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.

Nature is the Greatest Teacher for Children

Posted on September 17, 2020 by Jennie

Covid-19 has actually made teachers rethink how to best teach young children.  At school, we decided that spending more time outside is better for children.  We teachers all know the benefits of nature, yet the demands of what children need … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, Nature, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 117 Comments

The Crossing Guard Chronicles: ‘Change Is The Only Constant’ *

Posted on September 13, 2020 by Jennie

Originally posted on S'amusing:
* The credit for this quote goes to a Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, who lived around 500 BC. He believed that permanence does not exist, everything is in a state of ‘change’. Heraclitus was right, I…

Posted in Uncategorized | 34 Comments

Smorgasbord Children’s Cafe and Bookstore – Share your Children’s book reviews – #PictureBooks with Jennie Fitzkee

Posted on September 12, 2020 by Jennie
Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Books, Reading, and Puzzles

Posted on September 11, 2020 by Jennie

I can’t say enough to the families of the children I teach, about books and reading. The more they know and understand, the better it is for their child. This is a newsletter I sent to families yesterday: Hi Families, … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, picture books, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 68 Comments

Happy National Read a Book Day!

Posted on September 9, 2020 by Jennie

Originally posted on By Hook Or By Book:
Today I begin the wonderful journey of reading aloud “Charlotte’s Web” to my class. These quotations bring to life the passion and importance and learning that happens when reading books. By Hook Or By Book View original post

Posted in Uncategorized | 38 Comments

Small Town America – Labor Day

Posted on September 7, 2020 by Jennie

This is my town. Small town America. Flags fly on Labor Day. This Labor Day is so important to thank all those who have labored for us, especially firefighters, first responders, police officers, military, teachers, doctors and nurses. I cannot imagine … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Kindness | Tagged , , , | 49 Comments

Simple Eight Gifts that do not cost us a Cent………

Posted on September 5, 2020 by Jennie

Originally posted on Boundless Blessings by Kamal:
–THE GIFT OF LISTENING: Must REALLY listen when someone is talking with a quiet mind. It is one of the most important aspects of our life. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Simply listen…

Posted in Uncategorized | 15 Comments

School, the End of Summer, and My Porch

Posted on September 4, 2020 by Jennie

Back to school is hard. I feel like the children do, apprehensive and unsure. Summer is ending. The crickets are telling me so. During this transition, the place that grounds me is my porch. On my porch, I’m still part … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, teaching, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 70 Comments

The Day Before School… Ice Cream!

Posted on August 31, 2020 by Jennie

School starts tomorrow for teachers.  Today I drove out to a farm, in the country. It was a picture perfect day.  The farm is a dairy farm.  That means ice cream. New England + dairy farms = the best ice … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Nature | Tagged , , , | 81 Comments

My Summer of Books – Part 3

Posted on August 30, 2020 by Jennie

In Part 1 and Part 2, I reviewed the picture books in the photo below.  These books were new and wonderful reads this summer. Part 3: Upper grade books for older children. I had a double-dose of Patricia MacLachlan books.  Lucky me!  After … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Death and dying, Diversity, Dogs, E.B. White, Expressing words and feelings, history, Inspiration, Particia MacLachlan, reading | Tagged , , , , , , , | 68 Comments