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.

Interview with Jennie Fitzkee from “A Teacher’s Reflections” — Esme Salon

Get your cup of coffee, then meet Jennie from A Teacher’s Reflections and enjoy the Interview with Jennie Fitzkee from “A Teacher’s Reflections” All about your BLOG: Tell us about you lovely BLOG. 37 more words via Interview with Jennie Fitzkee … Continue reading

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Storms and Rainbows

A violent thunderstorm this evening brought  crackling lightening and booming thunder. All in a moment, two rainbows appeared. And then the power of one intensified and literally glowed. Nature is a wonder. “Those who don’t believe in magic will never … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 51 Comments

The Legacy of Milly, Part 8

In Part 7, the God Bless America quilt was delivered to the Massachusetts Fisher House in Boston.  The plan was to have a grand event and send-off, but the Director asked if Boston could have the quilt.  Headquarters not only agreed, … Continue reading

Posted in art, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, military, patriotism, quilting, Singing, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 45 Comments

Dragonflies, Not Bats

A rare dragonfly show tonight. They were huge. They swooped high and low, and all around. I stood with outstretched arms, and they danced around me. Thank you, Mother Nature. Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, wonder | Tagged , , , | 59 Comments

A Guest Post for the ULS, The Underground Library Society, by Jennie Fitzkee

Originally posted on charles french words reading and writing:
Thank you to Jennie Fitzkee for her guest post for the U.L.S., the Underground Library Society. She deals with a book that is easily misunderstood as being racist, and she details…

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Roots, Wings, and Thunderstorms

A beautiful sky was appearing after the storm tonight.  I love thunderstorms. Watching the clouds grow and change as a storm builds is exciting.  The light becomes very different.  Mother Nature is getting ready to put on quite a show. … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Imagination, Inspiration, Mother Nature, Nature, self esteem, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 64 Comments

The Legacy of Milly, Part 7

In Part 6, the quilt, Milly, and the children were VIPs aboard the Intrepid Museum in NYC.  What an event!  The museum’s Curator called me to say the quilt was too large to hang at the museum.  Their Executive Board unanimously … Continue reading

Posted in art, Early Education, Giving, Imagination, Inspiration, military, patriotism, quilting, Singing, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 52 Comments

A Day At the Eric Carle Museum

For book lovers and art lovers, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts has it all.  There are three galleries of rotating art exhibits, the best book store-hands down, and a host of well known authors … Continue reading

Posted in art, Author interview, Book Review, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 52 Comments

The Legacy of Milly, Part 6

In Part 5, the children were over the moon singing “God Bless America” at every opportunity.  We sang for soldiers, and made our own God Bless America book for families, writing and illustrating all the words to the song.  Children still … Continue reading

Posted in art, Early Education, Giving, history, Imagination, Inspiration, military, museums, patriotism, quilting, Singing, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 72 Comments

His Memory Corner For Milly

A “Memory Corner” made for Milly from a child who adored her. A favorite birthday photo of them together, laughing and wearing a silly hat. Tiny treasures carefully and lovingly arranged, and a note that reads: “Dear Milly, I hope … Continue reading

Posted in Death and dying, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Imagination, Inspiration, Kindness, Love, young children | Tagged , , , , | 72 Comments