Best Buddy

Here is a photo of me and my Best Buddy, fifteen years ago.

Yes, Best Buddy.  That’s what we called each other.
As the years went on, we saw each other occasionally,
and we always called each other Best Buddy.

Best Buddy Leo came to school today to sing and make music with the children.  There’s nothing like a guitar to bring children together.  And, there’s nothing like a former Aqua Roomer returning to school.

When Leo walked into the classroom, there was Gloria.  He remembered!  Their homecoming was exciting.  I hadn’t expected that.

He played “Baby Shark” which is children’s current favorite song,
“The ABC Song” which is always a favorite, and timeless songs like
“You Are My Sunshine.”

 Then he asked the children if he could sing “This Land is Your Land.”  He remembered the song.  The children were thrilled, and someone rushed over to the bookshelf to bring him the book.


“You still have this book!”

We all belted out the song, as one Best Buddy played the guitar,
and the other Best Buddy held the book.

Then we had a final picture, under the quilt, along with Gloria.

Thank you, Best Buddy.

“Music is the glue that joins people together”
~Yo- Yo Ma~

Jennie

About Jennie

I have been teaching preschool for over thirty 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 am highlighted in the the new edition of Jim Trelease's bestselling book, "The Read-Aloud Handbook" because of my reading to children. My class has designed quilts that hang as permanent displays at both the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, and the Fisher House at the Boston VA Hospital.
This entry was posted in Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, music, preschool, Singing, Student alumni and tagged , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

58 Responses to Best Buddy

  1. beth says:

    what a wonderful best buddy reunion!

  2. beetleypete says:

    That was a wonderful reunion, Jennie. Yet another example of your ‘Jennie Effect’! 🙂
    By the way, I know how much you like Mr Rogers. Are you aware of the new film about him, starring Tom Hanks? You probably are. 🙂

    Best wishes, Pete.

    • Jennie says:

      Thank you, Pete. That’s so nice. I definitely know about the movie but have not seen it yet. Many teachers were disappointed that it was not so much about Mister Rogers as it was about the guy who interviewed him. I will definitely see it, though. Best to you.

  3. srbottch says:

    Wonderful story, Jennie. That says volumes about you when students return to see you and participate in your classroom activities. He sounds like an accomplished young man.

  4. I can always count on your posts to bring a smile and those heart-tingles that spread throughout the body ❤

  5. Dan Antion says:

    How wonderful! You really make an impression, Jennie.

  6. quiall says:

    I love that song! I only knew the Canadian version for many years.

  7. Super Best Buddy post, Jennie.

  8. joylennick says:

    What a delightful post! So ‘good feel’….you could ‘taste’ it!! xx

  9. This is wonderful to see, Jennie. Always making memories…

  10. That is so great, Jennie. I bet it was a big thrill for everyone.

  11. petespringerauthor says:

    My heart is full for you and your best buddy, Jennie. What a special friendship! I LOVE that Leo came back to visit, but better yet, he is demonstrating the most powerful of human traits—the gift of one’s self. I can feel your pride from across the country.

  12. What a terrific post, Jennie. Such fun for the kids to have a guitar playing visitor who once sat in their place.

  13. Darlene says:

    How wonderful for everyone. For Leo to return to a classroom he has fond memories of. For the current classroom who got to sing along with someone who used to be in their class. And for you to experience the fruits of your labour!!

  14. What a wonderful “Best Buddies” reunion! 🙂 Special in every way… xo

  15. jilldennison says:

    I love it! So very heartwarming! ❤

  16. Clement says:

    Acts 16:31, 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, 1 Peter 1:17-21, Revelation 22:18-19

  17. abbiosbiston says:

    This is the cutest. It really shows the impact you’ve had on your students.

  18. That pleasant reunion speaks volumes to you as a teacher and human. It was so fun to see and I can see the children enjoyed his visit. BTW, I did see the film “Mr. Rogers” and loved it. Have a wonderfilled weekend.

    • Jennie says:

      Marlene, you always have something to say that makes me think, because you see things in so many ways. “And a human”. That really made me stop and think. Thank you! It was a wonderful reunion, and the kids were pressed in so close to Leo. That speaks volumes. So glad you liked the Mr. Rogers movie. Happy weekend.🙂

  19. This is real friendship, and remembering Gloria shows he adored your great invention, Jennie! Your work is really blessed! Michael

  20. What a heartwarming and uplifting post! *big grin plastered all OVER my face*

  21. This definitely filled my heart with wonderful memories too, Jennie. Thank you so much, and the young man is adorable!

  22. dgkaye says:

    OMG so heartwarming!!! ❤

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