Aaryan has been asking me for days to come into the classroom and be a guest reader. “Jennie, I have the book in my backpack. It’s the fish book. They’re red and blue. When can I come in and read?” He absolutely loved chapter reading when he was in my class. He was always glued to my stories, too. This morning I told Aaryan he could read to the children after snack, before we went outside to play.
And I forgot.
Aaryan didn’t forget. He appeared bright eyed and eager, with his book in hand, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss. The children had finished snack. They had dressed in all their winter gear to go out to the playground to play. This was a pickle. I said, “Children, Aaryan is here to be a guest reader. Why don’t you stand by the door before we go outside. Aaryan, can you be on the rug in front of the children to read your book?”
Aaryan sat on the rug, opened his book, and read a few words. Children joined him on the rug. They wanted to be closer and hear him read. Never mind that they were dressed in snow pants, hats, and mittens. They didn’t care. They wanted to hear Aaryan read the story.
The more he read, the closer they got. Actually, they pressed in. Close. Very close. The only sounds in the classroom were the words being read. This is a long book, 62 pages. You would think that the children would be squirmy, hot and sweaty in hats and mittens, anxious to go outside. Not at all. The crowd simply grew.
It was wonderful. More than wonderful. The power of reading came full circle today. Thank you, Aaryan.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
That’s so wonderful Jennie. The power of books is something we just cannot quantify.
And good job Aaryan! You seem to be a remarkable Guest Reader.
Thank you! The power of books is enormous. And yes, Aaryan did a super job!
I love to see young readers so enthusiastic about books.
Thanks, Anneli. I do, too. 🙂
Great Job, Aaryan! Good listening, Jennie’s class!
All that and recess to boot (no pun intended), what a day!
Thank you, Laura. Yes, what a day! 🙂
How wonderful, Jennie. Your posts always make me smile.
Thank you, Robbie.
The ability to read well enough to read to others is HUGE! This was heartwarming to read at the end of a long day. Thank you for sharing it.
Yes, that ability is huge, and he is only 6! It was remarkable. Thanks, Marlene.
Oh how cute!!
I get this weekly as my daughter comes in to my class at the end of the day on Friday and the children are getting ready for home.
They rush to put costs on so they can cried around her to read them stories!!
I just love that!! It helps her reading and her confidence, and it gives your students another dose of language. 😀
Yes! Win win!!!
🙂
How sweet and he looks so eager and proud. Well done, Aaryan and well done Jennie for instilling the love of reading in these children. xo
Thank you, Darlene! 🙂
Aaryan gave me goosebumps wishing I could be there! Jennie your description, and images of his reading was so fantastic it was as if I too were one of the children all bundled up to play outside in the cold, but chose to stay indoors to hear Aaryan read the wonderful story of One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss instead! It’s long been one of my favorites, and a book I taught my own children to read early on, and #1 Grandson too!
Oh how I wish we were where you are to have you be #1’s second teacher, and our Littlest to comes teacher. You are a treasure and a true Teacher. You really have the gift of teaching. I’m thankful for teachers like you. Your students are blessed to have you. I hope they know it, and if not come to know it as they experience more teachers down the road.
Deborah! That is so nice. Thank you for your wonderful words. They are truly appreciated. I would absolutely love to be their teacher. They are lucky to have you read aloud to them. Makes all the difference in the world. ❤️
So lovelyand cute. Aaryan read his, shared his love and all the children loved it. And you let be a guest reader.. what a wonderful growth opportunity and sense of deep happiness for all
Thank you! It was win-win for everyone, and oh so wonderful. 🙂
They certainly crowded around. More evidence of the power and joy of reading aloud. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
Yes, they were. The evidence is pretty clear. Thank you, Pete.
Fabulous Jennie.
Thank you, Opher!
Excellent, Jennie.
Thank you, John.
What a wonderful story, Jennie.
Thanks so much, Dan!
Joyous, beautiful, delightful! Jennie this is absolutely heartwarming. It really is. Hugs on the wing.
Thank you, Teagan. ❤️
An excellent save on your part. It looks like the reading was greatly enjoyed by all.
Thank you!
LOVE IT!!!
Thanks so much, Anne!