The Joy of Teaching – Moments

Since we’re learning about France, we sing the ‘Days of the Week’ song in French.  Children are excited to add new words – real words in a foreign language – to a song they already know.

The ‘Helper of the Day’ gets to hold the pointer and lead children in the calendar and weather.  It’s a big job.  It involves left to right, number and letter recognition, and of course singing.  We often add challenges.  Often.

The ‘Helper of the Day’ decided she wanted to sing the ‘Days of the Week’ all by herself – in French!

These are the moments that make me want to teach 24/7 forever.

Jennie

About Jennie

I have been teaching preschool for over thirty-five 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.
This entry was posted in Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, School, Singing, Teaching young children and tagged , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

69 Responses to The Joy of Teaching – Moments

  1. Enthusiasm is comtageous❤ (as much as covid🤣)

  2. Ritu says:

    So, so lovely! 💜

  3. Makes me wonder how long that song will stick with her. 🙂

  4. I remember as a kid the whole class had to stay behind in detention and learn the whole French national anthem parrot fashion. When we could recite it then we could go home. Can you imagine that happening today? I can still recite most of it though!

  5. Ally Bean says:

    School is much more fun now than when I was that age. No wonder you like teaching.

  6. Lori-ize it! says:

    when children feel that the adult around them see that they are capable learners they want to learn more. thank you giving this gift to so many children

  7. beth says:

    yes, I so get this! every day is a joy

  8. you were born a Teacher Jennie!

  9. beetleypete says:

    She did so well, and her bow at the end was lovely.
    Best wishes, Pete.

    • Jennie says:

      Yes, the bow! Lucy will go places in this world. When I do math challenges on the whiteboard (I call it Erase-A-Number), I challenge Lucy with something like, “Erase the number that is two numbers before 78.” She laughs because it is so easy. On the other hand, she was a big part of our Peter and the Wolf play. She might be an engineer or a scientist, or she might be a star performer. I’m just glad I get to be her teacher. On a side note, she has Gloria for the weekend.

  10. srbottch says:

    Jennie, you’ll always be teaching, in or out of a classroom, kids or adults, formally or otherwise. It’s who you are. As sales people say, ABC, ‘always be closing’, for you it’s ABT, ‘always be teaching’.

  11. Applause, applause for Lucy!! (Cool pointer, too!)

  12. What a rewarding experience, Jennie. Thanks for sharing.

  13. Darlene says:

    How adorable and what a great way to learn another language. You are just the best teacher!!

  14. Don Ostertag says:

    Oh, what a cute little helper!

  15. petespringerauthor says:

    I suspect that Helper of the Day is a position that is quite popular. Most kids love to be in charge or help the teacher and class. Good stuff, Jennie!

    • Jennie says:

      Yes, it is very popular. Children ask every day who is the Helper of the Day, and when it is their turn. Ringing the bell for clean-up time is the biggest hit. Children need to feel empowered and in charge. Thank you, Pete.

  16. quiall says:

    When a child Starts to think independently that is perhaps the greatest gift.

  17. Dan Antion says:

    You bring out the best in these children, Jennie and they return the favor.

  18. CarolCooks2 says:

    Another wonderful example of what you do and how it empowers these children..nothing forced or contrived it all happens so naturally as it should…x

  19. Jennie, this is wonderful! Thank you!

  20. You can see the joy and pride in her face… Wonderful that you make teaching such a joy … Sending love and well wishes dearest Jennie… May your joy and love continue to spread Magic in your classroom.. 🙂

  21. bosssybabe says:

    So great to see! I would’ve been too shy as a kid but it’s nice to see teachers nurturing each child’s individuality! I am a huge proponent of learning different cultures/languages so this is so lovely!

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  24. It seems you soon have to organize travelling to France. 😉 xx Michael

  25. dgkaye says:

    Oh, the joy. ❤

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