Freedom is not free.
Veterans are heroes.
Today is the day to say ‘thank you’.
At school we thanked a retired Air Force Master Sergeant.
He talked with the children.
They were in awe.
They hugged him.
They sang “God Bless America”, and he joined in,
as everyone looked at the big American Flag.
We made him a homemade American Flag.
We couldn’t paint enough stripes, but we added enough stars.
He was touched, quite moved.
Children will remember meeting and thanking a Veteran.
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.
A Teacher's Reflections 
Beautiful 💜💜
Thank you, Willow!
Happy Veterans Day to Both Him and All who have Served in the Military.
beautiful and impactful Jennie.
Thank you, Beth.
They will always remember meeting that soldier, I have no doubt.
Best wishes, Pete.
I think they will, Pete. Thank you!
So nice of him to come and see the kids. Great stuff Jennie!
It really was, and he was terrific. Thanks, FR!
Excellent, Jennie. The earlier kids learn patriotism, the better. Your soldier won’t forget this day, either. Give my best to your Steve!
Thanks, Steve. Start with singing, showing the big American flag, and meeting a soldier. That’s patriotism. I will give my best to Steve.🇺🇸
A wonderful way to teach children about veterans and what this day means.
Thank you, Robbie.
Well done, Jennie. You reminded me that my dad served twice – in WW2 and during the early 50s. In his 70s, a class invited him to visit on Veterans Day for several years.
You must be very proud, Frank. How wonderful that he visited classes in his 70’s.
Thank you, Jennie!
You are welcome, GP. I love that photo, especially the wings. 🇺🇸
That makes me very happy!!
❤️
Another day the tots will remember and be influenced by it.
I do hope so!
You always make this day meaningful for the children. Good for you.
Thank you, Darlene!
What a fantastic lesson for the children!!
Thank you, Liz!
You’re welcome, Jennie!
I believe they will remember this meeting. It gets into your soul. What a great lesson and experience for them.
I do hope they remember. Yes, it really does get into your soul! Thank you, Deborah. 🇺🇸
What a super thing to do. Thanks for sharing, Jennie.
Thanks so much, John. 🇺🇸
😊
Absolutely terrific
Thank you, John!
GREAT POST
freedom is truly not free and your post was a great reminder and having this retired serviceman visit your class sounds like a wonderful experience for all
Thanks so much, Prior! I think the veteran was as ‘moved’ as the children. It was wonderful, and children can understand (in a small way) patriotism and freedom.
I’m sure he was as touched and as honoured as the children were.
He was, Pam.
Wow! You really brought this lesson to life!!’
Thank you.
You are so good at teaching your students about patriotism by bringing military personnel to your classroom.
Thank you, Pete. If I can teach them to sing a patriotic song, bring in the big American flag and learn about it, and introduce them to a real veteran…that’s a good start. 🇺🇸
That’s a special lesson and memory for the children, Jennie.
Thank you, Norah.
My pleasure, Jennie.
Excellent post and so nice to see him with the children too. Thanks Jennie 🙂🙂
Thank you, Kamal!
Always welcome dear Jennie 🙏
I’m married to a Vet and I can tell you, Jennie, this holiday does nothing but trigger him and it’s a very terrible thing to witness. To me, this holiday should be taken off the calendar and every day no matter where when and if we meet a Veteran we heartfully say something like “I’d truly sorry you had to experience war. You are in my heart and prayers that your wounds heal.” That is what I do. There is nothing happy about this day IF you know and love a Veteran.
Excellent lessons here, Jennie.
Thank you, Dan.
Children will remember these moments for a long time. And the veteran too. Regards, Lakshmi
Thank you, Lakshmi.
I salute your thinking🤔🤔♥️♥️🤜🏻🤛🏻
Thank you.
Most welcome 🤗😁
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Thank you.
Jennie, this sounds like something all schools should look to incorporate at least once into each school year, especially in and around Veterans Day. Well done!
Absolutely! And hopefully more than once a year. When we were kids in school we had pride in our country because we sang patriotic songs and said the Pledge of Allegiance every morning. That’s sorely missing today. How are you doing Bruce? Good to hear from you.
Jennie, all is well with Mrs. Chess and I. Just took some time away from the keyboard. Nice to be back reading your blog once more!
I’m so glad to hear all is well. Many thanks!