Category Archives: picture books

Teaching Patriotism and Singing Books, Part II

Posted on May 21, 2018 by Jennie

This repost is far too important, and the perfect Part II to the patriotic books I read and sing in my classroom.   Here is a close-up of  “the best of the best.” Every year I make our country’s National … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, history, military, patriotism, picture books, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 55 Comments

Teaching Patriotism Begins With Singing

Posted on May 19, 2018 by Jennie

Today is Armed Forces Day. Teaching patriotism is something I do in my classroom, and I do it frequently. It is rarely a planned activity; it just happens.  Much like teaching kindness or giving, or even bravery, the learning comes from doing. … Continue reading →

Posted in American flag, children's books, Early Education, Giving thanks, history, military, music, patriotism, picture books, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 62 Comments

My Classroom Bookshelf

Posted on April 30, 2018 by Jennie

My classroom bookshelf is the most important and popular place to be.  I think so, and children certainly feel that way.  They congregate like squirrels at a bird feeder.  Yes, there are fights over books, loud times, and also quiet … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, picture books, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 73 Comments

80 Years of Caldecott Winners

Posted on March 19, 2018 by Jennie

For all you book lovers, this year marks the 80th year of the prestigious Caldecott Medal Award. The Randolph Caldecott Medal annually recognizes the preceding year’s “most distinguished American picture book for children”, beginning with 1937 publications. This award is … Continue reading →

Posted in art, books, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, museums, picture books, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 52 Comments

The Importance of Reading Aloud – Guest Post

Posted on March 17, 2018 by Jennie

Thank you Norah Colvin at readilearn for having me as a guest.  I’m so glad you asked.  It was a pleasure. The Importance of Reading Aloud — A Guest Post by Jennie Fitzkee Jennie, a passionate and inspirational teacher, has … Continue reading →

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Jim Trelease, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 29 Comments

Meeting Jane Yolen at the Eric Carle Museum

Posted on March 12, 2018 by Jennie

Jane Yolen spoke to teachers, librarians and writers yesterday at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts.  She has just published her 365th book.  Really.  Sold out event.  I knew I had to be there because … Continue reading →

Posted in Author interview, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 59 Comments

From “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” to Dr. Seuss

Posted on March 3, 2018 by Jennie

This week began with National Fairy Tale Day and ended with Dr. Seuss’s birthday.  I was in my glory.  So were the children. We voted on our favorite fairy tale.  The Three Billy Goats Gruff won, hands-down.  This was a … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, picture books, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 69 Comments

1-800-Help!

Posted on February 9, 2018 by Jennie

Perhaps it was the ice storm that left the playground like a skating rink nestled among trees.  Or perhaps it was the freezing temperatures day after day, because we have not been outside at school.  Whatever the reason, today was … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Kindness, picture books, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 73 Comments

My Favorite Christmas Books

Posted on December 18, 2017 by Jennie

I want to share with you my favorite Christmas books.  I love books, and I love reading to children.  After a gazillion years, these are the ‘tried and true’, stories that children love. Me, too! Grab tissues, laughter, and wonder, … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Imagination, Inspiration, picture books, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 51 Comments

Five of the Best Children’s Books

Posted on December 9, 2017 by Jennie

I have been tagged to nominate my top five children’s books.  Thank you Norah at norahcolvin.com.  Choosing five books (only five) is a roller coaster, and I love that ride.  Here are my favorite children’s books, and why: Goodnight Moon  … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, picture books, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , | 75 Comments