Today is the 40th anniversary of ‘Miracle on Ice’, when Team USA beat the Soviet Union in the medal round in ice hockey at the 1980 Olympics.
This is not a sports story. This is a story of what can happen when kids try hard and give it all their heart.
I was there, glued to the TV, watching the game.
This was a college team, many from New England. Kids playing pros.
And they won.
I teach children to try hard and do their best.
I teach children to believe in themselves and follow their heart.
Miracles do happen.
Jennie
About Jennie
I have been teaching preschool for over forty 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 
I remember this so well, and one of favorite sports memories. yes, always believe in yourself, anything is possible. this is the best message that any child could be taught.
Yes, indeed! This moment in hockey proves just that. I loved it!
Oh my gosh! I remember watching this with my dad! It was so exciting and inspiring!☺️
Yes!! It was thrilling. Thanks, Kim. 😀
I am a sports junkie, and I remember that contest so well. It’s mind-blowing that was already forty years ago. Sports can teach a lot of valuable life lessons such as discipline, perseverance, and being part of a team. Our son is a college football coach—actually, he’s transitioning to teaching/coaching at the high school level.
I know exactly what you mean! Great lessons learned. This was a game for the ages. Your son must feel proud to be teaching and coaching football. Best to you, Pete.
I remember this well, Jennie. That was a remarkable day.
Yes, it was!
Well said, Jennie. The difference between winning and losing can come down to desire.
Absolutely!
Miracles do happen when we all care for each other as you so perfectly demonstrate Jennie.
Well said, Cindy. And, thank you. 🙂
I remember the day as well. As you and the children can attest, heart counts for a great deal.
It certainly does! Thank you, Liz.
Wonderful!
😍
Truer words were never spoken. I watched the game too!
It was one for the ages. So many lessons here. 🙂
thank you for the remembrances. one of the best games ever. Jennie, you are right . It is one for the ages.
You are most welcome. Yes, one of the best!
I don’t watch any sport, but I was in Moscow the year before that, and saw the stadium. Glad to hear it made you happy that your team won, Jennie. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
The game was in Lake Placid, NY at the 1980 Olympics. We visited friends who lived close by but could not get tickets to the game. I think the win lifted the whole country, as Iran was holding Americans hostage at the time. Best to you, Pete.
Ah, I was obviously talking about the Moscow Stadium, for the Summer Olympics that were heavily boycotted. I said I don’t watch sport. 🙂
Now I understand! Thanks, Pete.
A great example for the kids.
Yes indeed!
Awesome! 🙂
It was, Bette. Can you believe it was 40 years ago.
Time really does fly… Have a lovely weekend, dear Jennie!
Yes! Happy weekend, Bette!
Such a great moment! Olympic moments like these are so wonderful. They make you feel glad you were alive to see them.
Well said! I feel exactly the same way. 🙂
Seems like yesterday. I listened on the radio. Speaking of ice, my wife fell on some this past Wednesday, broke her wrist, will need surgery in all likelihood.
Oh, no!! I’m so sorry to hear about your wife, Steve. We have had cold rains this winter and little snow, and that means ice. The slipping and falling on ice has been a constant hazzard. Fingers crossed for her speedy recovery.
You listened to the game on the radio? That must have been awesome. Listening to sports on the radio is an entirely different experience. I love baseball and the Red Sox on the radio. Were you still in New York then? Lake Placid is wonderful. We were there for hockey tournaments with our son in the early 90’s.
Fantastic, Jennie.
Thank you, Robbie.
New to me, but well done! Thank you for remembeing on this, Jennie!Have a beautiful Sunday. Michael
Thank you, Michael. For Americans, it’s one of the greatest moments in the Olympics. Happy Sunday to you!
Now i know. Honestly i am only in active sporting. My father was great in watching soccer. So i learned this cant be mine. 😉
🙂