The most important part of school is making connections. When teachers connect with children, and when children connect with each other, the school year begins. It turns on ‘the light’, and that light enables learning, and is deep inside everyone. Oh, yes. There is a sense among children and teachers, something that needs no words.
I love when this happens. Now, we are a family.
Every year we have a family event at school, a pizza dinner and pumpkin carving. This always happens at that connection time. It is magical. Imagine being at school at night with your family, sitting in a big circle with lit jack-o-lanterns, singing songs. The ‘being together’ part is a big deal, and we’re in the dark.
Magic.
Here is what I wrote to families:
Dear Families,
Thank you for a wonderful, magical evening at school. This was such an exciting event for children. For families, it was perhaps the first time to get to know other families and watch children playing together. For teachers, it was delightful to stand back and watch connections and laughter. There was something special about tonight. Did you feel it? The weather was perfect and the fall colors were brilliant. Pizza and your side dishes were delicious. Pumpkin carving was busy and fun. Lighting our jack-o-lanterns and lining them up along the stone wall was the best! Dusk descended. The perfect ending to the evening was sitting with our families in a big circle singing our favorite jack-o-lantern song and waving glow sticks. It was a memory maker for the children.
The Aqua Room is a family. It feels so good.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
So gorgeous!
We did carving pumpkins this week, too!
Thank you, Ritu! I hope you share photos of those pumpkins. 😀
This sounds like an absolute wonderful time!
Thank you, and yes it was!
your first paragraph – yes! what a wonderful, connecting event-
Thank you, Beth. We are both lucky that magic happens in the classroom. Once we make connections, the world opens.
That’s so right
😀
If only the ‘big, wide world’ was like that, Jennie; bless you. !!!!! xx
What a special event. The kids will remember this.
Thank you, Darlene. I posted a much shorter version on FB, and past families remembered with much joy and gratitude. Yes, the kids remember even when they are grown. That fills my heart.
Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
Thank you, Michael!
Fantastic, Jennie! Thanks for sharing this special event. Have a beautiful weekend! xx Michael
Thank you, Michael. It was very special, indeed!
I would have loved being involved in such an event when I was young. Halloween is such a magical time for little ones. Well done, Jennie!
So would I!
Yes, it is a magical time for young children. I wish I had been part of something like this when I was little, too. Being at school in the (almost) dark with a lit jack-o-lantern is very cool! Thank you, Bruce. 🎃
Some of the best families are those we create.
Ah! Wise words, Pam. You are spot on.
Thank you my friend.
A pleasure!
For years as a singer parent I took my daughter to a week long camp for all kinds of families. Sitting around a fire singing silly song after not silly songs(depending on the request) made our tiny family expand.
What a wonderful story! Thank you, Elizabeth. I remember sitting around a campfire at summer camp singing all kinds of songs. Great memories! You had the experience as a family, which is even better.
One of my most treasured times.
Good job Jennie! Fab pumpkin display too!
Thank you, FR!
I love your pumpkin family and all they represent!
🙂
Thank you, Laura. You always ‘get it’.
What a fun idea
It was! Thank you, Don.
Great, Jennie. Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, John. Thank you.
😊
Oh, what a beautiful day! 🎃
Yes, indeed it was! Thank you, Bette.
🧡💛💚 Have an awesome autumn week, Jennie!
You too, Bette! 🎃
a wonderful event and a beautiful note to everyone!
Thank you so much, John. This was one event children and families will remember. I hope you enjoyed the old cemetery photos, too. I was thinking of you.
That’s beautiful dearie,I wish I had the chance to connect with kids like that…guess I’m still a kid too🤭🤭
Being a kid at heart is wonderful.
What a special teacher and person you are Jennie.
That is so nice, Cindy. Thank you!
I’d bet this kind of magic happens every year. How fun for everyone.
It does happen every year… but it was ‘on hold’ during Covid. This was the first year we could have the event since then. My goodness, the magic was there (as it always is).
What a wonderful event, Jennie.
Thank you, Dan.
It sounds perfect, fun, and magical. The Jack-O-Lanterns look great!!
Thanks so much, Deborah!
Jennie, just think of all the ‘connection’ you’ve made with families over the years. Tons, scads and gazillions, I bet. As Borat would say, ‘Niiiiiiiice!’
I think of that often, Steve. Many thanks!
Hope, all of you had wonderful time at the MAGIC moment at School, as mentioned by you.
I did! Thank you.
I feel the warmth from way over here on the West Coast.
I’m so glad! 🥰
So fun and what a lovely way to engage with the families. Happy Halloween!
It was! Thank you, Diana. 🎃
sounds like such a great time – 🙂
It was! Thanks so much. 🎃
🙂 🎃
Beautiful ❤
Thank you, Debby!
How festive! I was trying to pick out my favourite one but they’re all GREAT!! 😀 Good JOb!!
Thanks so much!
Wonderful job on the pumpkin carving. And what a lovely letter. You are that teacher who makes a beautiful, lasting impact on a child.
Thank you for your kind words!
I met some of my best mommy friends through attending events like this with my children. Nights like that have so much impact.
Yes! This event was the first opportunity for parents to connect in a relaxed atmosphere- so important! Thank you.
Interesting