Category Archives: Teaching young children

Summer Reading

Posted on September 5, 2023 by Jennie

As I was starting a blog post on the books I have read this summer, a parent sent me this photo: Two former students, one reading to the other – while at the pool! This photo is far more important … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, literacy, preschool, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, teaching, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 52 Comments

My Song Follow-Up Story

Posted on August 23, 2023 by Jennie

In my last blog post, I included a favorite song I sing with children, “The Sun and the Rain Make a Rainbow.”  I searched through YouTube to find the song- nothing.  So, I just sang it myself.  Fellow blogger Debby … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, preschool, Singing, Teaching young children, young children | Tagged , , | 73 Comments

God Bless America – Twelve Years Later

Posted on July 18, 2023 by Jennie

I stopped by school last week, which is currently in Summer Camp mode.  High school volunteers are a welcome and fun part of the group.  What happened was delightful: First I was mobbed by children (always wonderful), then Jess, a … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Expressing words and feelings, history, Inspiration, museums, music, patriotism, quilting, School, Student alumni, summer camp, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 50 Comments

Reflections on a Wonderful Year at School

Posted on June 14, 2023 by Jennie

Today was the last day of school for children. There were tears, hugs, resistance, and a multitude of emotions from children and families. It’s hard to say good-bye and thank you, all at the same time. Two families thanked me … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Inspiration, preschool, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , | 54 Comments

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

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

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

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