Author Archives: Jennie

About Jennie

I have been teaching preschool for over thirty-five 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.

Saturday Surprise — Snow Art!

Originally posted on Filosofa's Word:
I think it’s been a couple of weeks since I last did a Saturday Surprise post, hasn’t it?  This week seems like a good week to get back to the routine, the schedule, so…

Posted in Uncategorized | 43 Comments

Bloggers as Friends

Originally posted on Pete Springer:
Photo credit to Armin Rimoldi on Pexels When I started writing less than two years ago, I had no clue what I was doing in the blogging world. I had written a memoir/advice book about…

Posted in Uncategorized | 34 Comments

Robots! An Unexpected S.T.E.M. Moment in Preschool

S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is ‘on the list’ for educators.  America has been playing catch-up. Preschoolers?  Yes, they love science and exploring.  Yes, they love their devices.  Yes, they love building and figuring it out.  Yes, they love … Continue reading

Posted in Dogs, Inspiration, Math, music, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 84 Comments

And so it begins — a New School Year – #readilearn — Norah Colvin

Teachers around Australia are already thinking about how they will organise their classrooms to maximise learning when the new school year begins at the end of January. They are as excited as the children with hopes and expectations of a … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | 27 Comments

When Gloria Was Away…

In case you were wondering where Gloria was and what she was doing during our big school move and also our holiday break; she was with a child and his family.  They sent me this email today: Hey Jennie, We … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, preschool | Tagged , , , , , | 58 Comments

Welcome Back, Gloria

Gloria is back in the classroom.  She has a new stool, which she loves.  She is close to the children and all the action.  She can look out of the windows when we’re on the playground.  Of course the children … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Gloria, Inspiration, joy, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 71 Comments

The New School Opening… Part 3

Emmett painted this picture of walking into school on the first day. Do you see the sun?  That came straight from Emmett’s heart. Yes, there was even more that happened over the first days of school.  On our science table … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, picture books, preschool, School, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 71 Comments

Smorgasbord Blogger Daily – Monday 4th January 2020 – Carol Taylor, Jennie Fitzkee, Judith Barrow

Always an honor to be part of Sally’s wonderful blog!

Posted in Uncategorized | 12 Comments

Today… the New School Opening

My previous post was ‘the night before’ opening school in our newly renovated building.  Here is what happened : First things first- we opened ‘the box’, the one children packed up with their treasures so they could be part of … Continue reading

Posted in behavior, books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, preschool, reading, Singing, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 77 Comments

The Night Before… the New School Opening

It’s the night before the opening of our newly renovated school.  I’ve done all I can do before children arrive tomorrow morning.  You know how hard a move is, and this was a major one.  Teachers have worked long and … Continue reading

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Love, Nature, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 102 Comments