A senior in high school,
“too soon too old”
After his trip to Italy, Wesley came bearing gifts- a Pinocchio for each child and a large Pinocchio for the class. We learned that the story and character are from northern Italy. In turn, we taught Wesley to sing “Old MacDonald” in Italian.
Thank you, Wesley. You told me it seems like yesterday that you were a little boy in my classroom. It seems like yesterday to me, too.
Why do they return and visit? When I ask, they can’t put their finger on it exactly. I think I know why:
People will forget what you said,
people will forget what you did,
but people will never forget how you made them feel.
-Maya Angelou-
Thank you, Wesley.
Jennie
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About Jennie
I have been teaching preschool for over thirty-five years. This is my passion. I believe that children have a voice, and that is the catalyst to enhance or even change the learning experience. Emergent curriculum opens young minds. It's the little things that happen in the classroom that are most important and exciting. That's what I write about.
I was a live guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show. I am highlighted in the seventh edition of Jim Trelease's million-copy bestselling book, "The Read-Aloud Handbook" because of my reading to children. My class has designed quilts that hang as permanent displays at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, the Fisher House at the Boston VA Hospital, and the Massachusetts State House in Boston.
A Teacher's Reflections 
What a wonderful thing for Wesley to do for the class. It is no surprise to me why they come back, Jennie. It is because of you! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Pete. Best to you!
A sunny and warm story Jenny. It is great that Wesley came back and you shared gifts and fun.
The positive feeling throughout is beautiful.
You couldn’t have chosen a better quote than the one by Maya Angelou.
miriam
Thank you, Miriam. It was very special. I have Maya Angelou’s quote hanging where I see it every day. It inspires me to reach out and really pay attention to children.
It is so wonderful that your previous students return. I’m sure the current students love that too. xo
It is wonderful, Darlene. And, the children love it. I introduce the student first as a former Aqua Roomer. In that way, children have an immediate connection… even though they’re looking with saucer eyes. 🙂
It is so wonderful that your previous students return. I’m sure the current students love that too. xo
Good story, Jennie. Of course, he would want to return.
Thank you, John. He just invited me to his high school graduation. Can you imagine? I will be there!
Terrific, Jennie.
😀
I second John’s comment only with an added “DUH, of **course** he would want to return”
I like that you so innocently don’t ‘get it’ but still…DUH.
🙂
ps- the Pinocchio presents are precious.
Laura, you’re the best! How is it that you make me laugh and feel humbled at the same time? The Pinocchio presents were precious. And, I was just invited to his high school graduation. Wow!
Isn’t it great to see students when they’re grown up and doing well!
Yes it is! You just summed everything up in a nutshell. Thank you, Anneli.
Jennie, I have no doubt that you are so loved by all of your students and that is so wonderful! Karen 🙂
Thank you, Karen. 😊 It is wonderful. I am the lucky one.
These visits must be very special!
They are, Dan. Most of the time they’re spontaneous, where a child (not really a child any more) stops by. I know “the look” when school comes into my classroom to get me, and I make such a fuss with the “child”. Nothing beats having your old teacher think that the sun rises and sets on you! Gee, I need to write that one down. It is so true!
Ha ha – it is!
🙂
I’ve no doubt that I’ve said it before but the spell you weave is a gift that each student will carry through their lives and hopefully pass it on as you have done. It doesn’t surprise me in the least.
Thank you, Lea!
If politicians were wise enough and had a conscience, they would seek you out and harvest from your wisdom and experience. ❤
That’s so nice, Lea! ❤️
❤
What a heart warmer of a day this is. You do make them FEEL so cared for they can’t help but want to return to that feeling and pass it on a bit. Wesley has a great heart.
Heart is what it’s all about, Marlene. It is so you, and yes it is so Wesley. Feeling cared for can make all the difference in the world. I’m blessed that these children return. Thank you!
The power of good teaching.
Thank you!
Such a heartwarming post!
Thank you, Magarisa!
My pleasure, Jennie!
Congratulations to you and to Wesley! You are definitely both my heroes now!
Thank you, Anne!
I love Pinocchio, Jennie. I have a wooden puppet too. What a fun day.
It was fun, Robbie. Thank you.
How wonderful that they want to come back and share their lives with the new generation of your children Jennie.. sounds like an amazing experience for Wesley and for you all too.x
Thank you, Sally. It is certainly wonderful! 🙂
Love their inspiration…. xxxx
I know!! Me, too. 🙂
How wonderful that Wesley not only came to visit but brought gifts for the children!
It was quite an event, Liz. Thank you!
Good for you, my friend!
You’ve helped shape Wesley into a fine young man, something we need more of in this world.
We definitely need more Wesley’s. If all children had a good foundation, there would be few problems in the world. Really. Growing up with with a foundation of love, problem solving, kindness, reading, and giving is the answer to, well, umm, pretty much everything. Thank you, Hook.
Beautiful! That’s the best compliment. 🙂
Thank you, Norah. It is definitely the best complement!
How nice a really heartful share Jennie!
Thank you! 🙂
what a testimony to your impact on lives. That my friend is golden.
Thank you, Michele!
How sweet that the big kids come back to visit, Jennie. And what a fun learning experience for everyone. 🙂
I love those big kid visits, Diana. It was fun for everyone. 😀
A precious day for you all and Maya Angelou’s quote captures the essence of all our life encounters! The Pinocchio figure is wonderful and I’m sure the children will all treasure theirs. 😀
Thanks so much, Annika. It was a special day for everyone!
How lovely!