My preschool class loves learning about other countries. Geography, our Big Book Atlas, food, traditional costumes, and singing our ‘Days of the Week’ song in a new language are favorites. Every year.
Gloria has decided she wants to be part of learning about other countries. She has a new shirt, a traditional dashiki African shirt. She loves it!
Look at her big smile!
Of course children wanted to wear the same shirt.

Thank you, Gloria. You are helping children to learn about the world. People are different – you understand that best of all. If we learn about other countries and people, we can learn about acceptance. Gloria, you are the role model for acceptance. Thank goodness you are are an Aqua Roomer.
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.
Gloria looks spiffy in her new shirt, and so does her young friend! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
I think so, too! Thank you, Pete. She also has a Chinese shirt. I’ll have to find something appropriate for England. 🙂
England doesn’t have its own national dress, but Wales does. 🙂
https://www.coldatnight.co.uk/rustle-articles/welsh-national-costume
I’m not sure Gloria would like the hat. 🙂 Of course England doesn’t have a traditional national dress. What was I thinking? America doesn’t either. Thanks, Pete.
There is always Scotland, with a nice bonnet and tartan clothes. 🙂
I like this!
What about the uniform of the guards of the Buckingham Palace?
That is an historical military unifrom of course, and not national dress of any kind. But it is certainly known worldwide. 🙂
Go Gloria!
I second that, FR! 🙂
This is wonderful, Jennie! 💛
Thank you, Ritu! 😍
I am sure there will be a fashion week where Gloria can perform too. What’s about Milan, next year? 🙂 xx Michael
Now, that would be fun! This year we learn about France, but next year it is Italy. 😀
Absolutely 💜💜💜💜
Thank you, Willow! 😍
gloria is global
She is! Such a lucky girl. 😀
Such a wonderful way for children to learn!
Thank you, GP!
What a great shirt! Gloria will be such a great ambassador as she explores other countries with the children. Learning about other countries was my favourite part of school (that and reading stories of course)
Thank you, Darlene! I think she definitely will. She sure loves her shirt! I’m not surprised that learning about other countries and reading were your favorite parts of school. They have served you very well. 😀
Gloria looks younger. Must be all that time spent with kids. Nice lesson, Jennie.
I think you’re right, Steve! Many thanks.
She looks great in her Dashiki blouse. How fun to learn a new language from songs!
Thank you, Deborah. She really does look spiffy. Music helps a new language ‘stick’, especially if it is something familiar (like our Days of the Week song.)
Gloria is a beautiful ambassador, Jennie. What a fun way for children to learn that we are part of an entire world of culture.
Beautifully said, Dan, and true. Thank you!
What a beautiful shirt!
Thanks so much, Alethea. She loves it!
A terrific shirt and lesson. Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad you liked both. Thanks so much, John.
😊
I love that you are teaching other countries and their culture…I always said that the more you know about the rest of the world the less likely you are to want to bomb it…a sad sad truth.
You are exactly right, John. The more we learn, the more we understand and (hopefully) accept. No one wants to bomb a place they like and know. I really enjoy teaching about other countries. Next week we begin to learn about France. Many thanks!
That is darling. I wouldn’t be surprised if that shirt became part of the tradition.
Thank you, Jacqui. I wouldn’t be surprised, either. 🙂
Another wonderful lesson, Jennie. Everything you do to build acceptance in creative ways that children will understand is brilliant. Gloria. I hope my grandchild has inspiring teachers like you.
That is such a wonderful thing to say, Pete. Thank you! I hope your grandchild(ren) flourish with inspiring teachers. There are many, you included. Yesterday a boy asked me if Gloria is a puppet. I said, “She isn’t to me and smiled.” His smile was bigger than mine. 😀
I love what you do with Gloria, Jennie. So wonderful.
Thank you so much, Anneli!
What a wonderful way to honour other countries.
Thank you, Pam!
Love it.. thanks Jennie xxx
I’m so glad. Isn’t she the best? Thank you, Sally! 💕
I pos-i-lutely adore that Gloria and the kids are wearing matching shirts. Thanks for these smiles, Jennie. Big hugs.
I’m so glad, Teagan. She’s the best! Yes, the matching shirts bring smiles and hugs all the way around. 😍
Gloria is really coming into her own – again! Bless the Mother-sewer who stitched up the lovely shirts/blouses, too!
She is, indeed! I got the shirt on Amazon for less than $10.00, and then I found the matching one for the kids.
Great find!
😀
What a gorgeous shirt. A costume for every country – just like Barbie, only better. 🙂
Yes, and better! Thank you, Norah. 😍
How delightful… go Gloria!
Thanks, Stevie! 😊
Oh so fun. Wearing clothes from other countries is a fun way to get engaged. Fabulous picture of Gloria and her friend, Jennie. Thanks for starting my day with a smile.
It really is a fun way for the children to be engaged in learning. Thanks so much, Diana. I’m glad this made you smile.
I loved it. In 1974 I made my then husband a dashiki from a piece of fabric already made to easily create one. I had not remembered that until I saw the photo. It was he I lost this December so the sight was bitter sweet.
Bittersweet, indeed. Best to you, Elizabeth.
Gloria expanding her role to include serving as an international ambassador for teaching children about other countries is a great idea, Jennie!
Thank you, Bruce. She really is. Today we begin to learn about France, so I hope Gloria likes the beret I have for her.
Wonderful 🧡
Thank you.
You’re welcome.
The African print. Yes!
🙂
Good stuff Jennie!! One world!!
Hi Jenni, this is a lot of fun. Where did you get the shirts?
Amazon. I typed in children’s African shirt, and many items popped up. It is fun!
Oh, I didn’t think of Amazon. I can’t order any clothing from Amazon, only books.
Why is that, Robbie?
It is to do with trade agreements between South Africa and the USA and other countries.
That’s kind of sad.