Category Archives: America

Making History Come Alive For Children – Part 1

Posted on June 24, 2025 by Jennie

I am the schoolmarm for third graders at the end of the school year, in the old New England schoolhouse in town.  The year I bring to life for children is 1833.  I ring the bell to welcome ‘scholars’ as … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Early Education, history, Inspiration, literacy, Math, music, patriotism, reading aloud, School, Singing | Tagged , , , | 95 Comments

A Memorial Day Remembrance at School

Posted on May 25, 2025 by Jennie

American flags blowing in the breeze planted by children in the Memory Garden, where beloved classroom pets are buried along with markers for deceased parents and children. A perfect place for a school-wide Memorial Day Remembrance. Mike, a retired Air … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, military, patriotism, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 56 Comments

Army Navy – Why It’s the Greatest Game

Posted on December 15, 2024 by Jennie

This is a repost.  I couldn’t say it better, and it bears repeating.  Today’s game was equally exciting, and the 125th.   Today was the 122nd Army-Navy football game.  I watch it every year.  I am glued, because it is far … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Inspiration, military, patriotism | Tagged , , | 47 Comments

Thanksgiving

Posted on November 28, 2024 by Jennie

Happy Thanksgiving Children spread happiness, naturally and genuinely. It’s a reminder for us. This post from a few years ago says it all. Our gigantic turkey From my school to your house, may you enjoy a turkey dinner with family … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, preschool, Thanksgiving | Tagged , , | 69 Comments

General Z Mail!

Posted on November 12, 2024 by Jennie

Children pride themselves in writing and decorating giant thank you letters. Today we made a thank you letter for General Z. And today we received an ‘official’ letter from General Z with a two-star flag letterhead. Dear Ms. Fitzkee and … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Giving thanks, Inspiration, military, patriotism, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 65 Comments

Thanking a Veteran

Posted on November 11, 2024 by Jennie

‘Thank You’ are the all-important words in life. They’re especially important on Veterans Day. Major General Z now retired visited my classroom. We wanted to thank him. Children were in awe. As soon as The General talked with children it … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, military, patriotism | Tagged , , , | 59 Comments

Two Important Books to Read on 9/11

Posted on September 11, 2024 by Jennie

This is a repost… because it is important.  These are two books everyone should read.  One is the true story of an old, retired fireboat that literally saved the day for firefighters on 9/11.  The other is a book about … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Book Review, children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Giving thanks, history, literacy, patriotism, picture books | Tagged , , , , | 36 Comments

Teaching Patriotism – Where it Began

Posted on May 27, 2024 by Jennie

Planting flags in our Memory Garden at school. It all started with our field trip to the Shriners Circus years ago.  This circus is a perfect event for preschoolers as it’s grand but not overwhelming.  My class was seated and … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Death and dying, military, patriotism, preschool, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 67 Comments

Singing With a Child on YouTube

Posted on February 24, 2024 by Jennie

It Happened Like This… While grocery shopping a few weeks ago, I listened to the music piped in over their intercom.  It was Faith Hill singing “This Kiss.”  I had a lightbulb teacher moment (which happens to me frequently.) The … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, Love, music, preschool, Singing, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , | 87 Comments

A Trilogy of Patriotic Heroes This Week

Posted on December 10, 2023 by Jennie

#1 I went to a Book Fair and found a remarkable new book about the American flag that survived the 9/11 attack, 30,000 Stitches. It is the story of the 9/11 flag, how it was saved and how it was … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Book Review, children's books, Giving thanks, history, Inspiration, military, patriotism | Tagged , , , , | 60 Comments