Author Archives: Jennie

About Jennie

I have been teaching preschool for over thirty-five 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.

Quotations on Books

Posted on August 28, 2018 by Jennie

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
(https://pixabay.com) “A room without books is like a body without a soul.”                                                                  Marcus Tullius Cicero (https://en.wikipedia.org) “Books are a uniquely portable magic.”                                                                  Stephen King ? “Books are the lifeblood…

Posted in Uncategorized | 17 Comments

Smorgasbord End of Summer Party – #Music Requests from Rob Goldstein, Victoria Zigler, Jemima Pett, Luna Saint Claire and Jennie Fitzkee

Posted on August 27, 2018 by Jennie

Sally has posted a terrific collection of songs from bloggers who were at the Smorgasbord Invitation. While I was not able to be there, (the food was to die for!) my favorite song is included. “It’s a Wonderful World” by … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 9 Comments

The Explanation of Life

Posted on August 26, 2018 by Jennie

Originally posted on My Good Time Stories:
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com What is the meaning of life? For thousands and thousands of years, there has been an untold number of scientists and people who have attempted to explain the…

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Picture Books

Posted on August 25, 2018 by Jennie

The school year is beginning, and I turn to the most important thing I do in teaching – reading aloud.  This is an earlier post that explodes with many picture books I discovered, and how they became the golden key. … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, picture books, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 65 Comments

An Open Letter To Teachers

Posted on August 22, 2018 by Jennie

Dear Teachers, As you start your new school year there is one word that will get you through the uncertainty and the worry.  It’s the same word that is the heart of educating.  That word is ‘joy’.  No, it’s not … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, Teaching young children, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , | 81 Comments

Can’t Get Enough Reading

Posted on August 18, 2018 by Jennie

Chapter reading together was over, long over. I peeked in to say one last goodnight. Reading by flashlight. Just wonderful. Jennie

Posted in books, reading | Tagged , | 38 Comments

Milly – The Epilogue

Posted on August 16, 2018 by Jennie

This card was passed out at the memorial service. It’s an odd thing to say that a eulogy was inspirational.  Yet for Milly, how could it be anything less?  And, it’s unusual to laugh out loud at the words the … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Death and dying, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Love, Peace, quilting, storytelling, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 53 Comments

One Dollar and Eleven Cents

Posted on August 14, 2018 by Jennie

Originally posted on My Good Time Stories:
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com Every once in a while, I come across a story that renews my faith in miracles. The following true story is an example of how miracles just “don’t…

Posted in Uncategorized | 20 Comments

The Legacy of Milly, Part 10 – The Final Curtain

Posted on August 12, 2018 by Jennie

In Part 9, Milly continued her visits to school.  The children and Gloria were always thrilled when it was a ‘Milly day’.  At last, after years of quilts that went away to places of honor, Milly made a quilt, “Our Towns” … Continue reading →

Posted in art, books, Death and dying, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Peace, quilting, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 98 Comments

The Legacy of Milly, Part 9

Posted on August 8, 2018 by Jennie

In Part 8, Milly and the children were guests of honor at the one-year anniversary of the Boston Fisher House.  With a full crowd in attendance, including members of the Fisher family, we presented the God Bless America quilt.  And, a … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, Peace, quilting, Singing, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , | 58 Comments