It happened quickly. Schools closed for two weeks. Teachers went in on Friday to do a deep cleaning, from surfaces to toys, even markers and the cover of every book. Over the weekend the closings of public places skyrocketed. On Monday schools were mandated to close for three weeks.
As a teacher, I need to reach out to children and teach. But how? There is little for them to do outside of home. And then it struck me.
I can read to them online!
Surely there was a way to do that. I had read aloud the book The Poet’s Dog on my blog. Maybe YouTube would work for the children? I watched a tutorial on how to set this up. On one hand my heart was pounding with excitement, and on the other hand I was filled with terror. This non-techy person was on the end of the 10 meter diving platform staring at the deep water below.
I did it. I persevered. The idea of being able to read aloud to the children was the driving force to make me jump off that 10 meter platform. I set up a YouTube account. Children (and anybody) can go to YouTube, click on ‘channel’, then go to Aqua Room. Voila!
Every day I will post reading aloud one picture book, and reading aloud the next episode in our chapter reading book, Little House in the Big Woods. Last week, barely five days ago, we left off on page 53. I picked up where we left off.
Thank goodness I did! Children were thrilled, and parents sent me photos of their children watching me read aloud. I was flooded with emails. Apparently many children told their parents they had to go to school and watch Jennie read.
There I am, on the screen. It seems surreal. Yet, it is a good way to be with the children and bring books and stories to them. Here are the picture books I am reading aloud over the next two weeks, with more to come:
Here I am reading The Seven Chinese Sisters, by Kathy Tucker:
Here I am reading a great episode of our chapter reading book:
Three weeks is a long time, especially for children. Of course we will be bringing more to them online, yet the constant will be reading aloud. As the weeks go by, you are welcome to hop over to YouTube and hear a good story. That might be a ray of sunshine.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
What a terrific idea. I’ll share this on my neighborhood FB page. Heck, I just might watch!!! A perfect example of the positive use of social media. Nice job, Jennie!👍
Thank you, Steve. This was a big change for me, but it’s very popular. The children want me to also tell “Jennie Stories”. Of course I will! 🙂
Brilliant Jennie. I’ll certainly tune in to hear you read too!
In trying times we have to try harder!
“In trying times we have to try harder.” Now that, too, is brilliant, Opher.
Yes!
Thank you, Opher. And yes, we do.
What a wonderful idea, Jennie, so appreciated by children and parents alike!
Thank you, Liz. It’s quite popular, and I believe it will grow. The children want me to tell Jennie Stories, too. Local tv news is featuring this tonight. How life has changed in only a few days!
Well, of course the children want Jennie Stories, too! How did the TV news feature go?
I saw it briefly, and it was pretty good. I need to watch it again. I’m in two short clips. I did post a Jennie Story today. 🙂
You’ll post the Jennie Story for us, too?
I hadn’t thought of that, but of course I can! Will post it tomorrow. Thanks, Liz!
Oh, good! I look forward to it.
It’s posted. 🙂
😀
Excellent idea, Jennie, You’re a great teacher. I bet your children love it. xx.
They really do, Joy. Thank you! 🙂
It’s so wonderful that you’re doing this! Your students are lucky to have such a dedicated teacher.
Thanks so much, Amanda. 😊
This is just delightful, Jennie. Schools are not closed here, though some parents have taken their children out. (Incuding our grandson) He is now at home with workbooks and drawing books, and his Mum reads to him when he has finished those for the day.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Pete. I am surprised your schools and public places haven’t closed. How will you ever get a handle on the virus? Over here, pretty much everything is closed except for grocery stores. Restaurants can only serve take out, and you can’t go inside the building to get it. Crowds of more than 10 are banned. Think of people who have weddings or funerals. And of course churches are closed.
I’m glad to hear your grandson is home learning. He can go onto my YouTube and hear me read aloud. 🙂 It is very popular! The local news is featuring it tonight. Best to you, Pete. Stay well.
Schools have closed now, and public areas are all but deserted. Profit is still king though, so they are unlikely to enforce closure of businesses.
If there is a will, there is a way. And you my friend have great will! I applaud you.
Many thanks, Pam! 🙂
What a fantastic idea. Everyone will love it!! Well done, you!
Thank you, Darlene! It is popular. Actually, I can’t imagine not doing this.
That is great!
Thanks, Ritu! It is so popular, and quite a big change. You can do this if you close. Today the state of Kansas cancelled school for the rest of the year. Yikes! Many states are wondering if we need more than three weeks. I really hope your schools and public places close. It is awful and terribly hard on people, but we have to get a handle on the virus.
Schools will close on Friday, as such, for students. But not staff. We will still be in to look after the children of key workers, like NHS staff, delivery drivers, supply shop workers, and vulnerable children such as those under social care. It will be more child care than education…
I understand completely, Ritu. What a big change. This is when children need you and the basics- hugs, music, stories, block building, free play… Just think how much you will mean to these children whose families are stressed. Give them a big hug for me. ❤️
It will only be the children of key workers, but I don’t know how it will affect our staffing. There may be 50 kids, and 50 staff… There’s only so much we can do, organisation wise… Let’s see.
But I’m happy to be on call, and help our country as much as I can, as long as it’s not to the detriment of our own families xxx
Well said, Ritu!!!
💜🙏🏽
You are an inspiration! I am mustering the courage to do the same with my yoga classes. 🙂
We are on the same wavelength! You should definitely do it. My co-teacher will be doing yoga, and I will be adding music and movement. The reading aloud will be the constant. Thank you, Alethea! 🙂
Took me at least 45 minutes to try to find a stable angle for the camera, then the cat plopped herself in my lap for about 30 minutes. She never does that. When I finally started recording my dog started barking to be let in the room. This is not easy 🤣
Oh I get to see you reading!! I love YouTube for this reason right here. That’s how I’m going to read to my grandson in Alaska. 💚💚💚 you’re amazing!
Yes!! Thank you so much. If you set up a YouTube account, your grandson can see you reading time and time again. Happy reading, K.L.
Thank you! 🙂 You too!
Jennie, can adults come and listen?
😉
Count me in…and being a non-techy too, I admire your resolve and the fact that your ‘trying’ yielded a satisfactory result…now **that’s** inspiring.
Absolutely!!! If you always wanted to hear “Little House in the Big Woods” or just want to listen to a picture book, come on in. 🙂 Go to YouTube, click on channel, and then type in Aqua Room.
I still can’t believe I actually did this! Now the kids want “Jennie Stories”, too. Of course! Reading aloud is a driving force for me because I know it works. Thank you, Laura! 🙂
I’m subscribed!
Thar’s so nice, Laura!
A super idea, Jennie!
Thank you, Sue. 🙂
Excellent idea, Jennie! I’m going to be following your channel shortly.
Thank you, Dan. Even as an adult, listening to “Little House in the Big Woods” is really wonderful. You know, the picture books might give you some writing ideas. And, they’re good. Let me know how you make out.
I love YouTube! I’m so excited you’re doing this!! I am going to share with Baby Girl and #1 Grandson! I hope he finds you, Jennie! 😀
Thank you, Deborah! You know I’m reading the good books, and he may love following “Little House in the Big Woods”, too. When you go to YouTube, first click on ‘channel’, then type in Aqua Room. 🙂
It took a minute but I found you and subscribed. ❤️
Wonderful! And, thank you. ❤️
You’re welcome! ❤
my co-teachers and i are taking turns doing this and finding ways to connect over the coming weeks, love this
That is wonderful, Beth. I just had a IM call with my teachers (we can’t meet because all restaurants are closed) to plan a schedule of something every day we can either do or suggest to families. We want to provide structured activities and learning, but parents are so stressed out – it needs to be low key.
We’re thinking music and movement and yoga on Monday (via us doing YouTube video) drawing pictures and writing on Tuesdays where they can send what they made and we can post for everyone, a building or creating day, from Legos to blocks to puzzles. We thought Friday could be a connect day, and recommend that parents let their child FaceTime or call a classmate. Reading aloud will be every day.
This is a work in progress! Let me know what you are doing. Thanks, Beth. Stay well.
We are on the same track and I’m sure it may be an evolving project. Best of luck to all of you and stay well –
Yes, we are. It is definitely an evolving project. Are you closed for three weeks? Best to you, Beth. Stay well. 🙂
we are – at least
The ‘at least’ part is the nail biter for everyone, but we have get this virus under control.
Jennie, that’s awesome! Congratulations on persevering with the technology!
Thank you, John. What a huge and sudden change in teaching this was for me. The techy part is definitely hard and out of my comfort zone, but I knew right away I wanted to/had to read to the children. It has been a huge hit! Now, the children are asking me to tell my “Jennie Stories”. Of course I will! BTW, I woke up this morning to an email from a WBZ TV reporter who wants to include me and some of the video clips in a piece on how teachers are being creative during this pandemic. Something like that. If you are a night owl (not me!) it is supposed to air on the 11:00 news. Stay well, John. 🙂
Thank you, John! You can teach an old dog new tricks. Reading aloud is definitely the driving force. 🙂
When the kids can’t come to us, we go to them instead. Way to make it happen, Jennie!
Exactly! That’s what we do. Thank you, Pete.
You are one in a million, Jennie. What a great idea. Thanks for sharing.
What a splendid idea. thank you, I know this will help a lot of parents.
Hi Jennie, this is great! I wanted to share your Youtube channel link to my four-year-old niece, but wasn’t able to. Could you paste a link here? Thanks. A very thoughtful and creative way of helping the little ones stay curious.
Thank you! Go to YouTube, select ‘channel’, then type in Aqua Room. Your four-year-old niece will love this. My students are her age. Also, I am picky about good books. 🙂
Thanks Jennie.
You’re welcome.
Isn’t it providential that you had already heard from your blogging friends how great it was to have you read to us? I know you were a little timid around the technology, but you persevered. I know that each one of us will have a specific way to use our gifts during this challenging time. You have found yours. Well done.
This is powerful, Elizabeth. Thank you. First, I read aloud to my blogging friends, which was new waters. Then I tackled new technology. The two allowed me to do something worthwhile in this challenging time. To quote Charlotte in “Charlotte’s Web”, that in itself is a tremendous thing. Thank you so much, Elizabeth.
Best lemonade recipe ever! ❤ Quenches the thirst in so many ways… xo
Bette, the poet in you is ever present and eloquent. Thank you!! ❤️
Hugs & Happy Reading, dear Jennie! ❤ I've subscribed to you YouTube Channel and look forward to sharing more of your awesome read-alouds! xo
Bette, your posting and sharing on FB was absolutely wonderful. The many people I know who don’t follow my blog were thrilled, and so was I. There are now many, many children listening to my stories, thanks to you. You made a difference, and I am deeply grateful. I hope you enjoy more of my stories. Thank you, my friend. ❤️
An excellent idea!
Thank you!
My pleasure.
Fantabulous idea! That is one of Benjamin’s favorite words and according to him it does not get any better than that! I have another suggestion for you should you still have a few lemons remaining and want to make more lemonade. Since 1997 the third Thursday in March is “Absolutely Incredible Kids Day”. It was created by Camp Fire to celebrate children by encouraging adults to write a letter or tell them how much they appreciate them, and how incredible they are. It exists to encourage and uplift children. Adults participate by writing letters or notes, or by making a video or sharing a message on social media. The goal of the day is for every child in America to receive a letter or message. If you want more information you can go to Camp Fire’s website. As the website states : “Camp Fire provides the opportunity to find their spark, lift their voice, and discover who they are. In Camp Fire, it begins now. Light the fire within.” It is my opinion that Jennie does just that every single day! Thank-YOU!
Thank you, Ellen. And, I love the idea! I was a Camp Fire Girl growing up. Children need to be given a spark, and a letter is a a wonderful idea.
I believe there is a silver lining in every catastrophe and you are the kind of person that will make it silver. I’m going to check out your channel in the morning. My DIL’s pre-school is still open for now. Many are thrilled she is still open so they can work. All the schools in the area are closed as is most everything else. This can be an economic hardship on so many people but then, we will have to find other ways to operate as you have. Keeping my fingers crossed that this flattens out and ends sooner than expected. Only you would find a way to carry on for the children. It looks like Beth is doing something similar. Feel the fear and do it anyway seems to be your motto. 🙂 Hugs, M
You are always so poignant, Marlene. Really. Our son called us today, twice this week- shock. Our daughter is calling and texting often. Emails and texts from friends and neighbors are happening multiple times every day. See? Every time there is a catastrophe, people and the nation pull together. That’s the silver lining. If I can sprinkle some silver into that lining, that’s a good thing.
The hardship on everyone is terrible, from teachers to parents, and everyone who is suddenly unemployed. Yesterday I needed to meet with my fellow teachers, and hoped we could go to a restaurant. No, all the restaurants are closed. That everyday situation will take time to get used to. My best to your DIL. And my best to you, Marlene. I love my new motto!! 😀
Thanks for the visit, Jennie. I loved what you came up with regarding reading stories online to children. Life is all about change and change we must. The important stuff comes to light in a crisis. We stop taking each other for granted and learn new ways to be in the world. This might be a very hard change. Lets hope it goes faster than expected. I hate what it’s doing to the most vulnerable of us.
Beautifully said, Marlene! I feel exactly the same way.
Wonderful lemonade you made, Jennie! You’re so expressive in your reading of “The Seven Chinese Sisters.” I kinda felt sorry for the skinny dragon and hope he got that bowl of soup! Lovely idea to keep children entertained and educated during this surreal time. I applaud your creativity! 🌹👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Many thanks, Rose! It has been a big change with many challenges. I’m glad I could ‘make lemonade’. I hope the dragon got the soup, too. 🙂
Hope so! 🥣🐉
🙂
Ah, Jennie, you are so thoughtful and kind. A great thing to be doing.
Thank you, Robbie.
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Thank you!
Thanks so much, Marlene! Silver is my new color. 🙂
Fantastic idea. You go girl, and it would be wonderful to keep this up even after Covid 19 disappears. You could reach many people in the underprivileged and underdeveloped parts of the world too.
Thank you! I was thinking the same thing. I videoed reading aloud “The Poet’s Dog” and I think I’ll post that when we’re back in school. There’s only good that can come from having stories on YouTube for others to watch. You make a good point about underprivileged children. Thanks for urging me to continue, as I will.
That is great to hear.
Thank you!
Jennie, you are simply an extraordinary teacher!
Thank you, Charles. This seemed like a simple and natural thing to do. Common sense is more the word. The local news posted a few clips on TV. I think I should keep reading aloud even after this virus is under control and we’re back to school. There are children everywhere who don’t have a parent or caregiver to read to them. Maybe this can make a difference for a child. Best to you, Charles.
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Here is a wonderful post from the extraordinary teacher, Jennie! For those of you teaching young children at home, not to mention, older kids, this is valuable educational resource!
Many thanks!
Absolutely brilliant Jennie! Making lemonade out of lemons indeed. You are a constant source of inspiration and a wonderfully expressive reader as well. You can’t see me, but I’m giving you a standing ovation!👏🏻
Thanks you so much for your kind words, Kim. ❤️
Reblogged this on By Hook Or By Book and commented:
I’m imploring everyone to read this marvelous post from Jennie, especially if you have young children stuck at home!
Thank you, Kim!
Such a wonderful idea.
The children must love it.
Thank you, Margie! They do love it. I think it also makes them feel connected.
Reblogged this on Becoming is Superior to Being and commented:
A teacher who finds a way to reach out when there are school closings. — kenne
Thank you!
You are doing what a great teacher should do. Kudos! Our library is doing readings on YouTube for the children also so perhaps you have started a great event to help keep the children entertained in a good way during this school shutdown.
Thank you, Bev. I’m glad to hear your library is doing readings, too. I hope,this will be the start of a great event while schools are shutdown.
Nice to see that you are reaching out to children. I know, as a parent, I would truly appreciate that!
Thank you, Mark!
I love this! I’m an Usborne Books & More consultant and we were given permission to read books for the next 3 weeks (and then delete them in April.) So I’ve been doing a daily story time in my Facebook group.
That’s wonderful!
Jennie, this is so lovely. You are truly inspirational.
Thank you so much!
A pleasure, Jennie. I hope you can soon return to the classroom. I love your dedication.
Many thanks! I hope so, too.
Reblogged this on beetleypete and commented:
This lovely post from Jennie shows what can be done to continue the education of children in these difficult times. She is always an inspiration.
Thank you, Pete!
Fantastic! Warmest regards, Theo
Thank you, Theo!
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Thank you!
Thank you! WArmest regards, Theo
And to you. 🙂
What a marvelous idea! I will have to try that….
Thank you, Cindy. If I can do it, so can you! 🙂
I like it, I like it.
😀
You have given them the best thing you can in these challenging times. Children, above all, need a sense of stability and hope, with some strength mixed in, so reading to them is one of the powerful ways to achieve those things. And perhaps drawing things from the books is good too. What about the idea of seeking three secret words in each book or part of the book they read and writing it (even if it is spelled wrong. That will also give them another thing to do sort of like a mystery to be solved. This can bring some good thinking and points for anyone who can spell the words right. A challenge for them to look up. You might have the words posted in another place. Children love games where they have to guess things. If they are too young to do the words, what about finding something in a picture from the book or several things. How about reading to Gloria? Since the children love and know Gloria, they will take to their favorite character and feel a sense of security by seeing her. I know you are an excellent teacher so I know you will think of a lot of things on your own, but I love to share ideas too because it is one of my fondest memories too. Thank you for the wonderful things you always do. Hugs and continued blessings, Anne
Thank you, Anne! They are too young to find words. I have been stopping to ask questions as I read, about the picture or about what’s happening in the story. And today I had the children say the repeated phrase along with me. Gloria will visit on Thursday as herself. 🙂 As we were in the middle of learning about France, I will teach her some words and we’ll sing a song together. She will have a lot to say to the children. This is a work in progress! My co-teachers are posting music, movement and yoga. We’re in this together!
You will always find something wonderful for them. You are probably going to get two sets of wings!!!
That is the nicest thing to say. Thank you, Anne. That means a lot, especially on a hard week. Many thanks! ❤️
Oh, bless you, Jennie! You are such a lovely person:)). And that was one of my Grandfather’s favourite sayings…
Thank you, Sarah. That is so nice. That saying is part of my childhood, too.
when life hands you lemons……..add sugar
Yes!
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