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.

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

Terrific Children’s Books – #2

Posted on November 28, 2021 by Jennie

I don’t often buy a book, but when one is hands-down terrific, I must have it.  In #1 I reviewed “The Rabbit Listened” by Cori Doerrfeld. Here is #2, a story of friendship, and what happens when there is a catastrophe.  Can … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, picture books, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 60 Comments

A Few Quotations on Books

Posted on November 26, 2021 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://en.wikipedia.org) “A room without books is like a body without a soul.”                              Marcus Tullius Cicero (https://en.wikipedia.org) “Books are the perfect entertainment: no commercials, no batteries, hours of enjoyment for each…

Posted in Uncategorized | 31 Comments

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