As the sky darkened,
families enjoyed a pizza dinner on the playground.
It was the first time everyone was together.
Families brought pumpkins and went to work
carving them into jack-o-lanterns.
We set all the jack-o-lanterns along the stone wall.
Families looked and smiled,
as if it were their ‘magnum opus’.
Then we gathered in a big circle,
each child and family holding their jack-o-lantern,
snuggling together.
It was dark.
We gave children glow sticks.
I played the autoharp so we could sing our favorite song,
“The Jack-O-Lantern Song.”
Music was the frosting on the cake.
Magic happened at school.
Jennie
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.
Families brought pumpkins and went to work
Then we gathered in a big circle,
A Teacher's Reflections 
Perfect! You are really never going short on fantastic events, Jennie! What a wonderful collection of pumpkins. I would wish we also would celebrate this tradition here. Best wishes, Michael
Thank you, Michael! I’ll pass on the horror part of Halloween, but carving pumpkins and lighting them is magical. 😀
How absolutely wonderful for all!
Yes, it was.❤️ Thank you, Beth.
Gosh, sounds like fun!
Thanks, Annette! It was.🙂
Magic indeed!
😍
I love how you involve the families, Jennie.
Thanks, Dan. It helps make the classroom a family.
On my… What a beautiful collections of creative Lanterns xx Well done those young sculptors xx ❤
Thank you, Sue!
💖
What a wonderful event. Music always makes it even more special. I’m sure the children and their parents had a wonderful time.
Yes, music does make it even more special. It was wonderful! Thanks, Darlene. 🙂
What lucky kids and families! Your preschool goes above and beyond!
That’s so nice, Alethea. Thank you!
What an incredible impact on these young minds and a great way to continue a family and friends connection with all!
Thank you, John!
Jennie, you bring the magic! The kids join in the magic because of their amazing leader! Who benefits? Everyone! I love ALL the pumpkins (and the auto harp? Awwww, Jennie….). The kids and families will not forget this! 💛🎃
Awww…thank you for your kind words, Karla.🥰 If I can lead the way and bring magic to children, along with the autoharp, that’s as good as it gets. It’s a memory maker. 😍
You’re welcome, dear Jennie. I remember fondly the autoharp–back to my Sunday School Days. And preschool days! Jennie, I’ll be leaving next Tuesday for Maryland for my surgery on Nov. 1st. I won’t “see” you, but I’ll think of you and the kids daily to boost my spirits!! Keep on keeping on and I’ll do the same! 💛💛💛
You remember the autoharp. That is wonderful. Karla, i will be thinking about you and your surgery. The cards are in your favor, and my prayers are with you. Much love, Jennie.
Thank you, Jennie! I appreciate you so much! I know my family does too! Much love to you. ❤️🙏🏻
Love, hugs, and good wishes, Karla. You are a bright light in my life. 💕
Jennie, you are in mine too! 💕💕💕
🥰
A night to remember, and an experience all those involved in will treasure. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Pete. Yes, it was. I’m so glad children and families have this experience.
Love the magic, Jennie
Thank you, Don. I do, too!
SO lovely a thing to do!
Thank you, FR!
What a fun evening.
It was, indeed. Thank you.
What a magical time this must have been Jennie! Only “The Great Pumpkin” rising could have made it better!
Thank you, Wayne. You are right!
Excellent and such a lovely time you all had Jennie. Great pumpkins too.
Thank you, Kamal!
Welcome Jennie 😊
A lovely post as ever Jennie 💜💜💜
Thank you, Willow! 🥰
Hi Jennie, it sounds like a magical evening 🎃
Hi Robbie, it was indeed. 😀
🧡
Love the family involvement. It is magical.
Thank you, John.
😊
What lovely memories you are creating!
Thank you, Pam. I can’t imagine anything better than creating memories.
An evening to remember! There is quite a range with the pumpkin carving.
Yes, it was an evening to remember. I love the array of pumpkin carvings, too. Thank you, Liz.
You’re welcome, Jennie.
I really like that you involve your families, Jennie. There are too many teachers who avoid this, which makes no sense to me. Why wouldn’t you want the parents’ support?
You’re so right, Pete. The younger the child, the more important it is to have family support. Plus, it creates a fun, loving atmosphere. Many thanks!
How fun, Jennie! I bet the families enjoyed it.
Thanks, Miriam! It was fun for everyone. 😀
Our PTA organized pumpkin contests with different categories for parents to participate in. 🎃
That’s wonderful!
what a wonderful family event – magical indeed!
Thank you, Jim! So good to hear from you.
I’m trying to ease my way back in… 🙂
I’m so glad! 😀
It looks great! The pumpkins specially!
And so begins the most wonderful time of the year!
Yes! Thank you, Deborah. 🥰
😀