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.

Milly – Part 6

Posted on July 31, 2021 by Jennie

In Part 5, the children were over the moon singing “God Bless America” at every opportunity.  We sang for soldiers, and made our own God Bless America book for families, writing and illustrating all the words to the song.  Children still … Continue reading →

Posted in America, art, Early Education, Giving, history, Inspiration, military, museums, patriotism, preschool, quilting, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 53 Comments

Smorgasbord Blogger Daily – Thursday July 29th 2021 – #Olympics Pete Springer, #Patchwork Jennie Fitzkee, #Research Jacqui Murray

Posted on July 29, 2021 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Milly – Part 5

Posted on July 27, 2021 by Jennie

In Part 4 the Peace Quilt became part of the permanent collection at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, and Milly became an important part of my classroom.  Children adored her.  She loved singing, and Milly’s favorite song was our favorite … Continue reading →

Posted in America, art, geography, Giving thanks, Gloria, Inspiration, joy, museums, patriotism, quilting, School, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , | 73 Comments

A good education

Posted on July 25, 2021 by Jennie

Originally posted on beetleypete:
I confess that I know little of the school system today. I am aware that many teachers are unhappy, that exam results are possibly being manipulated, and Department of Education targets seem to be the driving…

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, School, teaching | Tagged , , | 41 Comments

Milly – Part 4

Posted on July 24, 2021 by Jennie

In Part 3, Milly brought in beautiful fabrics and placed them on the sketch of the Peace Quilt spread out across a big table.  Children came to her like moths to a candle, picking out just the right fabrics.  At … Continue reading →

Posted in Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, Peace, preschool, quilting, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , | 59 Comments

Milly – Part 3

Posted on July 21, 2021 by Jennie

In Part 2, Milly came onto the scene, meeting the children and Gloria.  She accepted the “challenge” – as she called it – of quilting a mural which would become a Peace Quilt.  Gloria started the ball rolling with her own … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, Peace, quilting, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , | 47 Comments

Smorgasbord Afternoon Video – Random Acts of Kindness… They warm our hearts.

Posted on July 20, 2021 by Jennie

For all the dark side of life we see in the media.. humans and animals give kindness and love to warm our hearts.. thanks to KIND Smorgasbord Afternoon Video – Random Acts of Kindness… They warm our hearts.

Posted in Uncategorized | 21 Comments

Milly – Part 2

Posted on July 18, 2021 by Jennie

In Part 1, I discovered a Peace Portal at a museum and recreated it in my classroom.  Peace became a big deal and very real to children.  When I saw quilts that were murals, I knew I had to make … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, The Arts, Writing, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 66 Comments

Milly – Part 1

Posted on July 15, 2021 by Jennie

Our “This Land is Your Land” quilt was the last quilt my class made. Let’s start at the beginning. How did quilting in my classroom even begin? It was a divergent pathway. Every good story has a great backstory.  To … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, Peace, preschool, quilting, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , | 53 Comments

Literary Lines

Posted on July 14, 2021 by Jennie

Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. ~ Marcel Proust ~ Literary Lines

Posted in Uncategorized | 31 Comments