I’m always a bit nervous with excitement when Gloria makes her ‘debut’ in the classroom. I know the children will welcome her because every year she is loved from Day One. Today was no exception. Frankly, it was wonderful. She has a new bed, and children carefully covered her. They held her, loved her, and accepted her for who she is – different on the outside, but the same as us on the inside.
Here is the letter we sent to parents today:
Introducing Gloria, our Aqua Room Friend
October 11th, 2023
Gloria was introduced to your children today. She came to Morning Meeting, reluctantly, because she is very shy. After all, some people have called her a witch, so it is no wonder she needed coaxing to meet the Aqua Roomers. Gloria is old, has wrinkly skin and gray hair, and is very fond of black. Actually, black is her favorite color, along with a pointy hat and pointy shoes. Gloria is our classroom puppet, yet she is very real to all the children. She represents all the things that children feel. Because she is different, she helps children develop an understanding of others.
When she arrived, your children didn’t know what to think. No one said a word, and there were many wide eyes. When we talked about Gloria, children wondered if she was a witch. That was the perfect door to open! Gloria herself jumped in to talk (finally), and she told them how people had called her a witch. “Well, I’m not a witch. I just like black. It’s my favorite color. My skin is wrinkly, and my hair is gray and sticky-uppy-outy.” Then children started to look to Gloria directly, eye to eye, and Gloria responded in kind. One child said, “Gloria, do you want to wear my sunglasses?” Then she introduced herself. Gloria wanted to learn the names of your children, and asked each child if she could shake their hand. Well, children stayed by her side after the handshake. Many surrounded the teacher chair, and the conversations kept going. There were spontaneous hugs and fist bumps. Gloria has photos in her journal over many years. She has been everywhere! She even showed us her blankie (peace quilt) and her very own bed (aqua, of course.)
This was powerful. What transpired in our classroom in less than thirty minutes is what can sometimes take years for people to learn; caring and acceptance. Gloria is different, yet she has the same feelings that we all do. She is a good friend. Your children were able to look beyond her appearance and see her for what she truly is.
A child rushed over to hold her and cover her. A group gathered to play with her. They were careful and gentle; it made teachers smile to stand back and watch. Children were helping Gloria. She is being looked after. She is a new friend.
Gloria will quickly become a close member of the Aqua Room. She will be the one who understands, or perhaps the one who has problems. She will be fun, sometimes silly, and may look to your children for a hug. If you want to know more about Gloria, she has a journal of her weekends with Aqua Roomers. Please tell her hello when you’re in the classroom.
Warmly,
Jennie, Heidi, and Naomi
A Teacher's Reflections 
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Such a powerful lesson – and one we all could do with learning and relearning throughout our lives… Thank you for starting the process, Jennie:)).
Thank you, Sarah. She has a way about her that teaches children. Yes, starting the process is so important!
Aw, so cute, Jennie!
Thank you, GP.
I do love Gloria and how she interacts with the children….. I think you and Gloria are very alike 💜💜💜
Thank you, Willow!
How special. I’m so glad Gloria got to meet the new class and was shown so much love. The little girl who straightened her hat, that would have been me. (I still straighten the pictures on the walls in restaurants). The last photo is precious.
Thanks so much, Darlene. Yes, I’m a straightener, too. That last photo is truly endearing!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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Love your letter and the children’s reaction to Gloria. This couldn’t get any sweeter.
That’s so nice, Marlene. Thank you!
Jennie, this touches my heart. The video~I melted. Thank you for teaching love, compassion, and kindness. I can’t help but feel confident that kids will remember Gloria for years to come (we know there’s evidence of this!). I want you to know that your posts always lift me. When I feel uncertain or overwhelmed, the goodness you share in what you are and do, coupled with the complete “magic” of children, fills my heart and soul with happiness. Welcome to the classroom, Gloria! ❤️💕🤍🙏🏻🥰👏🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Bless you, Karla! What wonderful words, I am ‘filled up’. Here’s to more adventures with Gloria! 😍
Aww, it’s my blessing, Jennie! Yes, to adventures! I’m so glad you’re filled up! 💚🤗💚
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I’m so glad the children will continue to enjoy Gloria. How did she get her name? An adult drawn into all this fun🤣
Children voted on a name to give her the very first year. We did a tally vote with all the choices. Gee, it’s been at least 15 years, maybe 20. Thanks so much for being part of the fun!
Time goes by so quickly . I love their choice. Gloria is wearing well with all her 15-20 years of hugs. Take care and continue to make the children and us smile.
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Gloria never fails to interest and excite the children. She always brings out the best in them too. Great to see her back in the classroom, and the letter to parents was word-perfect.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thanks so much, Pete. She really has a way with helping teach children. I’m glad you enjoyed the letter to parents. 🙂
It’s going to be another fantastic year in the Aqua Room for Gloria and the children. I’m looking forward to hearing about her adventures this year.
Thanks so much, Deborah!
Time for Gloria once again to weave her magic love those images, Jennie of the little ones and Gloria x
Yes, ‘weave her magic”. I wonder if someone will want to take her trick-or-treating. Thanks so much, Carol. 🥰
Ohhh now that’s a thought what a lovely adventure 🙂
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Love the way you do this Jennie!!
Thank you, Opher!
Long may it continue!!
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Welcome back, Gloria. You were missed, but not absent from the hearts of the children who loved you.
I’ll let her know you said that, Don. Many thanks! 😍
Genius!
Thank you.
Welcome
This is wonderful. To me, it helps young children open their minds to people and things that aren’t exactly like themselves, and to also fuel the imagination….bravo!
Well said, John. That’s what she does for children. Many thanks!
Gloria accomplishes in minutes what the rest of the world is still trying to figure out.
YES!
So good to see Gloria again. Imagine all the children who she has reached. It’s amazing. Thanks for sharing, Jennie.
I think of that quite often. When they return to say Hi or visit, they give her a big hug and a smile. I have saved every journal with photos, and children often look at them. Thank you, John.
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Wonderful, just wonderful dear Jennie.. Indeed you are helping teach these children who will be adults of tomorrow.. That we are ALL the same inside… And that we ALL of us have feelings…
A few of those well educated leaders in our world would have benefited from a few lessons that I know Gloria would have taught.
Bravo Gloria, Jennie and Team.. ❤ 💖💖💖
Beautifully said, Sue, and so true! Many thanks! 💕
Hugs 💕
I’ve been wondering when Gloria would return to school! Please give her a fist bump from me. I know she has a good school year ahead of her.
Will do, Liz! Here’s to a year of adventures with Gloria!
Hear, hear! (I’ll confess that I’ve become hypersenstive to how witches are portayed in children’s books, now that I know Gloria.)
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How do you decide when it’s time for Gloria to appear? One of my favorite parts is the journal. I remember when you told me Gloria had been to Fenway Park among other interesting locations. Someday, you’ll have to show us some of the journal entries.
Gloria makes her first visit in early October, after children have settled in. Yes, I will post some of her journal entries. That’s a great suggestion! Best to you, Pete. BTW, she was very happy to see Oscar! 🙂
Beautiful Gloria! Children love Gloria 👌
Yes, and yes. Thank you!
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A wonderful lesson to learn at a very young age. Well done, again, Jennie & associates.
Thanks so much, Steve!
Jennie, this is simply wonderful, and so is the letter to the parents. I expect these children will set a good example for their parents. 🙂 Hugs.
That’s so nice to hear, Teagan. Thank you, and mega hugs! 💕
How wonderfully sweet, Jennie. If only adults could be as accepting and loving as kids. Those hugs for Gloria were beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, if only… Many thanks, Diana, glad you enjoyed this.
Here’s to another great year of important lessons with Gloria. Your classroom is filled with love, Jennie.
Amen! Thank you for your kind words, Dan.
Hi Jennie, Thank you for this post!
You are welcome, Charles!
What a wonderful introduction. Related to the time it seems Gloria has something to do with Halloween. 😉 But i am missing the broomstick. LoL Otherwise i adore her fashion related high heels. 😉 xx Michael
I think Halloween is a perfect time for her to meet the children, so she can prove she is not a witch (even though she looks like one.) Best to you, Michael. 🙂
Bravo in a successful introduction to the new Aqua Roomers
Thanks so much, Robbie.
The letter was beautiful Jennie. I’m. ❤
Thank you, Debby! 💕
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Here’s the beginning of beautiful friendships. Just gorgeous, Jennie.
Thank you, Norah!
You are welcome, Jennie.
Great! 💜
Thank you.