This piece is actually about the last quilt my class made.
Bloggers have asked me to ‘finish the story’.
Here is Part 2, with two more to follow.
Over the summer I will go back to the beginning,
how it all started with a trip to a museum, and meeting Milly.
It is perhaps my favorite series of posts,
and certainly one of the most important and memorable
parts of my teaching career.
It will be my next series of posts.
In Part 1, children embraced the song “This Land is Your Land” as their own. They sang the song every day, multiple times a day. By the time winter arrived, they had ‘taken over’, and constantly used the book This Land is Your Land when they sang. The book brings American landmarks and history to life, and it also depicts humanity, the good and the bad. Children love the ‘sad page’, and the ensuing verse that gives us all hope and reminds us of what we can do, together. In my classroom, the song just keeps on going.
Part 2:
It was a regular morning in the classroom. Children were finishing snack. The routine is they get a book and have silent reading (or not so silent) while other children finish their snack. Of course there are a few children who try to eat quickly so they can have first dibs on a book. This Land is Your Land is always the first to get picked. And, it’s hard to read the book and not sing, or at least hum. On this particular morning, multiply that tenfold.
I remarked to Naomi, my assistant teacher, “The last time children were so vested in a song and couldn’t get enough was eight years ago. I had to do something, do more. Milly the quilter made a quilt.”
Lightbulb moment: Of course, a quilt!
I told Naomi all about the quilting adventure with Milly eight years ago.
“But Jennie, Milly died. We don’t have a quilter.”
“I think we might. Remember Donna? Years ago when she came into the classroom to make pasta with the children I asked her if she would be willing to be a Milly, a grandparent figure, if and when Milly was unable to do so. She is wonderful. And, she’s a quilter.”
“Donna really is wonderful. I had no idea she was a quilter. Wow. That would be awesome.”
Naomi took the children to the hallway to get their coats and get ready to go outside. I was in the classroom, feeling like I had found buried treasure, or solved the mysteries of Stonehenge, or something like that. And then I was hit by a tidal wave of feeling, not by me – by Milly. For a moment she was there, and I knew she was giving me her approval. I could feel her smiling. It was time to move forward and pass the torch. And then she was gone. Just like that. Well… I just said under my breath, “Thank you, Milly.”
This just doesn’t happen to most people. But it did to me.
Naomi came back into the room. “Jennie, what happened? Are you okay?” I said, “Milly was here. She gave me her approval. She was happy.”
Next, I needed to call Donna. Her first words were, “When Milly died, I was waiting for you to call me. I thought you would ask me.” I told her everything. Donna knew Milly and always remarked about her quilts. Then Donna said, “I’ve never done anything like that before. I’m up for the challenge.”
Those were exactly the words Milly had said to me many years ago – was that an omen?
And so, we began a quilting journey. First, we gathered the children, and Donna, in a big meeting. To my surprise, Donna asked if ‘Gloria’ could come, too. Gloria was thrilled. So were the children. We sang the song while holding the book. Then came the big moment to introduce a quilt. I don’t tell children, I ask children, and I asked them if they would like to make a quilt about their favorite book. That was like asking them if they wanted to help Santa Claus deliver presents.
“Donna can sew the quilt. What should we have in the quilt?” Every child couldn’t wait. They had to shout out their ideas. They were so excited! Here is their list:
Heart
Rainbow
American flag
Baby
Gulf stream waters
Statue of Liberty
Colors
Trees
Fireworks
Gloria
Our school
Ribbon of highway
Clouds
Houses
Grass
Foot steps
Sparkling sand
Sun
Wheat fields
Dust clouds
Kite
Church
The list is a wonderful collection of both the song and the book. The children were spot on!
Next, we made a giant sketch of all our ideas. Pen to paper. Ideas to paper. Heart to paper.
Stay tuned for Part 3.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
This is wonderful. I’m so pleased that Milly was willing to pass the torch and that Donna was willing to take it. Such a marvellous experience for everyone involved.
Thank you, Norah! It was ‘meant to be’. 🙂
It appears so. 💖
🙂
I love, love the quilting tradition and happy donna took it on
It all seemed to fall into place. Thank you, Beth.
As ever, inspirational and moving, Jennie. How wonderful Donna felt able to take on the tradition started by Millie…
Thank you, Sarah! It was fitting for the children to get ‘more’ from the song and book they adored.
A remarkable journey for you and these children (and Milly and Donna).
Thank you, Dan. Looking back, it was “the best”. 🙂
One of the most precious things about situations like this is that it is not just the children that are affected. Their enthusiasm, their innocence affects all those around them and it becomes a domino effect. I look forward to reading more.
It really does, Pam. You are intuitive and spot on! I’m glad you’re enjoying this.
This a lovely thing to read of, I’m looking forward to the next pasrts, and hopefully seeing the final quilt!
Thank you, FR. You will see. 🙂
Oh man, this gave me goosebumps!! It’s a wonderful project and experience for you all. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the story and seeing their class’s quilt.
Thanks so much, Deborah! I think you will enjoy the rest. 🙂
Wonderful lessons.
Thank you, Anneli!
You know I love this 🥰
❤️🥰💕
God bless the Milly’s and Donna’s of the world who come through for teachers. I have to believe that most people would jump at the chance to help children and a caring teacher like you, Jennie.
Yes, God Bless them! Thank you, Pete. Wonderful people are out there. Mr. Rogers always said, “Look for the helpers.” 🙂
Hooray for Donna! Looking forward to seeing what happens.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Pete. She was a dream. Best to you.
Great ideas take on a life of their own. Another lovely post, and another amazing quilt on its way. 🙂
Many thanks, Diana. It’s wonderful when an idea I’d child-driven.
Very Exciting, Jennie. Looking forward to Part 3. 😁
Thanks, John! 🙂
Wonderful, Jennie!
Thank you, Bette! 😍
P.S. Just sent THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND to my Great Grand Girl in New Mexico… It’s a perfect way to celebrate America every day. Thanks for the reminder, Jennie! xo
Bette, that is just wonderful! Thank you for telling me. It really is a perfect way to celebrate America. How old is she? If she loves the book, I created an ‘I Spy’ of the illustrations. I can send it to you. 😍
She’ll be 8 in November! 🙂 I think she would love your “I Splys”… ❤ xoxoxo
Hooray! I will find that for you, Bette. Email me @ sfitzkee@erols.com so I can send it to you.
🇺🇸💥
Thank you.
I love reading about these wonderful projects you do with the students. Bravo to Donna for taking over Millie´s role.
Thank you so much, Darlene. I’m glad you enjoy these projects. That means a lot. Yes, hats off to Donna! I hope you enjoy reading about Milly, too. 🙂
I love that she was just waiting to be asked. That happens a lot I think, but our hesitancy can prevent us from asking.
Donna was worried she couldn’t live up to Milly, but as soon as she met the children, everything was smooth sailing (and very exciting!) She suspected I’d be asking her. It was truly wonderful.
Too great.
🙂
Good
You are making a strong foundation for children.
Strong Foundation is an indication towards higher dreams building.
Thank you.
This is so exciting, Jennie. I do miss having small children with all their enthusiasm.
Thank you, Robbie. The enthusiasm runs the quilt train, doesn’t it?
Reblogged this on NEW OPENED BLOG > https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
Thank you, Michael!
I cant say often enough, the Anglo-American style of teaching and education is much more oriented on the human behavior. 😉 Here – so my experiences – its more a commanding to tell the duty, law and order. Thank you for giving me hope, Jennie! In future we will have it too. xx Michael
Michael, I think you have it backwards- you are the one giving me hope. Knowing how education seems to be in Germany (law and order vs human behavior), I am inspired to keep teaching what I feel is the right thing. Thank you!