Category Archives: Inspiration

Happy New Year, Gloria!

Posted on December 30, 2024 by Jennie

Hubby:  “Jennie, did Gloria have Christmas with an Aqua Roomer?” Me:  “No, she did not.” Long pause… Hubby:  “And you didn’t bring her home to have Christmas with us?” He was right.  I felt terrible.  Gloria was alone at school. … Continue reading →

Posted in Gloria, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, reading aloud | Tagged , | 65 Comments

The Best Christmas Ad – My Favorite

Posted on December 24, 2024 by Jennie

I will share this Christmas ad every year, because… it’s that good. Christmas is about family and friends. It’s a time to smile and remember. Yes, remember. Because in the end, it’s our memories that stick with us. That’s what … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, joy, Love, music, wonder | Tagged , , | 74 Comments

The Best Children’s Christmas Books – Annual Post

Posted on December 18, 2024 by Jennie

This is a repost of my favorite Christmas books.  Every year they grow stronger, because children love them.  These are the books children and adults want to read over and over again.  That’s why they’re the best.  Please, go to … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, reading, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 69 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

Lost and Found!

Posted on November 19, 2024 by Jennie

‘Lost and Found’ is a story that has eclipsed most stories that have happened over the past 40 years.  Milly the Quilter and Gloria remain #1, and I’d be hard pressed to tell a story that is more meaningful than … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Inspiration, preschool, young children | Tagged , , , | 75 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

You Belong!

Posted on November 7, 2024 by Jennie

At school, we have a theme song each year.  This year it is “You Belong!”, a perfect song to let children know that – no matter what – we all belong.  It has become our ‘wake-up song’.  When nap is … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving, Heart, Inspiration, Kindness, Quotes, self esteem, Singing, wonder | Tagged , , , | 72 Comments

The Playground in Autumn

Posted on October 27, 2024 by Jennie

Autumn in New England is beautiful.  Our playground at school boasts maple trees that burst with color – red, yellow and orange. Children love nature.  They need nature.  That’s how they grow.  Nature is the original and greatest classroom.  Really.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Inspiration, Learning About the World, Mother Nature, Nature, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 50 Comments