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.

Happiness

Posted on September 25, 2019 by Jennie

“People should take time to be happy.” –Grandma Moses- Thank you, Naomi, for bringing happiness to the children every day. ❤️ Jennie

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, preschool, Quotes, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 38 Comments

Reading Aloud to My Preschooler – Thirty Years Later

Posted on September 23, 2019 by Jennie

My first read-aloud for the library this year was scheduled early.  It was only a few days after Labor Day.  I was excited. It was going to be the year of dog books, as I planned to read The Poet’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, Early Education, Inspiration, Particia MacLachlan, reading aloud, Student alumni | Tagged , , , , , , , | 53 Comments

Life Lessons – 101

Posted on September 20, 2019 by Jennie

A few years after I got my feet wet teaching, I read Robert Fulghum’s book, All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten.  That had a profound influence on my career.  His opening essay seemed to take all … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, preschool, Quotes, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 71 Comments

The Story of Romana

Posted on September 18, 2019 by Jennie

Romana was  from Romania.  She was the kindest little girl.  She spoke very little English, yet she clearly enjoyed school.  She is the child on the far right with the biggest smile. I remember the day I took this photo. … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Death and dying, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, preschool, Student alumni | Tagged , , , | 85 Comments

Guest Post: Jennie Fitzkee

Posted on September 16, 2019 by Jennie

Originally posted on beetleypete:
Jennie is an American blogger. She is a truly inspirational teacher of young children, with a real love of reading, books, and education. She is not only the teacher I wish I had had, but the…

Posted in Uncategorized | 27 Comments

Poetry – The Small things – a poem about what really counts.

Posted on September 15, 2019 by Jennie

Lovely poem. It is the small things that matter most. In fact, the small things are truly the big things. Opher's World Poetry – The Small things – a poem about what really counts. If life has taught me any lessons … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 12 Comments

A New Year of Wonder

Posted on September 14, 2019 by Jennie

Originally posted on Playful Directions:
We are almost two weeks into our latest adventure at WT North Pre-K. This class of small scientists has been flowing right into the new routines. We’ve been slowly introducing materials and tools, allowing the…

Posted in Uncategorized | 16 Comments

A Baby Bird Who Thinks I’m Her Mother

Posted on September 13, 2019 by Jennie

There she was on the playground, a tiny baby bird who could not yet fly.  The children saw her first.  Above was an enormous tree.  The branches were far out of reach.  If there was a nest way up there, … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Mother Nature, Nature, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 67 Comments

Kindness, Peace, and Love Day

Posted on September 11, 2019 by Jennie

This is a re-post of  how young children honor the heroes of 9/11. 9/11 at school is Kindness, Peace, and Love Day.  How do we help young children honor the brave people on 9/11?  By remembering and celebrating how people … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Early Education, Giving thanks, patriotism, Peace, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 50 Comments

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble Turns 50 at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

Posted on September 9, 2019 by Jennie

William Steig is one of my favorite author/illustrators.  I have most of his books.  I’ve been reading his books to children since I started teaching thirty-five years ago.  Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, one of his best, turned 50 years … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading aloud, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 81 Comments