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.

Mason and the Rainbow Song

Posted on July 9, 2019 by Jennie

Yesterday I filled-in at my school’s summer camp.  When I arrived at noon, children were at lunch.  After all the hugs and hollers, they begged for a ‘Jennie Story’, especially Mason. Interestingly, Mason has never been in my class. He … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, self esteem, Singing, summer camp, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 69 Comments

When Teachers Tell Their Stories – Part 2

Posted on July 6, 2019 by Jennie

  In Part 1, I talked about storytelling, true stories, “It happened like this” stories.  I had always read aloud to children, but telling them my stories was different.  It turned out that I had discovered another pathway to language and … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, storytelling, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 59 Comments

Happy Birthday, America

Posted on July 4, 2019 by Jennie

Happy Birthday, America. This flag was flown over the Navy Memorial in Washington DC. Proud to be an American, one nation, one people, with freedoms I will never take for granted. Jennie

Posted in America, American flag, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, patriotism | Tagged , , , , | 20 Comments

The Star-Spangled Banner

Posted on July 3, 2019 by Jennie

This is a repost, one of my favorite songs and books, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Happy Birthday, America. Bringing our National Anthem to Life Few books have the power to move young students and make a difference; this one does. Whenever … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Book Review, children's books, Early Education, history, Inspiration, patriotism, picture books, reading aloud, reading aloud, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 46 Comments

America – The True Meaning in a Children’s Book

Posted on July 2, 2019 by Jennie

The perfect book.  Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus captures the heart of America.  The stunning illustrations by Kadir Nelson make the simple text explode with meaning.  It is history: White Rows.  White Rows When I turned to this page, … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Book Review, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, history, Inspiration, patriotism, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 50 Comments

When Teachers Tell Their Stories – Part 1

Posted on June 30, 2019 by Jennie

I remember the first story I told to children.  It happened at lunchtime.  That’s not surprising as lunchtime is perhaps our most intimate time of the day.  It is where teachers and children bond.  One day at lunch, we had … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, play performances, preschool, storytelling, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 46 Comments

When Children Tell Their Stories

Posted on June 28, 2019 by Jennie

Stories.  That word alone is groundbreaking.  It means listening, looking, hearing, and thinking.  Stories light a fire.  That means learning. Children have more ideas and thoughts in their heads than we realize.  Their brains are gigantic sponges; they see it … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, picture stories, preschool, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, storytelling, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 62 Comments

Home Is Where the Heart Is

Posted on June 22, 2019 by Jennie

A new pool fence. Today we started the work to hang fish and plant flowers. Thank goodness we took the time to look up. Clouds were putting on a show. They were saying hello, and thank you for being outside. … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, joy, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 85 Comments

The ‘Curbside Classroom’ – Year End

Posted on June 21, 2019 by Jennie

Steve the Crossing Guard posted about the final days at school this year.  Can you imagine being at his crosswalk – aka, ‘Curbside Classroom’ and hearing him burst into song, singing “Oh What a Beautiful Morning?”  Yes, he really did, … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, music, self esteem, teaching | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 60 Comments

Smorgasbord Posts from Your Archives – #PotLuck – Teaching: it’s The Cake and the Frosting by Jennie Fitzkee

Posted on June 20, 2019 by Jennie

How is teaching much like making a big cake, and then adding frosting? Read on! Thank you, Sally Cronin, for sharing my stories.

Posted in Uncategorized | 14 Comments