When children leave my class and move on to Pre-K or Kindergarten, we often see each other in the hallway. A wave, a smile, and sometimes a big hug, comes naturally. Those moments are genuine. You can’t make children feel something.
I was in the hallway at school, headed to the right. Brooke was coming down the hallway in the opposite direction. As we passed each other, this is what we said:
(Brooke): “Hi Jennie.”
(Me): “Hi Brooke.”
(Brooke): “I miss you.”
(Me): “I miss you more.”
(Brooke): “I miss you most.”
(Brooke): “Love you.”
(Me): “Love you, too.”
By the time we said ‘love you’, we were far enough apart to turn around, yell, and wave. I think we both smiled all the way to our hearts.
I have Maya Angelou’s quote hanging on a plaque right in front of me. It says,
“People will forget what you said,
people will forget what you did,
but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
I often replace ‘people’ with ‘children’. Does Brooke remember our Morning Meetings and activities? Maybe, because that’s what went to her brain, stored for life. What she will never forget is how I made her feel, in her heart for life.
The brain never forgets. The heart always remembers.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
I so love that dialogue. You give those kids such a great start in education and in life. It is inevitable that they will meet not so nice people in life, but they will be OK as they will remember the love you showed them and the way you made them feel.
Thank you, Darlene. The simplest of genuine dialogues can often be the most meaningful, can’t they? It certainly made my day. Yes, love sticks!
Nice article
Thank you.
Now, that’s the kind of school hallway encounter to have!! I’ll bet Brooke will always remember you. (The Maya Angelou quote is a favorite of mine, too.)
Yes, It is! I do hope Brooke remembers me. That quote is always in view for me to read.
🙂
I love that chance encounter, Jennie. Children don’t forget how people made them feel, and you’ve made so many feel loved.
It sure made my day, Dan! Many thanks!
Oh how wonderfully true that is. “People never forget how you make them feel.” Thank you Jenny.
Thank you!
Aww. How sweet, Jennie. A wonderful post about the power of kindness. 🙂
Thank you, Diana!
What a beautiful encounter and tribute to how you made Brooke feel she remembered your kindness …Love this quote by Maya Angelou 🙂 x
Thank you, Carol. The quote is one of my favorite’s too.
Wonderful for teacher/pupil relationships to read of such unforgettable moments xxx
Thank you, Joy!
I may be called “Gem” by some but you truly are a GEM! “The mind will not always remember exactly what happened but the heart will always remember the feeling.” – Brigitte Nicole Grice. Thank-you!
Ellen, you have the best quotes, and the kindest words. Thank you!
Great story, Jennie. The heart always remembers.
Yes it does! Thank you, John.
This is beautiful, Jennie! It really does touch you when older children still want to be with us!
It really does, Ritu! I know you know the feeling. So, will you stop wearing masks in school starting on Monday? I’ve been dying to ask you.
We only wear them in communal areas,not classrooms, and when speaking to parents, and other outsiders.
The kids in secondary school had to wear them in the classroom and that stopped on Thursday. Xx
Sooo, up to this point did your children have to wear them in the classroom? We can only take masks off to eat and when we’re outside. That’s for children and teachers. Everyone. Big ugh! The kids in your secondary schools must be thrilled. I do worry about more Covid if they’re in close areas, though.
Not kids in primary school, ever. Teachers – not in our classrooms or in our bubbles.
But the older ones. Yes, they’re relieved !
I am SOOO jealous!!!!
All things considered, we are lucky, I guess!
Yes!! I find the hardest part is understanding what a child is saying when they’re wearing a mask. Best to you, Ritu! 💕
I know, poor little things!
Your sincerity, your genuine kindness touches them at their core and helps to form their character. That is truly a gift.
That’s so nice, Pam. Thank you!
I speak only the truth my friend.
You do, and I am humbled.
Those kids not only appreciate you, they love you. And that love endures as they grow older. You have a special magic, dear Jennie.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, my friend. You say the nicest things. 🥰
LOVE–that’s what it’s all about! 💞 Sharing…
Amen! Thank you, Bette! 💕
💞
The Maya Angelou quote is one of my all-time favorites. Not only do I like the sentiment, but I believe it in all my heart. When kids like their teacher, it makes all the difference.
Yes, yes!! Her quote is the only one I have on a big plaque hanging where I see it all the time. It makes all the difference in the world when kids like us. 😍
This is so beautiful. I’m sure you made all your kids feel special and loved, Jennie. Not the easiest for everyone to do.
Thank you, Carla! I do love them.
That’s the sweetest story I’ve ever heard in ages. She will remember you and how you made her feel. You are one lucky human to experience that. It warms my heart. Hugs to you, Jennie.
I feel so lucky, Marlene. Those moments are only a few seconds long, but they’re worth their weight in gold. Hugs to you, my friend!
those kinds of interactions must make your day!
The absolutely do!
So true, Jennie. You’ve made me feel great, too. And I’m a big kid😉.
I’m so glad! And of course I’m just a big kid, too. 😀
Awww! So lovely to read.
Thank you, FR!
Just reading that I can remember Miss Hilen, my kindergarten teacher, and how much we looked forward to seeing each other each morning.
That is so wonderful to hear! Thanks for telling me. I’m glad it brought back good memories of her.
That’s the best passing encounter ever! 🥰
Yes, indeed! It was so fast, going in opposite directions. Sometimes all it takes is a moment. 😍
How very lovely, Jennie. Those words are so very true.
Thank you, Robbie.
Another beautiful post Jennie. You teach them young how to say I love you, so important. I never grew up hearing those words, and I could never bring myself to say them even in relationships. I learned unconditional love from my husband. That’s why I married him. ❤
What a beautiful remembrance, Debby! 💕
Great idea!
Thank you.
💓 So heartwarming! 🥰
Thank you!
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Thank you.