Rainbows

 “Jennie!  Come quick!  There’s a rainbow in the bathroom.”

What a surprise.
Everyone clamored into the bathroom
for a look, to put their hands onto the rainbow.
The rainbow miraculously appeared on little hands.
Sometimes wonder needs no words.

The sun was starting to come into the classroom.
Children decided to build with colored translucent blocks,
hoping to get a rainbow.

The colors were beautiful.
Look carefully, as ‘people’ are appearing
tucked away into every corner.
They’re the rainbow makers.

After snack the sunlight moved and streaked across the floor.
One of the colored blocks was on the floor, the red one,
and the floor was colored in red.
“Let’s make our own rainbow!  Everyone, grab a block
and put it on the floor in the sunlight.”

Did you know that a silent smile is more powerful than
a loud applause?

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 art, Inspiration, Nature, Teaching young children, wonder and tagged , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

67 Responses to Rainbows

  1. Now you will be called “The Rainbow-Maker”! :-)) Fantastic, how you are finding ways to surprise the students, and give them a great positive feeling, Jennie! Thanks a lot! Best wishes, Michael

  2. Ritu says:

    Wonderful learning opportinity!

  3. beetleypete says:

    Rainbows on little hands. The wonder of discovery.
    Best wishes, Pete.

  4. Dan Antion says:

    What a wonderful experience. I love the way you let their interests and imaginations rule the day. You’re the best, Jennie.

  5. Darlene says:

    There is just something about rainbows that makes everyone happy. Love this.

  6. Don Ostertag says:

    Everybody should begin chasing rainbows at an early age.

  7. It’s moments like this when photographers are born. Beginning to understand light and how it acts is critical to taking a great shot.

    • Jennie says:

      I understand. I was trying to get the photo that my eye was acutely seeing. I suppose that is the classic drive of a photographer. I’ve captured some good ones, but I’m frustrated when my iPhone doesn’t see what I see. Rainbows are a wonderful challenge.

  8. Ah, simply sugar sweet!!! Lovely.

  9. The magic of rainbows!

  10. Rainbow connections… Wonderful!

  11. Just lovely, Jennie. 🙂

  12. quiall says:

    Children see the wonder that is right in front of us, like rainbows.

  13. Wonderful words and photos, Jennie. A perfect song to accompany them as well. Silent smiles are here every time Kermit plays that tune!

  14. How adorable. Thanks for sharing.

  15. Jim Borden says:

    nothing like the sense of wonder. I still have to go outside whenever someone tells me there is a rainbow. there is something magical about them. Great song from Kermit…

    • Jennie says:

      I head straight outside, too. I think they bring magic to everyone. I love Kermit’s song! Many thanks, Jim.

      On a side note, I’m not always able to read my fellow bloggers posts within a day or two. You often close your comments after a few days, and I feel terrible that I can’t tell you how wonderful your post was. Please know I read everything you write!

  16. Carla says:

    Natural learning, perfect. I love how you take every possible moment for your students to discover, Jennie.

  17. petespringerauthor says:

    I can feel the kids’ excitement from what must have seemed like a magical moment.

  18. beth says:

    magic at work here! wonderful rainbow/light experience!

  19. Ally Bean says:

    I’m quite clear that a silent smile is much more important than loud applause. And that rainbows are where you find them. A sweet post, this one.

  20. Chaya Sheela says:

    Lovely post! Your students must have had such a wondrous time!

  21. Kara Aharon says:

    Amazing what children can do on their own.

  22. Norah says:

    Gorgeous! There’s nothing to match a child’s sense of wonder. Kermit is pretty cool too.

  23. dgkaye says:

    Ahh, who doesn’t love a rainbow. ❤

  24. bosssybabe says:

    How delightful! 🙂

  25. AmyRose🌹 says:

    No surprise that you are a rainbow maker, Jennie. What an inspiration you are to both all around you. xo

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