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.

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

This Year’s Favorite Picture Books

Posted on June 18, 2019 by Jennie

Every year children vote on their favorite chapter reading book.  Charlotte’s Web is the clear winner most years.  This year we voted on our favorite picture books as well.  That was a big challenge for children as we read at … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, picture books, preschool, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 74 Comments

The Presence of Wonder

Posted on June 15, 2019 by Jennie

The sky is always changing.  Look away for a minute and there is a new canvas of beauty. School ended yesterday, and now I have more time to delight in the constant beauty that Mother Nature provides, from my porch … Continue reading →

Posted in E.B. White, Mother Nature, Nature | Tagged , , , , , | 53 Comments

Smorgasbord Posts from Your Archives #PotLuck – Childhood and Summer, Then and Now by Jennie Fitzkee

Posted on June 14, 2019 by Jennie

Sally shares my stories and memories of summer camp, thunderstorms, singing, and more.

Posted in Uncategorized | 18 Comments

A year of Chapter Reading

Posted on June 13, 2019 by Jennie

This is the newsletter I sent to parents on chapter reading – the single most important thing that makes a difference in teaching children: Chapter Reading June 11, 2019 Chapter reading is one of our treasured moments of the day.  … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 50 Comments

Quotations on Imagination

Posted on June 11, 2019 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://pixabay.com) “Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were, but without it we go nowhere.”                                                                   Carl Sagan ? (portrait by Maurice Quentin de La Tour) (https://en.wikipedia.org) “The world…

Posted in Uncategorized | 31 Comments

The End of the School Year

Posted on June 9, 2019 by Jennie

My dining room table has been a jumble of children’s work collected throughout the year.  I have put on the finishing touches.  Parents will get their child’s Portfolio – the full collection – next week.  I’ll be there, looking over … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 81 Comments