Fellow blogger Dan Antion at No Facilities visited my classroom. YES! Meeting a favorite blogger is a big deal. We connected like we’ve been friends for years.
Well, yes we have. Lucky me.
Dan is the guy with tools who loves to work on projects, from his shed to furniture. Woodworking is a skill children need to learn. I asked Dan to come to my class and introduce hand tools. Toys don’t handle the program. They need real tools. Real.
When Dan arrived, he walked into the classroom and saw Gloria.
A picture is worth a thousand words.
Children were eager to greet and meet Dan. He was welcomed with high fives and big smiles. We sat together on the big rug and Dan brought over his bags of tools. Wow! They were big and heavy, children were fascinated. He started with measuring, from tape measures to a very cool and very long wood folding rule.
Dan is the math guy, and he spent time showing children the numbers on the measuring tools. They recognized double-digit numbers and counted. Ah, math needs to be accurate, so we saw tools that measured curves, corners, and triangular spaces. Dan showed children clamps. Who knew there were so many kinds of clamps? Then, we brought in a woodworking table, and let children use the tools.
Hammering, nailing, clamping, measuring…Dan was there every step of the way to help children.
One child was excited and wanted to say ‘Dan the Tool Man’. She forgot and said, ‘Bob the Builder’. Everyone thought that was so funny. Dan the Tool Man thought so, too. We laughed and joked through lunch. Then, Dan got to pick the lunchtime Jennie Story. It was “The Peanut Man.” What a great story.
It was time for Dan to go. “Aqua Roomers, say goodbye to Dan.” I think Dan was surprised when many children rushed to give him a big hug. Children were hanging off his legs. It was wonderful.
When Dan left school, he stopped by the post office to see the Aqua Room Art Show. He signed the guest book. Priceless!
Thank you, Dan. You have done a world of good for children. From hands-on woodworking to tools to measuring, you have given children a lifetime learning experience. Best of all, they had a blast, and they loved you. You made a difference.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
“Sowing seeds…is always great!” Be interesting to learn who becomes a carpenter…Although not formally taught, my husband left school at 14 and eventually… became a furniture maker for many years. He would have loved Dan! xx
I had a brief stint owning a cabinet shop, but ultimately, I couldn’t afford the insurance. I think there will at least be a few weekend woodworkers from this group in 20 years or so.
Good for you, sir! We have three sons and the youngest seems to have taken after his Dad. Give him a piece of wood and up go your shelves, or maybe a small table. But he, in fact, didn’t – contrarily – take carpentry at school and was a chatterbox…One never knows! (He now sells properties, so the ‘chatting’ came in handy too.) Best wishes.
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Thank you, Dan!
Thank you for this post, Jennie. I love those pictures and I had a wonderful day. It was great to meet you and to see you in action. I’ve always said the children in your classroom are lucky. Now I understand why you say that you’re the lucky one. Please tell them I said Hi.
You are very welcome, Dan. Yes, it was a wonderful day. I’m so glad I finally met you, and I know the children were thrilled to meet you. I will certainly tell them you said Hi. Thank you for your kind words, and for making a difference for children.
How wonderful- what a memorable experience for all and something no one will forget
It really was, Beth. I know you can picture how much the children loved it. Thank you!
What an appearance by Bob the Builder! … and great idea by the teacher to bring him in. Cheers to Dan for being a hit … great post, Jennie!
Yes! It was a terrific appearance, and the children loved both woodworking with real tools, and hanging out with Bob the Builder. 😀 Thank you, Frank!
Thanks Frank. I may have enjoyed it more than the children.
What a fabulous experience for the children. Dan sounds like a real gem. My hub is a real ‘Bob the builder’. The children sometimes wonder why he’s so good at maths but, as you say, accuracy in maths is important for a builder, even to the millimetres.
He was terrific, and the children loved learning about and using real tools. Yes, your hub knows how critical math is to building. Thanks, Norah!
I think using real tools (or real anything) shows children that they are respected. It’s important.
Yes, very much so!
Just fab!
Thanks, FR!
All smiles here! How wonderful for the children and for Dan!!!
Thanks, Annette! I’m so glad you had big smiles.
It was wonderful, Annette.
Oh, Dan the Tool Man, you did it! Congratulations you two on such an inspiring collaboration. This touches my heart and soul! Kids need the “real” and you two are just the ones to teach it! Both of my sons love working with tools and I know the importance of carrying on these “hands on” skills that we must have in our daily lives! Leave it to you two to pave the way! Yay yay yay! “Bob the Builder” made me giggle. Thank you for sharing! 💕🥰
Well said, Karla. You hit the nail on the head all the way around. Pun intended! 😀
Tee hee! Thank you, Jennie. I imagined myself in the room with all of you. Well, Jennie, when it’s time to turn off the news and get out of “stinkin’ thinkin’” I put myself in your classroom! 💛🥰
Well said, Karla. Thanks so much!
It’s my pleasure! Thank you too, Jennie! 💛
😍
This was fun, Karla. When our daughter was little, we gave her a tool belt and real tools. Toy tools are fun, but there’s nothing like holding a real tool, and learning how to use it properly. These kids were great, and Jennie’s the best teacher ever.
That’s wonderful, Dan! I’m that “daughter” grown up with a tool chest, Dan. I lived in my RV 4 years and have been alone many years. It’s been a must to learn although now, I need “handy” people near me as I’m more limited. Keep passing the torch my friend!
Will do!
Not only a joy to meet a fellow blogger, but also one who could engage the kids with his knowledge of tools. Tools are fascinating for children, and it was great that he was able to show them how to use them.
Best wishes, Pete.
Well said, Pete. Thank you! Best to you.
It was also great fun for me, Pete.
I’m sure it was, Dan. When I was an EMT in London, I gave school talks to older children. (12-14) I took a ‘Resus Annie’ along, and got them to try CPR on it. Those sessions were always enjoyable.
Best wishes, Pete.
A fantastic post, Jennie and how lovely that Dan joined the children for a day it must have been a day of joy and learning for you all…Well done… Bob the Builder 🙂
This was so much fun, Carol. I was impressed by how much the children understood. They were eager to use the tools and they had fun.
You can never underestimate a child’s knowledge plus the images and Jennies words showed what a fun day it was, Dan 🙂
You are so right about never underestimating a child’s knowledge. Thank you, Carol, it was a fun day!
It really was a wonderful day. Thanks so much, Carol. Yes, Bob the Builder. 😀
You have got the balance right , Jennie learning should be fun 🙂 x
Yes!! 😀
❤
Talk about a ‘win-win’ all around. The kids will always remember Dan, and if they could only see and appreciate the projects he completes, they would be amazed. Great day and thanks for sharing in this post because as one of his blogging friends, I know I am always in awe of his tool skills.
I feel the same way, Judy. When I wanted children to do some ‘real’ woodworking with hand tools, I knew just who to ask- Dan the Tool Man. He was thrilled. I have been in awe of his tool skills, too. Children notice and pick up more than we realize, and they learned a great deal from Dan (plus had fun!)
What a fantastic post. This had me smiling from beginning to end. I love how excited the kids were to learn and experiment with tools.
Way to go, Dan!
Thanks Mae. These kids were great. They learned quickly, and they had fun. I had fun, too. Jennie’s classroom is a wonderful place and I was honored to be a part of it.
Thank you, Clair. Yes, way to go, Dan!
How wonderful that the children got to meet Dan and that he got to meet the students. They will always remember this. Kids love guests, don’t they? And Dan the Tool Man looks like he’s having fun too. Fun for everyone. xo
I was having so much fun, Darlene. It was great to finally meet Jennie, and to experience the magic in her classroom. She and the other two teachers work hard to make that a wonderful experience for those kids.
🥰
Yes! It was wonderful, and kids love guests…and tools! Dan had fun, too. Thank you, Darlene.
Well done, Dan and Jennie! A “show and tell” that obviously both engaged and entertained the audience. Skills and demonstrations they can understand, and each add to their own personal “tool kits” of learning.
Thanks Bruce. This was a fun day in school. Jennie is so good at getting these children to learn without feeling like it’s a lesson.
Beautifully said, Bruce. Thank you.
Wow, what a cool guest! He has the neatest tools, and I bet the children loved getting a chance to actually hold and use them.
Thanks Deborah. They did seem to enjoy measuring and hammering. One little girl dragged me around as she measured stuff, trying to get to something that needed the folding rule to be completely extended. She measure the hand rail of their little loft. I had a blast.
I was wondering about that ruler! I think I would have headed for the white or chalk board to use that one. That little girl was clever! 😀
They were all surprisingly clever and serious about the tools. One little boy wanted to drive a screw into the board. I let him drill a pilot hole with an old Yankee Screwdriver, and then he was able to get the screw in as far as it would go.
Oh wow! I bet he was thrilled and had soooo much to tell his parents after school. I wonder if he’ll be wanting to drill with Dad or Mom all the time now? 🤣 Littlest loves helping Dad with his tools.
Yes, and yes! The best, Deborah.
😀
Wow! He certainly does a great show and tell…plus he likes children and Gloria.
The children were so welcoming. I felt at home in that classroom, and they guided the show with the way they reacted. It was great fun.
He does, Don. Best of all, he likes children (which made his visit terrific), and of course he has read so many posts about Gloria- it was quite a ‘moment’ when he finally got to meet her.
Jennie and Dan — beyond wonderful. I can’t stop smiling. I especially liked the photo of Dan with Gloria. Also the description of the children hanging off Dan when he left. This was such a great idea, you two. I can just imagine how amazed the kids were. Hugs all around.
I replied, but I guess I clicked the wrong link. It’s down below.
Thank you so much, Teagan! Dan and I even talked about you. 🙂 You are so intuitive, as my favorite photo is also Dan with Gloria (it was a ‘moment’) and my favorite moment was the children hanging off of him. I told Dan that you can’t make children like someone or hug someone; the fact that they rushed over spoke volumes. Hugs to you! 💕
This is just so amazing 😊😊
It was amazing gif me, Ritu 🙂
Children and their wonder are special 🤗
Thank you, Ritu! It was wonderful! 😍
A wonderful time. A blogger in your classroom how lovely Jennie for you and the children.
It was a very special day for me. Watching Jennie teach was amazing. She never misses an opportunity to work a subtle lesson in. But the kids are were so nice. I had a great time.
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I feel so lucky to have had bloggers in the classroom! It was certainly lovely!
I was thrilled to get to meet Gloria, Teagan. I had so much fun. The children were great. I was nervous at first, but the kids were all smiles, and Jennie is just the best.
🥰
What a wonderful experience! And not just for the children…
I had so much fun, Pam, and I was amazed. I really feel like I was lucky to be there. The children we so welcoming, and so interested in everything going on in that classroom. I was truly impressed.
Yes, and yes!
Super post, Jeanne. Great to see Dan here.
Thanks John. It was a wonderful visit.
I’ll bet. Makes one wish they lived closer.
Thank you, John. It was a very special day for everyone. -Jennie- 🙂
I’m sure it was.
Hi Jennie, thank you for another wonderful post!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
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Please enjoy this wonderful post from the extraordinary teacher, Jennie!
Thank you. I was happy to be part of this.
Thank you, Charles!
Oh! What a lovely lesson you give those children a great time Dan or should I call you Bob!
What a lovely idea Jennie 💜
I now answer to either name 🙂
It was such a fun day, Willow. I really enjoyed being there.
It looked like everyone had fun 💜💜
We did!
Thanks, Willow. The children love both names. They wrote and decorated a gigantic thank you note to Dan, and they used both names. The learning and the lesson were the best!
Lucky, lucky kiddos to get the real deal tool-guy! Lucky, lucky Dan to get to be a part of the Aqua Room. I admit, I’m a tad envious of your quality time spent with Gloria, Dan!
😎
Meeting Jennie, meeting Gloria and spending time with those children – it really doesn’t get any better.
Awww, Laura you always have the best words to say. Lucky? Yes! Children need real, hands-on learning. To get this from a pro tool-guy who just happens to connect with children… what a lucky day. And Gloria… that moment was priceless.
Wow, the children had the treat of meeting you, Dan! I loved how Dan and Jennie dressed up for the occasion. The children had an unforgettable hands-on experience! That’s wonderful! Thank you for this beautiful post, Jennie!
Thanks Miriam. It was so much fun. It was great to meet Jennie, and Gloria, and Jennie’s helpers in the classroom and those children. They are all such nice and welcoming people. I was thrilled.
Yes, the children had the treat of meeting Dan. We had a blast! Nothing beats hands-on. Thank you so much, Miriam!
Perfect! I imagine the kids loved the opportunity of learning to use tools. I remember bringing a drill to class one day; many had never used one before. You would have thought I gave them a pass to Disneyland. Dan is a good guy, and I’m glad you met him. Everyone wants to come to Jennie’s class.😊
It’s true, Pete. Being in Jennie’s class was a wonderful experience. The kids were great, and more interested than I thought they might be. Seeing Jennie in action helped me to understand her stories better. I knew she was the best. Now I have proof.
Visiting Jennie in her classroom a year ago was one of the highlights of my trip, Dan. I’ve told her that she is not only brilliant with kids but a teacher of teachers. If she wasn’t teaching preschoolers, she just as easily could be an educator for future teachers.
I agree 100%, Pete.
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Hi, Pete! I think I’m the luckiest teacher in the world to have had both you and Dan visit my class. Children feel the same way (which you know.) Real tools? Definitely a pass to Disneyland. Dan’s wood folding ruler, Yankee screwdriver, and clamps were the big hits. Yes, Dan is a good guy. I’m so glad I met him. Thank you for your kind words, Pete.
This is awesome, Dan and Jennie!
Thanks Becky. I had so much fun!
I believe it!
Thank you, Becky!
Such a wonderful post Jennie and children adored Dan. Nice to keep children involved in all these activities and so much fun you all had. Thanks a lot 😊🙏🏻😊🙏🏻
I had a wonderful time. Jennie, the other teachers and the children were so welcoming.
Yes can understand teachers are so caring. 🙏🏻🙏🏻😊😊
Thank you, Kamal! Yes, they adored Dan and his tools.
Always welcome Jennie 😊😊
Hi Jennie, how truly wonderful that Dan came to your classroom and showed the children his tools. Greg loved tools as a little boy and used to help my had with things around the house.
I had so much fun, Robbie. Helping my dad with his projects are some of my earliest memories. He would give me real (safe) tools to work with and real (appropriate) jobs to do. I was amazed at ow interested these children were. Jennie is the best!
Children love that sort of thing 🌷
Robbie, it was truly wonderful. Children learn by doing, and hand tools are just that, as you know with Greg. The real bonus for me was meeting a fellow blogger. We are a community of friends.
Yes we are 💕
What a great way to introduce children to the world of tools and how they integrate into math! Way to go Dan and Jennie.
The children were interested, paid attention and understood way more than I imagined they would – I was impressed. I felt welcome and I had fun. Jennie is a wonderful teacher and a good friend.
It sounds like you all had a wonderful time together.
Oh, we did, Carla!
Thank you, Carla! I echo your words.
The write-up proves once again that teaching is a calling, and not just a profession. 👍🙏
Exactly!
That fact was clear in that classroom.
Wonderful! I think I could have learned a thing or two about woodworking tools. 🤣
Thank you.
Wow. That is so cool that Dan visited your classroom with his “real” tools. I’ll bet they were heavy. What amazing fun for him, for the kids, and for you, Jennie. A perfect way to discuss Math too. Kudos to Bob, er, Dan, for making the trip. What fun. 🙂
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Thank you, Michael!
Thanks to Dan for this great event. Now i think Gloria’s broomstick will have much more power. :-)) xx Michael
This was a wonderful event with Dan. Of course Gloria is not a witch, so she doesn’t have a broomstick. She just looks that way, which is why she is the perfect person for diversity. At the beginning of every school year, when we introduce Gloria, she tells the children how everyone called her a witch, but she’s not, she just likes black, and she has wrinkly skin, gray hair, and a pointy hat. Then children can ‘look beyond’ the surface and see what is inside the person. Gloria does just that.
How amazing was that for the kids? That was so nice of Dan to visit your Aqua room. ❤
It was so amazing! What a treat to have Dan visit us!
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Thanks so much, Dan!
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Thank you.
What a precious time for everyone, Jennie! Dan is great and thechildren must have been enthralled. ❤️
It was, indeed! Yes, Dan is great, and the children were so engaged with him. It was wonderful!
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Thank you, Teagan!
Wonderful! It sounds as if a great time was had by all. Thanks for sharing it Jennie and thanks to Dan for joining the class!
Thank you, Olga. It was such a wonderful visit!