Gloria – a New Visit and an Old Visit

Gloria spent the weekend with Lukas.  Lukas adores Gloria.  The two have been bonded at the hip.  When Gloria spends a weekend with an Aqua Roomer, she carries along her journal, and it is always filled with adventures and photos.


Gloria and Lukas.  Yes, it was a good thing Gloria had her hat.

Gloria likes dogs!  I’m glad she snuggled with Ernie.

That same day, a former Aqua Roomer and her sister (who was in another class) stopped by for a visit.  I saw them in the lobby and made a big fuss.  Then I said to Vivian, “Would you like to say hi to Gloria?”  Her eyes lit up, because Gloria meant everything to her.  When things were tough or she was sad, Gloria was the only one who could mend those tears and fill the heart.


Just look at that happy face.

The first entry in Gloria’s current journal (she has many) was Vivian!  Lukas is the newest entry .

Mom sent me her favorite photo from the journal.  A picture is worth a thousand words:

Thank goodness for Gloria!  Over the years and the decades she has been ‘the one’.  In a quiet way she had given children love, hope, strength, and a sense of goodness.  Everyone loves Gloria.

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 behavior, Diversity, Dogs, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Gloria, Inspiration, Love, Teaching young children and tagged , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

54 Responses to Gloria – a New Visit and an Old Visit

  1. Ritu says:

    How lovely 😻

  2. Dan Antion says:

    “Everyone loves Gloria.” Including the people who follow your blog, Jennie!

  3. K.L. Hale says:

    Aww, my heart! Vivien and Lukas, and SO many others, have been so fortunate to have such a friendship and bond with Gloria! Jennie, the journal entries are pure magic and memories for those kids that they’ll never forget! I wish you would’ve been my teacher at some point. Am I too old to join your class now? I need a LONG bus ride to get to you! 💕🥰❤️

  4. CarolCooks2 says:

    Gloria is a marvel and those memories for both the children and you are priceless..Go Gloria!

  5. Just so blinking amazing Jennie!

  6. The title caused me to wonder where you were going with this – but once I saw the picture with Gloria, I smiled and relaxed. I always enjoy her tales of travel and interactions with others. Your ending says it all – “In a quiet way she had given children love, hope, strength, and a sense of goodness. Everyone loves Gloria.” Thanks for sharing, Jennie!

  7. Darlene says:

    How wonderful! We could all use Gloria from time to time. I’m sure the children she has comforted will never forget her. Way to go, Gloria (and Jennie)

  8. How wonderful to catch up with Gloria!

  9. beetleypete says:

    Gloria is a treasure indeed. She touches everyone’s heart.
    Best wishes, Pete.

  10. Don Ostertag says:

    Ah, Gloria and the joy she brings.

  11. What great memories and fun time for Gloria, the students, and you! Gloria is a treasure.

  12. quiall says:

    There’s nothing better than a shared history when it is so positive.

  13. Gloria never fails to deliver joy and love!

  14. Gloria is the best. Thanks for sharing her adventures.

  15. petespringerauthor says:

    You already know how I feel about this brilliant idea. The icing on the cake is the journal to compile her adventures with your students.

    • Jennie says:

      Yes, and then children can relive Gloria’s adventures over and over. It adds to all she does for children. I need to repost how she came to be, her backstory. Today… Thank you, Pete. Yes, I do know how you feel. ❤️

  16. beth says:

    gloria is an endless source of comfort and delight for your students – so lucky for them

  17. willowdot21 says:

    Oh! Jennie I think Gloria is just wonderful she is the best social worker I have ever heard of 💜💜💜💜

  18. You have many ‘Gloria Books” and relating the beginning of one to the end of the same book is delightful. The visit was serendipitous!
    🙂

  19. What a great written documentary on Gloria’s work at school. 🙂 xx Michael

  20. Hi Jennie, I am always bowled over when I read these posts. I wonder how I would have reacted to Gloria as a child?

    • Jennie says:

      That is so kind. I’m glad. When children first see Gloria, they are a little scared, but as soon as she is presented as someone who was teased, and is shy, and a good friend, they love her. Children need someone who feels the same way they do, and understands. I think you would have embraced her, in the same context. Thank you, Robbie.

  21. dgkaye says:

    I love this Jennie. The Gloria diaries. 🙂 xx

  22. Carla says:

    I love seeing the family’s entries in Gloria’s journal. We can all use a little Gloria in our lives.

    • Jennie says:

      Her journal is the best! It means the world to the children, and is always exciting to read. Yes, we can all use a little Gloria. I think that’s why she is beloved. Thank you, Carla.

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