Gloria is a dear classroom friend. Well, that’s an understatement. I have a hard time making my fingers type that she is a puppet, because she is the best thing that ever happened to my classroom. She is the kind one, the shy one, and the one who is… well, different and not pretty. She is real. She is the best friend. Gloria spends most weekends with children and their families. From decorating Christmas trees, to attending graduations, going out to dinner… the long list is a testament to Gloria.
This is what happened today:
“Can we bring Gloria outside to play?”
Long pause…
Gloria has never played outside at school. It hadn’t occurred to me to include her on the playground. When the question was posed, I thought this was a good idea. Leave it to children to think outside of the box. They know Gloria far better than I do. She’s their best friend.
So, Gloria was brought outside. At last. She was busy in the arms of children. Then, I looked across the playground and saw her on a swing, being pushed by Lexi. I watched for a long time. This is what friends do, and Gloria is a friend.
A child on the playground who had never seen Gloria before asked, “Who is that?” Aaryan replied,
“She’s just a person.”
Just a person. Yes, she is. She is you and me. She has a soul.
Gloria is different, and that is why I wanted her to be part of my classroom many years ago. If I could help children understand and accept all people, I knew Gloria would be the one to do that. Oh, she has. Ten-fold.
Early on, Gloria lived in a picnic basket on a shelf in the classroom. She came out from time to time at a Morning Meeting. One day I left her out in a chair, and I watched the children hover and clamor over her, desperate to ask her questions. They just wanted Gloria to “be”. She moved from the picnic basket to the couch in the classroom. That was my first wake-up call.
I have had many wake-up calls since then, including Gloria having sleepovers. Today was yet another. I never underestimate the brilliant minds and big hearts of young children. It makes me want to be a child again.
I’m so glad Gloria is a person.
Jennie
This is a beautiful story, Jennie. I’m glad you shared it with us.
Thank you, John.
It is really amazing how children will embrace a concept like Gloria. Such a lovely post, Jennie.
Thank you, Robbie.
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Jennie Fitzkee with another of her entertaining but also enlightening posts from her primary school classroom.. most of us had an imaginary friend growing up but Gloria is so much more..
Thank you, Sally!
Loved seeing Gloria on the bike and swings. Such a great idea from the kids to take her outside.
Best wishes, Pete.
Children have the best ideas. Best to you, Pete.
What a wonderful idea! The children really seem to love her! 🙂
They do, for sure!
This is delightful and so simple it’s sheer genius. It’s so nice to hear positive classroom stories. Thanks.
Thank you!
Children can be so inclusive. Why do teenagers and adults lose that?
You are so right, Darlene.
So glad Gloria got to see the big outside world!
Such a life that one has…to be envied.
🙂
She is one lucky gal! 🙂
Children have a way of making life beautiful no matter how rainy it gets. Beautiful story I love the sentence; “She has a soul”, and she does. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much, Patricia. She is a gem. Children can always spot a diamond in the rough. Glad you enjoyed the story.
Reblogged this on The Writers Desk and commented:
A post to give us all something to think about. Beautiful.
Thank you!
It was my pleasure. ☺☺
🙂
Such fun to see Gloria enjoying herself on the playground! 🙂
Thanks, Marcia. She’s the best!
Children never fail to fascinate me. They’re practicing their feelings of love and empathy on this little friend before using them in relationships with other children and adults. Fantastic. 🙂 — Suzanne
I couldn’t have said it better, Suzanne. Thanks!
Oh Jennie I love this. There’s such a simple caring and connection of Lexi swinging with Gloria. God. Thank you for sharing. Hey isn’t the peace quilt event happening soon? Sending much love and Light to that, to you, and to your children. ❤ Love to you – Debbie
Thank you, Debbie! If children can be kind and caring to Gloria, they have learned a great life lesson. The quilt event will be on June 29th. I will certainly do a blog post! Best to you!
Jennie, you ate a child in a grown-up body. Everyone of us has to have some ONE person at sometime in our life to show the way., the path through all the cloudiness of life. You’re that ONE person in those kids’ lives at this particular moment. There will be others but right now, it’s you. For me, many times it was my father. They will never forget you and the guidance you’re giving.
I think I really am a child in a grown up body, Steve. And, that certainly helps make a connection with children. Thank you for your very kind words. This year I was invited to four high school graduations of former students. Four! The connections are still there. 😊
This is gorgeous, Jennie. I love hearing about your children, Gloria, and the wonderful things you do to encourage the development of the whole child. Lucky are the children, and their parents, who are welcomed into your classroom. I love reading your heartwarming posts.
Thank you, Norah! 🙂
I’m always utterly captivated by what you have to share with us, Jennie. I’m learning alongside these wonderful students of yours…
Thank you ever so much for you and your beautiful blog 💐💕
Thank you for your kind words, Di! I’m so glad you enjoy reading my posts.
You are very welcome Jennie. I truly do. Keep up your wonderful work 💐💕
How can you be a child again, when the child within you has never left?
An excellent point! 😍