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.

Ani’s Advent 2020! Rex the Hero and Jennie Fitzkee.

Posted on December 4, 2020 by Jennie

Originally posted on Sue Vincent's Daily Echo:
Dear Santa, Sometimes, you have to wonder at people… I mean, last time Rex told us one of his stories, he just told us about the things he sort of got in…

Posted in Uncategorized | 22 Comments

Quotations on Books

Posted on December 3, 2020 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…

Posted in Uncategorized | 28 Comments

A Visit to the Eric Carle Museum – More Than I Imagined

Posted on December 1, 2020 by Jennie

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts is a favorite for any lover of children’s books – because it exhibits the original art illustrations of the books.  One of my first visits was to see the … Continue reading →

Posted in art, books, children's books, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, museums, picture books, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 71 Comments

Smorgasbord Afternoon Video – There are still good people and good moments to be enjoyed

Posted on November 28, 2020 by Jennie

Yes, there are good people, and they make all the difference in the world. Thank you for this wonderful post and video, Sally. Enjoy!

Posted in Uncategorized | 12 Comments

My Favorite Christmas Ad 0f All Time!

Posted on November 28, 2020 by Jennie

The Spirit of Christmas That’s what it’s really about. This is the year we need to keep that spirit alive. This is the year we need to find happiness. If we are happy, it is contagious. I bring you my … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, music | Tagged , , , , , , , | 75 Comments

Giving Thanks – Miles and “The Wild Robot”

Posted on November 25, 2020 by Jennie

Today I finished reading aloud to Miles, “The Wild Robot.”  I was a bit choked up.  Miles and his sister Claire (also a former student) were too.  This was the best Thanksgiving, real giving that truly matters. For bloggers who … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, reading aloud, reading aloud, Thanksgiving | Tagged , , , , , , | 78 Comments

Today’s Quote

Posted on November 23, 2020 by Jennie

This quotation is ‘just what the doctor ordered’, what we all need right now. There is nothing better than belly laughing with a child at school, or with a best friend. I love Victor Hugo’s words.

Posted in Uncategorized | 27 Comments

Reading Aloud “Ox-Cart Man”

Posted on November 22, 2020 by Jennie

At the request of fellow bloggers, here is a video of me reading aloud the classic children’s picture book, “Ox-Cart Man.” But first, I wanted to show you a mural the children made last year that hangs as a permanent … Continue reading →

Posted in America, art, books, children's books, Early Education, geography, history, Inspiration, Nature, Particia MacLachlan, picture books, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 69 Comments

November – “Ox-Cart Man”

Posted on November 20, 2020 by Jennie

As I drove home tonight and looked at the sky, I immediately knew it was an “Ox-Cart Man” sky, the one in November where he finally arrived back home.  Do you know “Ox-Cart Man” by Donald Hall? It is one … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, history, Particia MacLachlan, picture books, Poetry, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 75 Comments

StoryWalk – An Eric Carle Book

Posted on November 15, 2020 by Jennie

A StoryWalk is a book, told with a series of signs, planted outdoors along a walk, that take you through each page of a book.  You follow along, walking from one ‘page’ of a story to the next.  It is … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Imagination, Inspiration, Nature, picture books, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 60 Comments