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.

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

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