I tossed and turned the night before school, as I always do every year.
Will I remember the children I met last week?
Will they remember me?
Will we connect?
I walked into school smiling at our Peace Dove.
I was walking across hallowed ground.
My past parent had repainted her Peace Dove painting.
The memories came flooding back,
and I stopped, in honor.
The morning was a flurry of tears.
Of course.
I found myself holding a crier and did what came naturally-
singing!
I sang whatever song popped into my head.
Children noticed. Children love music.
It was time for everyone to come together,
because we needed to connect.
We needed to feel loved and safe.
We needed to feel like a family.
I brought out the Autoharp, and we sang, and sang some more.
Music made everyone smile and feel good.
The rest of the morning was fine.
Children held my hand and took me to toys.|
We smiled at each other.
Big smiles.
Lunch was wonderful, because people got to know each other.
I always share my Jennie carrots.
Tomorrow I’ll share a Jennie Story.
After rest time, it felt like we had been a class and a family forever.
Children were comfortable.
They smiled and laughed.
We hugged.
It was busy, but oh so wonderful.
I came home tired and happy.
When I looked up into the sky, this is what I saw:
It was very fitting.
Upward and onward in a beautiful blue sky to a new school year.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
How wonderful, Jennie. What a great start to the new year. It’s lovely to get those bonds established from the beginning. Onwards and upwards. The signs were there from the beginning with the peace dove. Enjoy a rewarding and successful year.
Thank you, Norah. Today was tougher with criers, holding children, and sitting on the floor with the autoharp, singing as children crawled all over me. The same thing happened with books. Frankly, I think that means a great day.
I think so too. Those tears will become hugs and love as the year goes by.
Yes, they will. ❤️
💖
“Tomorrow I’ll share a Jennie Story.” And the school year will have officially begun.
Waiting for the story
I told “The Spider Story”, always a favorite.
Okay nice one
🙂
Yup! It was The Spider Story. 🙂
You are the perfect teacher – because you worry about such things.
That is so interesting, GP. It never occurred to me to do otherwise. Thank you!
I remember the feelings well!
I bet you do!
A fab start Jennie! The new kids will love you!
Thanks, FR!
Onward & Upward, Jennie. Have a great year.
Thank you, Steve. I always think of you when the school year begins. Always. You made a difference at your ‘corner’.
Thanks, Jennie. Funny you say that, I recently was told something similar by a neighbor whose two girls I crossed. One is doing her student teaching this semester and the other is starting college. I’m trying to write a story about kids I’ve crossed.
Oh, that is music to my ears. When you publish your wonderful book (it will be wonderful, as I know your writing well), I hope to be the first to buy a copy. Best to you, Steve.
Publishing a book of my stories, now that would be exciting. I have no idea how to do it. But, if I did, I’d give you a copy, autographed, as well. Yes, that would be terrific.
Thanks, Jennie.
Steve, you are such a good writer. Sign up for Query Tracker and search for an agent. That’s how you get started. I’ll be waiting for my autographed copy. 🙂
I remember how terrifying it was every single year as school started and I re-connected with those I’d been in class with, plus meeting new people – sometimes easily, many times not…terrific post!
Yes, it is terrifying every year. Yet, somehow that all disappears in a heartbeat for young children and for their teachers. Today was day three, and already I feel like the wise old tree with all the animals crawling and living inside. My body is sore, and my heart is full. BTW that tree is ‘Red’, in Katherine Applegate’s book “WishTree”. Thank you, John.
I never slept the night before either. I’m sure the children love your class, and your reputation precedes their arrival.
Thank you for your kind words, VJ. You know how it feels.
Welcome. Trust it all went well.
Yes, all went well.
It sounds like the perfect beginning to the new school year. Upward and onward! 😍
Thank you, Deborah!
Hurrah for singing as a way to lift our spirits and bring us together!
Well said, Will. It was music and singing that brought us together. Music makes everyone feel good, especially children.
Wonderful!
😍
Best wishes for the new year Jennie.
Thank you, John.
😊
I’m not surprised at all. You’re my friend are a fulcrum.
Nothing more hopeful than the first day, or days, of a new school year. Enjoy!
Yes!!
I remember this feeling very well. The excitement, possibilities, and worries are all part of it. Yet, in your heart, you know it will all come together because you make it happen yearly. You become a family, but it takes time to build some time to build that connection. By the end of the day, they’re hugging you and starting to bond because they know they’ve found someone who has created a safe place. As always, your decision-making is spot on. Music is a universal connector. I see that with the seniors too.
Spot on, Pete. Yes, that’s how it is every year. Thanks for your kind words. It takes decades to create that environment for children, as you know. ❤️
Music is a healer – every time. Upwards and onwards, it will be a terrific year for you and the students. 😊
Yes, it is, every time. Thank you Darlene!
I remember having nightmare that the students escaped from my class and were scattered all over town. You’ll have a wonderful year, Jennie!
I have similar nightmares, Miriam. Mine are that I lost my students and can’t find them at school. Many thanks!
Mine went down the streets. Dune went to the mall. 😅😍 I think because we care, Jennie!
You are right, Miriam!
A lovely post that warms the heart and touches the soul. I love the final touch!
The lyricist, poet, author, and social justice advocate, E.Y. “Yip” Harburg (1896-1981) sums it up nicely :
“Words make you think a thought.
Music makes you feel a feeling.
A song makes you feel a thought.”
Thank-YOU!
P.S. Among over 600 songs, Yip Harburg co-wrote the lyrics to all of the songs in the classic 1939 movie, “The Wizard of Oz.”
Ellen, you always share the best quotations. Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the post.
Awww, Jennie what a beautiful post and it all came together culminating in the airplane trail..just wonderful I’m sure you will have a great successful year once again discovering new things as you go x
Thanks so much, Carol! 😍
Have a wonderful new year with the children Jennie.
Thank you, Sandy!
You are a wonderful teacher Jennie. Beautiful post 💕💕
Thank you for your kind words, Kamal!
You are always welcome dear Jennie 💕🙏🏻
Hi Jennie, I am sure you will have a wonderful school year!
Thanks so much, Charles! Have you started your classes?
Wonderful, Jennie. It will be a fab year for you!
Thank you, Mike!
Hi Jennie, I am sure the first few days are a bit tough for everyone. I remember leaving Greg, white faced but determined when he started Nursery School. He was not yet 4.
Hi Robbie, I have some Gregs in my class. ❤️
That is nice. I always had it as my chosen name 💕
😍
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Thank you.
You can sing to me anytime Jennie. ❤
Oh, I would love that! 😀
🙂 x
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Thanks so much, Sally! ❤️
Happy New term Jennie. I love the film of the plane.
Thanks so much!
Aww 🥰. The start of a new school year is always special, and amazing how many teachers feel anxious too.
My anxiety this year is that my grandson starts school and the special Thursdays we shared will stop.
Thank you so much, Sue! I know how much you will miss those Thursdays together. 💕
((((Jennie)))) ❤️❤️
❤️ 😍 ❤️