Category Archives: Inspiration

Three Wonderful Things

Posted on June 15, 2024 by Jennie

The school year has just ended.  I am exhausted and very happy.  It’s the little things that make the big difference, and here are three wonderful things that happened at the end of school: Lissy’s self -portrait Children draw a … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Gloria, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, preschool, self esteem, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , | 70 Comments

Life and Emergent Adventures

Posted on June 8, 2024 by Jennie

It is difficult to explain emergent curriculum to people.  For teachers it means paying attention to children, seizing the moment that ‘something happens’, and letting the moment be the guide for teaching. Picture this: walking along a path in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Imagination, Inspiration, Quotes, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , | 68 Comments

Giving Thanks – Teacher to Teacher, Blogger to Blogger, Friend to Friend

Posted on May 13, 2024 by Jennie

Let me tell you about my friend Pete Springer- fellow blogger, teacher, and dear friend.  He is a retired teacher with all the ‘right stuff’ when it comes to understanding children.  He visited my classroom a few years ago (which … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, teaching | Tagged , , , | 147 Comments

New Books, Authors, Art and Birds – at The Eric Carle Museum

Posted on May 4, 2024 by Jennie

A great day at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art Two new picture books just came out, and they are terrific.  I had the pleasure of meeting and greeting both of the authors, as they read their books … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Book Review, books, children's books, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, museums, Nature, picture books, reading aloud, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , | 75 Comments

The Kandinsky Epilogue – From the Hood Museum of Art

Posted on April 30, 2024 by Jennie

My visit to the Hood Museum of Art was the start of a great journey.  It began back in February. https://jenniefitzkee.com/2024/02/17/a-kandinsky-painting-at-last/ when I visited the museum.  When I returned to school I was excited to show children the real Kandinsky painting I … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, museums, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , | 65 Comments

Albert Einstein, and Jennie

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Jennie

When it comes to education Albert Einstein and I share the same wisdom, only he says it far better, with clarity, humor, and a brilliant example Einstein’s words: Jennie’s words: Assuming all children are the same is putting a round … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Einstein, Inspiration, Quotes, teaching, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 81 Comments

Finding a Rainbow

Posted on April 18, 2024 by Jennie

You just never know when or where you might find a rainbow. “Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder.” -E.B. White- Bev Bos was THE best when it comes to children, especially music. I still sing this … Continue reading →

Posted in E.B. White, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, music, Nature, Singing, wonder | Tagged , , , | 80 Comments

The Sun and the Moon – Eric Carle

Posted on April 15, 2024 by Jennie

Discovering an Eric Carle illustration that is over 50 years old is delightful. His words give new meaning to the art. “I often include the sun, and the moon, in my books and in a way I am trying to … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Eric Carle, Imagination, Inspiration, Nature, picture books, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , | 69 Comments

40 Words, 40 Years

Posted on April 10, 2024 by Jennie

This is my 40th year teaching preschool at my wonderful school.  It feels like 10 or maybe 20 years.  40 is, well, a big deal…at least my school thinks so.  At our monthly staff meetings, they have often surprised me … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Poetry, School, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , | 111 Comments

Children and Art – The Art Show

Posted on April 7, 2024 by Jennie

I have great faith in children, because they are eager sponges, soaking up everything along the way.  When learning is ‘hands-on’ that’s like electricity to the brain.  Art is a perfect example.  I tell children when they’re inspired, it goes … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, The Arts, wonder, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 103 Comments