 31, 2021 by Jennie

Pink Baby Shark arrived at our back door. She was trick-or-treating for the very first time. And she came here. Mom and Dad are looking on. Hubby is in the doorway. Everyone is smiling. This is precious.  Never forget the … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Halloween, Inspiration | Tagged , , | 59 Comments

Halloween at School

Posted on October 31, 2021 by Jennie

Instead of Halloween costumes at school, which can be scary for many children, we wear pajamas.  Teachers, too! We have a “Day in the Dark” with flashlights, glow sticks, black playdoh, and Lite Brite. We made Jack-O-Lanterns out of paper … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Halloween, jack-o-lanterns, preschool, storytelling, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 71 Comments

1,000 Blog Posts

Posted on October 25, 2021 by Jennie

What a big surprise! 1,000 POSTS Congratulations on writing 1000 posts on A Teacher’s Reflections!

Posted in Writing | Tagged , | 72 Comments

E.B. White Book Signing

Posted on October 24, 2021 by Jennie

This weekend was special for me. E.B. White’s grandniece hosted a book signing. She signed my two copies of “Charlotte’s Web”.   Her first edition copy, gifted to her by E.B (Uncle Andy) was on display. Also on display was … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Death and dying, E.B. White, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, reading, reading aloud, Writing | Tagged , , , | 74 Comments

Jennie Fitzkee—Teacher of Teachers

Posted on October 21, 2021 by Jennie

Originally posted on Pete Springer:
Jennie Fitzkee—Preschool Teacher One of the unexpected blessings of starting a blog has been interacting with people globally with whom I would have never otherwise crossed paths. ?After I had written my book for new…

Posted in Uncategorized | 51 Comments

Reading Aloud – a Trilogy.

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Jennie

I love this cartoon. A child sees the sign in the library “Read To Them!  They’ll Remember Forever.” She joins story time at the library. The librarian is reading, “Stories For Children.” The child then reads aloud to her stuffed … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, Early Education, Inspiration, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 46 Comments

Gloria – Today

Posted on October 16, 2021 by Jennie

Gloria is an important member of the Aqua Room… well, that’s an understatement.  Every year she is ‘the one’.  Somehow she brings more kindness and understanding to children than anyone does.  She’s been around for over twenty years.  Today was … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 74 Comments

Today’s Quote

Posted on October 15, 2021 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 32 Comments