Gloria’s Holiday, a Final Adventure

Today Gloria’s journal was delivered to the class with a final entry, her adventures over Thanksgiving, snow days, and the build up to Christmas.  I promised her I would share it.  She was very excited.  Of course it was hard to read her journal to the children with so many eager little bodies pressed against me, wanting to see everything.

       

Gloria came to visit for the Thanksgiving break and was so lucky to get a couple of bonus snow days, too!  This gave us lots of time to do lots of fun activities – karate class, 2 Thanksgiving dinners, a trip to Cape Cod, playing outside in the fresh snow – just to name a few!  We also have so much fun when Gloria comes to visit!
         -The Farrington Family-

As a backstory, the Dad was a former Aqua Roomer (yes, the Dad) and my former assistant teacher.  Big brother Colin was a former Aqua Roomer for two years.  He knows, “Once an Aqua Roomer, always an Aqua Roomer.”  That means Gloria can always visit.  Little brother will soon be an Aqua Roomer.

Dear Gloria, I think you are ready for a long winter’s nap.

Jennie

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.
This entry was posted in Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Gloria, Inspiration, Student alumni, Teaching young children and tagged , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

57 Responses to Gloria’s Holiday, a Final Adventure

  1. parkermccoy says:

    Haha. Very cool post! I am wondering about what an “Aqua Roomer” is, though. Great post!

  2. Opher says:

    She’s so real!! They believe in her!

  3. petespringerauthor says:

    There’s nothing quite like those first-generation students making return appearances to make a teacher feel extra-special. Thanks for the backstory.

    • Jennie says:

      You’re right, Pete. Backstories that connect generations are the best. You just have to teach long enough to experience it. That makes all the years turn golden. I have written quite a few posts on the dad, Eamonn. And to think that this Gloria story is from his child, who has already moved on from my class. That is awesome!

      • petespringerauthor says:

        What extra special memories for you! Just about every year near the end of my career, I taught second-generation students. I’m smiling, remembering some of those parent/teacher conferences. I was one of those teachers who liked to have the students attend their conference.

      • Jennie says:

        They’re some of the best memories! 😍

  4. ❤ How wonderful when the generations continue to live on in our hearts and our lives… Great update!

  5. Norah says:

    Multi-generations of Aqua Roomers. How delightful for all – especially Gloria. 🙂

  6. cindy knoke says:

    I want to be an Aqua Roomer too….

  7. Annika Perry says:

    Bless! 😀 How special for Gloria to visit a child of one of your former students! I love these letters of her outings in the world!

  8. beetleypete says:

    She’s looking cool in her sunglasses! 🙂
    Best wishes, Pete.

  9. Dan Antion says:

    It must be an amazing feeling to have contact over time, Jennie. You have touched their lives.

  10. Darlene says:

    Another lucky family to have Gloria visit. xo

  11. Gloria looks right at home in every picture, just one of the family! (I love the one of her wearing shades at the beach.) That’s quite an Aqua Room legacy you’ve built.

  12. So cute, Jennie. You have a whole family of Aqua Roomers coming through. Happy New Year to you, Gloria, and all the Aqua Roomers. 🙂

  13. Gloria seems to lead an adventurous life. Congrats on finding something like this that the kids can all share. It’s good for us to build a community feeling with kids. In fact, adults need more of this sort of thing. : )

  14. frenchc1955 says:

    Jennie, this is wonderful!

  15. More journal entries. Gloria has a better social life than I do! 🙂 I’m so impressed that dad is sending to kids to you as well. That speaks highly of you capable skills. You don’t send your children somewhere you hated. Three cheers for the Aqua room. ;0 Big hugs and tell Gloria to enjoy her much needed rest. I’m sure she’s getting older too.

    • Jennie says:

      I always say the same thing about her social life! 😀 I’m glad you enjoyed following her adventures, Marlene. Thanks so much for your kind words. I’ll tell Gloria to enjoy her rest. Yes, she’s getting older, too.

  16. Ah, so much fun. I’m envious of Gloria. 😉 Happy New decade to you, Jennie. Hugs on the wing.

  17. It looks like Gloria had a great time, Jennie.

  18. dgkaye says:

    Gloria shall live on! And I love that – Aqua roomers! Happy New Year ahead Jennie ❤

  19. abbiosbiston says:

    Gloria’s life sounds like it’s been really eventful!

  20. What another funny post. I adore the documentary the pupils made, about Gloria’s visit. This shows you are a fantastic teacher, always looking forward on the best for the children. Michael

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