Category Archives: Inspiration

Remember Sam?

Posted on May 29, 2023 by Jennie

Perhaps this was the best Memorial Day photo. Remember Sam? https://jenniefitzkee.com/2023/03/30/what-would-mr-ro…rue-story-of-sam/ He was the child who needed to talk, and to have someone listen to him.  Really listen. Sam loves the military, so when Master Sergeant Michael Kennedy spoke at … Continue reading →

Posted in America, behavior, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, military, patriotism, Teaching young children | 40 Comments

Never Forget…

Posted on May 29, 2023 by Jennie

Memorial Day is a day to honor and remember the brave men and women in our military who have died. It is also a day to thank those who serve. Never forget to thank a soldier or a sailor. Never … Continue reading →

Posted in America, American flag, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, military, patriotism, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 53 Comments

How “Goodnight Moon” Evolves Each School Year

Posted on May 25, 2023 by Jennie

Language is #1 for children, and literacy is the road to developing their language.  I read picture books to children all the time, and chapter read at rest time.  Books are always available to children.  They become ‘good friends’ and … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, literacy, picture books, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 69 Comments

A Song For the Ages – The Voices of Children

Posted on May 20, 2023 by Jennie

This is the song of the school year, the song that makes me swell with joy, cry, and feel so very proud to be teaching children. Children are our future. “Where words fail, music speaks” ~Hans Christian Andersen~ Jennie

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, music, Singing | Tagged , , , | 37 Comments

Play is Everything

Posted on May 17, 2023 by Jennie

I took this video of children playing on their own. No adults, no guidance or suggestions for play. Everyone loves happy times of playing, especially when nothing is scripted, and the play, well, evolves.  And grows.  Children are especially drawn … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Play, Teaching young children, young children | Tagged , , | 86 Comments

A Magnificent Photo Each Day

Posted on May 6, 2023 by Jennie

I have followed kevinwanderlust for a long time.  He posts one photo a day from around the world, and every one is magnificent, something that sticks with you.  Here is yesterday’s photo: The Milky Way, Canterbury, New Zealand I hope … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , | 32 Comments

Thank You Letters!

Posted on May 3, 2023 by Jennie

Today we got mail!  Our pen-pals in Michigan sent us a gigantic thank you letter.  What a treat!  Thank you Beth at I didn’t have my glasses on…. Just look at all that beautiful drawing and hard work.  It is … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Inspiration, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 84 Comments

Happy Birthday, Gloria!

Posted on April 30, 2023 by Jennie

After all these years, Gloria had a real Birthday Party. Children were excited to plan the event. They were giving, and children love to give. They decorated a big Birthday Party invitation. The invitation went to Gloria’s old friend, Rosie, … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Gloria, Inspiration, Kindness, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 66 Comments

Dan (the Tool Man) Antion Visits the Aqua Room

Posted on April 26, 2023 by Jennie

Fellow blogger Dan Antion at No Facilities visited my classroom.  YES!  Meeting a favorite blogger is a big deal.  We connected like we’ve been friends for years. Well, yes we have.  Lucky me. Dan is the guy with tools who … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Gloria, Inspiration, preschool, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , | 149 Comments

The Art Show – the Very Beginning

Posted on April 17, 2023 by Jennie

I told this story long ago, and it needs to be told again, with photos.  There are moments in teaching that make a big difference for the student and also for the the teacher.  This is one I will never … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Inspiration, museums, Peace, preschool, quilting, Teaching young children, The Arts | Tagged , , , , | 54 Comments