Things Happen in Threes

Things often happen in threes.  They certainly did at school!

#1
We had day after day of bitter cold weather.  That meant the children could not go outside.  By day three we had to be creative, so we had a ‘classroom switch’ with another class.  Children in both classes stopped what they were doing and spontaneously went to the other classroom to play.  Everything was new and different and fun!  


#2
Robots!  After receiving our giant letter to Spot, Atlas, and Handle, Boston Dynamics emailed that they want to Zoom with the children.  We look forward to seeing our favorite robots and learning even more.  One of their engineers was my former preschool student, and the email shared his comment, “Jennie is a very kind and enthusiastic teacher.  At this rate, she must produce more roboticists than any other preschool.”

I learned a new word, ‘roboticists’.


#3
I invited Sam (not his real name) my pen-pal and former student to be a guest reader in the classroom.  This was his second visit, and this time he walked in alone (no mom), tall and proud.  He not only read a wonderful book about a special festival of colors in India- Holi, he asked questions and engaged the children in the story.  Wow!  We had a giant hug-a-thon, of course.  When a teacher (or parent) makes a big fuss over a child, it makes all the difference in the world.

The  story does not end here!

The next day his mom emailed me a big thank you and shared what happened next:

This week Sam was also a mystery reader in their classroom, again thanks to his class teacher who also believes in “Read Aloud” and was kind enough to give him an opportunity. It all went well and kids had great time.

Now here is what happened next; today we went to a birthday party and one mom told me that their child was so happy to see a friend reading book to them. That inspired the child so much that mom told me child also wants to be good at reading and one day read to her class like Sam did (I truly wish that child’s wish come true). While I am so happy to see Sam’s keen interest in reading. However, what made me even more happier was that his reading inspired other child to read!😇 That’s when I thought I should share this with you knowing who would be more happier than you!

Yes, that made my day!  I will always champion for reading aloud!

Jennie

Unknown's avatar

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.
This entry was posted in children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, joy, literacy, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, robots, School, Teaching young children and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

51 Responses to Things Happen in Threes

  1. Fraggle's avatar Fraggle says:

    This all made me smile Jennie, brightened up my Monday no end!

  2. Opher's avatar Opher says:

    Fabulous Jennie. You’re an inspiration. Everything education should be!

  3. GP's avatar GP says:

    You are quite a character, Jennie. I think that’s why the kids love you so!

  4. Dan Antion's avatar Dan Antion says:

    My mother always said “thing happen in threes” so you started this post with a memory that made me smile – the smiles kept coming. I hope you all have a great week and maybe the rain will let up after it gets warm and the kids can get outside.

  5. Oh, Jennie. you’ve made me smile 3 times this Monday morning. Cheers to you for the joys of learning you bring to kids.

  6. That was a great Trifecta and made me smile. I loved your spontaneous pink hat! 💗

  7. beetleypete's avatar beetleypete says:

    The best things really do happen in threes, and you are the uncrowned Queen of reading aloud!
    Best wishes, Pete.

  8. willowdot21's avatar willowdot21 says:

    I agree Jennie reading aloud is so important to everyone. The listener and the read both gain so much from the experience 💜💜

  9. We need to sprinkle some “Jennie” dust onto the other teachers.

  10. I love the classroom switch idea and the picture of you kneeling. I am wowed you could get up!

    • Jennie's avatar Jennie says:

      Haha! I’m not fast at getting up anymore. The classroom switch is so much fun, and perfect when the children have been indoors for days in a row. Best to you, Jacqui.

  11. beth's avatar beth says:

    oh, Jennie I love this so!

  12. It is so great that you are a champion of having kids read aloud. They are so proud when they have figured out this challenge of what reading is, and it will stand them in good stead for their whole life.

  13. “Hug-a-thons” nourish us all!
    😉
    Stay warm.

  14. I Loved the story about the boy who inspired another student to read. Doesn’t get any better than that. Thanks for sharing the three things, Jennie

  15. K.L. Hale's avatar K.L. Hale says:

    My heart just grew 3 times larger, Jennie. What you do for kids and how you inspire them just amazes me. You and the kids make my day brighter–and the world a better place! A roboticist! How cool!! 💛💛💛💛💛💛💛

  16. I love your stories! You make a difference every day!

  17. petespringer's avatar petespringerauthor says:

    Amazing as always! I suspect your mystery reader’s self-esteem is flying through the roof now. One of your many superpowers is making kids feel good about themselves. We both know how important that is.

    Variety is the spice of life. Kids are like the rest of us and can get bored if we don’t make school fun by getting a little silly occasionally.

  18. Norah's avatar Norah says:

    Definitely a great trio, Jennie. Well done.

  19. A jokeful teacher is the best pupils can desire. Jennie, you are the best! 🙂 Best wishes, Michael

  20. A magical post, Jennie. I have been recommending books for my two youngest nieces. One series is Humphrey the Hamster by Betty G Barney. Michael loved those books.

  21. That is wonderful Jennie, how children inspire each other.. And you dear friend the greatest inspiration of all 🙂 ❤ Hugs xx Smiles.. xxx 🙂

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