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.

Halloween and a “Jennie Story”

Posted on October 31, 2020 by Jennie

Our ‘Day in the Dark’ and ‘Pajama Day’ at school was fun.  Glow sticks and black play dough were a big hit.  Wearing pajamas to school is cool.  Things are different this year, yet the constant is storytelling. Storytelling is, … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Halloween, Imagination, preschool, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 73 Comments

Halloween, Then and Now at School

Posted on October 30, 2020 by Jennie

Our classroom family event, a few years ago. Halloween is quite different this year.  There’s no trick-or-treating.  Children will be wearing pajamas to school today for ‘PJ Day’, and ‘A Day in the Dark’.  These are fun alternatives to costumes, … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Halloween, Inspiration, jack-o-lanterns, preschool, Singing, Student alumni, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 67 Comments

Smorgasbord Children’s Cafe and Bookstore – Share your Children’s book reviews – #PictureBooks with Jennie Fitzkee Part Three – Upper grade books for older children.

Posted on October 27, 2020 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Trees

Posted on October 26, 2020 by Jennie

This autumn has been gorgeous.  The trees are brilliant in a variety of colors.  They make me look up.  They make me stop to really look. Summer was dry, so it is surprising that our autumn is especially colorful.  I like to … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Einstein, Imagination, Mother Nature, Nature, picture books, Quotes, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 65 Comments

Look for the Crack

Posted on October 23, 2020 by Jennie

Thank you Mitch Teemley for these enlightening words from some of my favorite authors. Mitch Teemley “Listen to the mustn’ts, child. Listen to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossibles, the won’ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 35 Comments

astonishing.

Posted on October 20, 2020 by Jennie

Originally posted on I didn't have my glasses on….:
image credit: pictoral arts journal

Posted in Uncategorized | 38 Comments

The Old Burying Ground

Posted on October 18, 2020 by Jennie

I love history.  It’s the stories, and understanding life way back when, that is deeply important – to me.  When those lives are on hallowed ground, in the beauty of fall, history comes alive. Groton’s Old Burying Ground is simply … Continue reading →

Posted in America, art, Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, geography, history, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 100 Comments

Gloria’s First Day at School

Posted on October 15, 2020 by Jennie

It happens every year.  Gloria comes to school, and children are wide-eyed.  Silent.  Maybe scared.  And somehow, she becomes a friend.  Well, not exactly.  She becomes herself, and children want to be her friend. It started with Eddie.  He was … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, preschool, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 79 Comments

Gloria!

Posted on October 13, 2020 by Jennie

Gloria’s first day back-to-school is tomorrow.  She is excited!  She has a new face mask with dragonflies.  I can tell she’s nervous.  I have been reassuring her all day that everything will be fine, and I’ve also been listening to … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 78 Comments

October in My New England Town

Posted on October 12, 2020 by Jennie

The poetry of Robert Frost is a perfect accompaniment to October photos in my small town.  These images and scenes are much the same as what Robert Frost would have seen.  Surely he was inspired to write poetry in order … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, Poetry, The Arts | Tagged , , , , | 65 Comments