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.

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

Smorgasbord Posts from Your Archives #PotLuck – How to Teach a Child to Become a Superhero by Jennie Fitzkee

Posted on June 7, 2019 by Jennie

Thank you, Sally Cronin, for sharing my blog post on teaching children to become a superhero. They can change the world!

Posted in Uncategorized | 9 Comments

D-Day and Young Childen

Posted on June 6, 2019 by Jennie

I am in awe of the soldiers and sailors who are back in Normandy today, 75 years later.  I always bring patriotism into my class, and a certain page in a picture book that I read all the time helps … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , | 54 Comments

Dr. Seuss

Posted on June 5, 2019 by Jennie

Thank you Dr. Seuss for saying the most important words.  I thought I knew you well, and today you inspired me yet again with your wisdom. And now I find that the tables are turned.  I must write words of … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Love, picture books, preschool, Quotes, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 52 Comments

Quotations on Education

Posted on June 2, 2019 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://pixabay.com) “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”                                                                      Nelson Mandela ? (https://pixabay.com) “The mind once enlightened cannot again become dark.”                                                                      Thomas Paine…

Posted in Uncategorized | 14 Comments

The Pillowcase Event

Posted on June 1, 2019 by Jennie

Did you know that the last words the brain hears before you fall asleep are what ‘sticks’, what the brain remembers?  For children this is most important. Growing up is hard work, and any good words are more than needed. … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Love, preschool, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 64 Comments

Smorgasbord Posts from Your Archives – #Potluck – “The Stop Game”, From Dinosaurs to Poetry by Jennie Fitzkee

Posted on May 30, 2019 by Jennie

Sally Cronin shares with readers some of her favorite blog posts. I am delighted that my story of The Stop Game and reading to children is included.

Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments

A ‘Renaissance Man’ Teacher and a Crossing Guard

Posted on May 29, 2019 by Jennie

Steve the Crossing Guard is an extraordinary teacher.  A ‘Renaissance Man’ teacher.  He is electric.  He thinks outside of the box.  And he truly understands children.  That’s what Jennie says. Wikipedia says: When the term “Renaissance man” is used, it … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, teaching, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 86 Comments