Backyard neighbors strolled over for a distance visit.
The baby loves all the hanging fish and wind socks.
And then she discovered the fountain
And climbed right in.
We played, picked flowers,
all at a distance.
Children bring joy!
Then I read her a story, You Be You,
the sequel to Only One You, by Linda Kranz.
Highly recommended!
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 
Just… how lovely! ❤
Thanks, Ritu. Having a real child here, exploring water and flowers, was a delight after Zooms.
I bet! I’ll see my reduced class from tomorrow!
Wonderful!
It was lovely, Jennie. Surreal, but lovely. X
😍
Wonderful
😀
It would have taken all of my self-restraint not to pick up that child and smoosh her. Adorable! 🙂
I felt exactly the same way! Honestly, watching her explore and discover the flowing water was delightful.
🙂
Unfortunately we haven’t seen our grandchildren for six months!! Interaction is so important!
Opher, we haven’t seen our grandchildren in over six months. I know how you feel. Combine that with not seeing any of my students. And suddenly our neighbors appear with their child. What a joy, because as you said, interaction is so important.
A much needed smile. Thank you.
You’re welcome!
What a delightful visit! I´m sure she enjoyed being read to as well.
It was so delightful after months of not seeing children. She loved being read to. 🙂
So sweet!
Thank you, Becky!
LOL! How delightful!! 😀
Thank you, Deborah!
One good thing about the very young ones, they don’t know enough to be afraid at the moment. Looks like she had a wonderful time. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
They don’t know enough to be afraid, and their curiosity is all consuming. Exploring water that flows in different ways is a big fascination. She had a wonderful time! Best to you, Pete.
Joy can be found in the smallest of items if we look for it.
Yes, it can!
How sweet, Jennie. Small children are such a pleasure.
Thank you, Robbie. Yes, they are!
IN the fountain. What a laugh.
If I could find a fountain proportionate to my size, I wouldn’t mind doing the same!
Yes, IN. She never batted an eye as she climbed in, determined to play and explore. 😀
So adorable!!
She made my day!
😀
A perfect moment! I love that picture of her in the fountain, it just captures the wonder and open-mindedness of childhood.
Exactly!
Oh Jennie, that is a picture you could just squeeze! I love the image and will carry it through my day. How much did she love the story?
I’m glad it made your day, Marlene. It was precious! She stayed through five pages of the book. There was just too much for her to see and do.
Precious…
Made my day!
Sweet!
Did she sit down and start to splash or did she contain herself?
She wanted to feel the flowing water, so she stood the whole time. I think she would have sat down if we turned the fountain off.
That makes sense.
Sounds like a great visit! You’re the best neighbor 🙂
While our houses are not very close together, it feels much the same as life was with backyard neighbors before phones and technology. I think of that whenever they walk over. Really nice to hold on to a piece of the 20th century.
What a beautiful way to spend an afternoon!!!
It made my day, Jill!
How gorgeous! An explorer and a reader!
Indeed! A two-for-one moment.
Indeed! 🙂
Fantastic visit. You are really a fulltime teacher, with heart and soul, Jennie! Grabbing every possible chance with benefits for children future. Thank you! Enjoy your weekend. Michael
Thank you, Michael!
Thank you Jennie! Always fun and very informtive at your blog. Hope you had a beautiful weekend, and its going on at school too. Best wishes, Michael
Thanks, Michael. Two more busy weeks at school. Best to you!
Hey, like here. Good luck, but i am shure pupils will miss you.
Thanks, Michael!
Thank you too, Jennie! You are always fascinating, with your ideas bringing knowledge in a playful way to the children.
You’re welcome, Michael. Thank you for your kind words.
Thank you too, Jennie! Always a great pleasure. Be well and stay save. Michael
How lucky the neighbors are to you have right in their backyard!
I feel very lucky!
Ha. How cute. There have been times when I’d like to climb in a fountain. 🙂
Wouldn’t that be fun!
OMG… that’s adorable. I can just imagine that scene. Thanks for this huge smile, Jennie! Hugs on the wing.
Glad to make you smile!
So sweet!
Thank you!
A most lovely visit. ❤
It was wonderful!