Week One:
Tears. Fears. Smiles. Worries.
Then laughing crept in, and hugging. Children learned the routine and bonded with teachers. They sang the ‘Days of the Week’ song on their own. Parent goodbyes became quick.
In my ‘gazillion’ years of teaching, it always amazes me how quickly things shift in just a few days. Children are resilient.
Here is the newsletter I sent to families at the end of Week One:
We had a wonderful first week of school! In just a few short days, your children have connected with teachers and with each other. It feels good. It feels like we’re a family. Children are belly-laughing, sharing stories, making friends, and finding comfort in the routine of the day. There are so many little moments that bring us together- singing the Days of the Week song, listening to a Jennie Story at lunch, snuggling with Heidi and a book.
Perhaps the children said it best today, We sang the Daily Schedule while looking at the cards on the chart. The teacher asked each child which part of the day they liked best. There were many answers, and we stopped to talk about each one- from playtime, to lunch, to outside play. Finally it was said, “All of them!” Everyone agreed.
Why is connecting so important? In order to learn and focus, a child needs to be socially and emotionally comfortable. In other words, learning to count or write happens after a child is ready and has connected. It looks like the Aqua Roomers are well on their way to a great year of learning!
As the year goes on, there will be many ‘moments’. They are the lightbulbs of discovery- from learning to write, to figuring out how to build, to becoming engrossed in our chapter reading. Those ‘moments’ will occur because I have connected with children. That happens (most often) at lunch and snack, eating together around the big table.
That’s when we become a family.
That’s when when children talk about their pets and their grandparents. That’s when we have big discussions- like the moon or spiders. Really, we have laughed and cried and debated together. Thank goodness!
Here’s proof that it makes a difference:
A study was done in the 80’s to see if there was a common denominator among National Merit Scholars. Surely they were all captains of sports teams or academic clubs. Nope. The one and only common denominator was that they had dinner together with their family at least four times a week. Wow!
My connecting with children at school is a big win socially and emotionally, and also a big win academically.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
Wonderful, Jennie 💛
Thank you, Ritu. 🥰
It definitely is a big win, Jennie. Great stuff.
Thank you, Norah!
You are welcome, Jennie.
Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
Thank you, Michael!
Sorry, Jennie! I forgot, but you are also back at school. It sounds a great start. Fantastic! Enjoy your weekend! xx Michael
Very busy, and wonderful! Thanks so much!
I had dinner with my parents every night and I became a National Merit Scholar. Suddenly I feel like a cliche. 😉
Hooray!!! 😀
Glad it’s going so well, but not surprised one bit! 😊
Thanks so much, FR!
Learning to connect with others forms the foundation for the rest of their life. You do it so well.
It really does! Thank you, Pam.
I hope you know that I do read your responses Jennie. But there’s no place to like. I do enjoy your posts so much.
Really?? This is a new one. Thanks, Pam.
Connectedness is so important. Three cheers to you for getting them started so young.
It really is! Thank you, Darlene.
I think students and teachers want that connectedness at every level of education, even in college. It’s just as important as any academic material they are learning…
three cheers for the Aqua Roomers!
Well said, Jim. I’m in your court. And, thank you!
👍
A big win, and a great start for these children.
Thank you, Dan!
I can so see your fist pumped into the air!
Absolutely!
Yes wonderful! Eating together. Thank you Jennie.
Thank you!
A wonderful time of controlled chaos I’m sure Jennie. New connections and new experiences all around!
Exactly! 😀
The one thing I always insisted upon was sitting down to dinner every night. No telling how many tantrums and door slams were forgotten over the chicken and talk. Super post, Jennie.
Good for you, John! I know what you mean.
And, thank you.
😊
Jennie, after a “gazillion years,” it does sound like it is still so much fun for you to be able to see the classroom environment start to become more familiar and comforting to the new classmates as the days go on.🙂
Yes, YES!! Thanks, Bruce.
What an inspiring description of the conditions needed for lasting and meaningful learning to take place! I felt ready to start my schooling all over again as an Aqua Roomer.
Thank you, Liz! Your words said it all. Yes, that’s what needs to be in place. I dearly wish you were an Aqua Roomer… better yet, can I twist your arm to visit my class and read poetry? We’re quite a while away from having guests, but it will be coming. Just planting a seed for you.
You’re welcome, Jennie! I would be interested in visiting your class, Covid fears permitting.
Hooray! I’ll keep you posted. It may not be till spring.
Sounds good, Jennie!
🙂
I love, love your letter, and all so true! here’s to yet another great year, Jennie
Thank you, Beth! Yes, here’s to another great year! 🎉
I’m sure the parents appreciate your letters. It’s quite a transition time for parents and children. Reassuring parents and letting them know their child is in loving hands must be comforting for them.
Interestingly, I don’t typically get feedback from parents, yet I’m sure they appreciate the information. I do think they feel reassured. Thank you, Pete.
Such a huge step for many young children.. I know they are in the best possible hands of your tender loving care Jennie..
My own Granddaughter last week left her junior school aged 11 to attend the Seniors new School…. A daunting day she said she shed tears of nerves to start with. But she said she soon made friends and has enjoyed her own first week in her new school…. They grow so fast Jennie… Good to know the next generation at your school is in such good hands.. ❤ ❤ ❤
Thank you, Sue. They grow so fast, and every ‘age’ has fears and tears. 💕
🙂
Exciting start to a great school year.
Thank you, Don.
What a beautiful letter home, Jennie. I’ll bet the parents were thrilled. What a glorious time for families, and teachers make it all possible. Magic.
Thank you, Diana. Magic is my favorite word.
It sounds like you’re on your way to having a marvelous school year! I’m looking forward to reading about the discoveries, milestones, and adventures you have along the way.
Awww… I’m so glad you’re ready to read the school adventures ahead! Thank you, Deborah.
This is so beautiful. I’m a kindergarten TA and I love seeing this happen. Children learning the routine and finding courage to do things independently. It is so beautiful to see how far they come from the beginning of the year till the end. I think your classroom sounds amazing💚
Thank you! I remember witnessing this same connecting when I first started teaching, and it was huge for me. You are well on your way to becoming a wonderful teacher because you ‘get it’.
Love this observation in particular: “Those ‘moments’ will occur because I have connected with children. That happens (most often) at lunch and snack, eating together around the big table.” Let’s all keep eating together!!! The musical trio I am part of spends almost equal amounts of time making music together and eating dinner together… THANK YOU for continuing to share your wisdom with all of us via your blog!
See, that connection from eating together seems so subtle, but it makes an enormous difference. I’m so glad you know that. Thank you, Will! I dearly love sharing my classroom experiences and wisdom. 🥰
A beautiful letter Jennie. I am so happy you’re on the mend and back in school! ❤
Thanks so much, Debby! 🥰
Wonderful, Jennie. A quantum leap from the teachers’ attitudes when I was at junior school – and I think far removed from my childrens’ experiences too. Connecting – so simple, so effective.
I think you hit the nail on the head. Connecting is so simple and so effective. Children remember those moments. Yes, it is a far cry from yesteryear. Thank goodness.
Jennie, this is wonderful!
Thank you, Charles!
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Please enjoy this wonderful post from the excellent teacher, Jennie!
Thank you so much, Charles!
Hi Jennie, what a great way to start the new school year. A fabulous post.
Thank you, Robbie!
Nice post!💐🙏🏾
Thank you.
God bless you for all you did and shared
Thank you!
Looks like another amazing year ahead Jennie with some very lucky children to have come under your wing ♥
Thank you, Sally. 🥰
What a wonderful start for those little ones who have you to share their breaks and their day …a lovely post full of the joy of a new school year:) x
Many thanks, Carol!
As a parent about to send my kid to school next year, I felt this very much, and I hope my kid has a teacher like you 🙏
That’s so nice. Thank you!
As a parent of a new kindergartener, this makes me feel soo much better! 🙂 Charlotte had a bit of a glitch but things are looking up (I hope)!
Also, I grew up in a house where family dinners were infrequent (in fact, we only ever ate together at a table when we dined out, and that was rare). Raising Charlotte, it’s one of our non-negotiables so far- we eat dinner together as a family. Before Charlotte came along, my husband and I also got into the habit of not eating in front of the tv and being off our phones during dinner time. It’s really helped us connect I bet!
Hooray! You are doing one of the best things you can do for Charlotte. My heart is full knowing your dinner time is family time. All those conversations mount up to social and emotional skills, and language development. Bravo!👏
I always loved the beginning of the school year for all the possibilities, new faces and experiences. I loved to encourage parents to talk to their children about their day and activities. Wishing you all the best for this new school year, Jennie.
Thank you, Carla. You know I feel the same way. 😍