Category Archives: Teaching young children

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

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

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

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

March – Spring, Art, and Music

Posted on April 1, 2024 by Jennie

March was busy in my classroom for many reasons.  Spring is desperately trying to emerge.  The bikes are back on the playground, and I got a ride on the double bike.  Whee! We’re in a frenzy in the best of … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Imagination, Inspiration, music, preschool, Teaching young children, The Arts, The Beatles | Tagged , , , | 60 Comments

Children’s Books: Old and New

Posted on March 25, 2024 by Jennie

I’m always excited to search for new books that eventually become favorites, scan titles, and recognize the best of newly published books. Nothing beats reading-aloud and turning the pages of a book. Yet, I would be remiss if I didn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Imagination, Inspiration, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , | 79 Comments

Gloria and the Leprechaun

Posted on March 16, 2024 by Jennie

Gloria, what are you doing?  Are you okay? I’m fine.  Lucky came by last night. Lucky? Yes, Lucky the Leprechaun. I see.  Gloria, do you know how hard the Aqua Roomers worked on making that trap? It took them three … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Imagination, Inspiration, joy, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 56 Comments

Do You See What I See?

Posted on March 10, 2024 by Jennie

Children created the Eiffel Tower using different sticks, from coffee stirrers to craft sticks (popsicle sticks) to ‘build’ a replica of the structure. Tommy carefully criss-crossed his sticks.  He was focused, determined. I’m always understanding and support children’s hard work, … Continue reading →

Posted in art, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, preschool, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , | 57 Comments

Robot Finale and Real Learning

Posted on March 4, 2024 by Jennie

My classroom, the Aqua Room, is ‘crushing’ robots this year.  Every day a child talks about Curiosity on Mars.  Every day we watch the Boston Dynamics robots.  Back in December we wrote a giant letter to NASA, and to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, robots, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 81 Comments