As I was starting a blog post on the books I have read this summer, a parent sent me this photo:
Two former students, one reading to the other – while at the pool!
This photo is far more important than the books I read this summer. This is what happens down the road, when I read to children. When students in my class ‘lock on’ to the many books we have read together, and read aloud, it keeps on going. The reading never ends. It keeps growing – even at the pool!
Jennie
P.S. Stay tuned for my summer books.
About Jennie
I have been teaching preschool for over forty 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.
A Teacher's Reflections 
Never mind the place – reading is always a joy, if the ‘matter’ hits the spot! xx
Exactly!
Magnificent!
😍
That’s precious – Success!
🩵
I 💗this so much!!!
Thank you!
This is the best picture ever!! I have to show this to the folks who keep saying kids don’t read anymore. This is proof that they do. Thanks for sharing. xo
I feel the same way! I want to scream and tell people that kids read. Thanks so much, Darlene!
This should go viral.
Thank you, VJ!
That’s awesome!!
Thank you, Deborah!
How awesome is that!
Yes!!
It’s always great to see a child reading!!
Yes, it is!
Yes! My daughter has a photo of her 5 year old and 2 year old sitting together in a chair, each with a book…I love everything it stands for!
That’s wonderful! And, your daughter still has that photo. Wow. Reading really is #1. Children who read do better in everything. Best to you, John.
Agree with your comment on children who read…opens up a world of imagination and invigorates thinking!
Yes! I will holler and champion this till my last breath.
Cheers to your influence!
Thanks, Frank!
What a great picture, so vindicating 💕🌸
That is a perfect word, Robbie.
Yeah it is (so very important)!
Yes! 🙂
A wonderful photo, Jennie. It warms the heart. (I know you must be thrilled)
You are exactly right, John! Thank you.
Lovely to see the kiddies reading!
It really is! Thanks, FR.
My first thought was indeed – at the pool! 🙂
And let’s hope that libraries will be ‘allowed’ to stock their shelves with a plethora of wildly different and intriguing stories for future generations to peruse…just sayin’.
Yes, yes, yes!!!
What a marvelous thoughtful gift and how kind of you to share! Upon opening and reading this post two favorite quotes popped into my head. The first is one that is oft repeated as I endlessly pester my daughter. “We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone.” – Katie Thurmes, co-founder of Artifact Uprising. The second is one of many about the benefits of reading taught to Benjamin, (now almost 10 years old). “Reading opens pockets in the mind.” – AD Posey. Thank-YOU!
I love these quotes, Ellen. Thank you! So glad you enjoyed the photo (as much as I did.)
Love this,Jennie!
I knew you would! Thank you. 💕
I love to see children excited by books. It becomes a lifelong passion. It did for me.
Spot on, Pam!
Both are great role models. xx Michael
Yes, they are! Thank you, Michael.
I fully agree. What a precious photo of the boys and the book. You hooked a couple more and that lasts a lifetime. Yay!!!
Yes, that photo is precious. It says it all. Thank goodness for hooking children into reading! Thank you, Marlene.
Perfect!
You know that all too well!
❤
It absolutely is what happens Jennie! That’s all you! ❤
Awww….🥰
❤
I absolutely love that picture. What a treasure, what a gift we give kids when we teach them the love of reading.
Well said, Carla, and so true!