Last week I took the children and their families to see the Art Show. It has been two years since we took a field trip. As you can imagine, the event was eagerly anticipated by families as well as the children. Families were packed in the foyer at school, waiting as teachers walked the children to greet them.
I tried to do a little speech ahead of our walk to Post Office:
Families, thank you for joining us to see the Art Show. When you get there and see the art…it’s okay to cry.
That broke the ice. Everyone laughed out loud, but I could tell they relaxed…and their hearts swelled.
Of course once we got there, it was a mad commotion. Parents found their child’s art, and I was up and down the line telling parents stories of how their child decided on what to make, and how they made it. This was a celebration and a discovery, combined. I understood. It was a moment.
Once everyone was ‘ready’, I brought each child up to their masterpiece. I told them how magnificent it was (yes, they were on stage in front of everyone), and then I told them how I remember how they made the painting, or why they chose the art. We talked about it, in front of everyone. You could have heard a pin drop.
When all was said and done, we posed for a group photo:
Art is the voice of the heart.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
Wonderful, Jennie. I bet there was so much emotion of happiness from the families and gratitude for a job well done. How long will the ‘show’ be on display? Do you ever get a public reaction?
Thank you, Steve. The show is on display till the end of May. Yes, we get plenty of public reaction. The guest book is always packed with comments from many people.
I love everything about this, Jennie. I’m sure emotions ran high. we’ll be going on our first field trip next week after 2 long years
Thank you, Beth. Yes, emotions ran high. Where are you going on your field trip? I know how you feel, after two years. 🙂
This is so wonderful Jennie! I bet they will remember it for an age!
Thank you, Ritu! 💕
That sounds so wonderful. I wish wvery child could experience something like that. Good for you!
Thank you.
Yep. The luckiest kids in the world are in your class.
Awww…🥰
Because you took the time Jenny they will have the memory. Lovely❤
That’s so kind, Sandra. I hope so!
I love that you put it on display in the community. It is so important for the community to see the work and even more that the children see that the community enjoyed their masterpiece.
You are exactly right! Thank you, Lori.
So many important lessons and experiences in this post, Jennie. Well done!
Thank you, Dan!
It is a voice that should never be shushed! What lovely memories you have created.
I will always champion for that voice, Pam. Thank you.
I’m glad you said it was ok to cry! 😭😭😭😭❤️💛 Bravo!!!!!
I’m glad I did, too. It just came out… 🥰
💛
Art is the voice of the heart. So true. Love this. The kids look so proud.
I’m so glad you liked it, Darlene! It really is the voice of the heart. Yes, proud kids!
That made my heart swell 🙂
🥰
I wonder how many have found purchase with these artist seeds sown?
Indeed!
What a great occasion. They will never forget their first Art Show! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Pete. I took it a step further and recommended the parents take their child to a real art museum, and listed a few that would be appropriate. Best to you.
The artworks are amazing!! True masterpieces!! WOW!! Thank you for sharing and spreading the joy of life. You are very special Jennie!!
Thanks so much, Ren!!
Great event, Jennie. I would have cried like a baby.
Awww… thank you, John. 😊
Thank you for sharing the special moment with us, Jennie! A HUGE congratulations to the Aqua Roomers on their masterpieces!!
I’m really glad you enjoyed this, Liz. Thank you!!
You’re welcome, Jennie!
And no wonder you said that about its okay to cry… The joy and pride of those children’s pieces of art bring a lump to your throat..
Wonderful Art show and give yourselves all a pat on the back. ❤
Tears were shed and so were squeals of delight. Thank you, Sue!
How completely wonderful. You are a gifted teacher.
You are so kind, Cindy. Thank you!
The artwork is lovely.
Thank you.
Oh how wonderful! I’m teary eyed just from the images I’m sure I would have been crying had I been there. The wall looks fantastic!! They are talented kids, and you brought that out! Well done everyone!! 🥰
Picasso said, “Every child is an artist.” He was right. I think (know) I was as teary as the parents. I’m so glad you liked this, Deborah.
Well, that’s the feel-good post of the day. I can imagine how great it felt to get out and have a field trip again. The looks on those faces make it all worth it.
I’ve had a great day. Ran into an old third-grade student today at the gym who is now a junior in high school (Spring Break). He is now taller than me. 😊 A grandmother called and said her twin granddaughters are coming into town next week and want to get together. They’re high school seniors. Now, I’m heading off to read to the seniors. My heart is full. We’re heading to Montana on Thursday if the weather cooperates.
It was wonderful to finally have a field trip. I’m glad this post made you feel good, Pete. What a great event!
You had one of the best days, ever! Hooking up with former students is always terrific. I hope you take pictures! How is reading to the seniors going? We need to talk about that. And you’re off to see Ryan? Yes!! Fingers crossed for good weather. Best to you, my friend.
It’s been the best experience. I didn’t know how it would go, but it reinforces the idea of taking a chance because the payoffs might be worth it. I leave feeling happy each time because I’m connecting with them on a personal level. Today, I talked to the owner about writing a story about it on my blog. As I suspected, privacy is a concern, so photos may be out. She did say that I could take pictures and post them on their Facebook website. Writing a blog post will be one of the first things I do when we get back from Montana.
This is just wonderful!!
Art, Art, Awesome Art! 💞
Thank you, Bette! 🥰
“It’s okay to cry” 😂😂 I don’t know why that made me laugh but so good lol I will use that with Charlotte! LOL
This was my favorite part of the the whole event. Those words came as soon as I saw all the parents. Yes, use those words with Charlotte!
Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
Thank you, Michael!
Wow, thats very impressive, Jennie! I am sure every one of the famous artist from the past would have had learned much more at your school. Thanks for bringing knowledge and also fun to the world. xx Michael
Thank you, Michael. I really think the famous artists would smile looking at the art children created.
This was absolutely amazing, Jennie. To have their artwork on public display for everyone to see is wonderful, but to share it with their families is priceless. You made me cry.
That is so nice of you to say. Thank you, Carla. It is really a big deal. It’s like taking your child to an Art Museum, and your child’s artwork is actually there! What a memory for families. Crying is a good thing.🙂