Noah was my student, over twenty years ago.
He loved music.
It was my autoharp and singing that helped him adjust to school.
We have stayed in touch.
When he was in high school he came to play the keyboard, drums, ukulele, and other instruments for my class.
His former class.
He connected with children, and they connected with him.
Every day a child would ask, “Is it a Noah day?’
College came next.
Noah kept in touch, and he talked with me about teaching.
He had found his two passions – music and children.
Over the summers he told me he wanted to be a speech pathologist.
Wonderful! He had lots of questions.
Now, he has his Masters and is on his way.
The story gets better.
Noah visited me again this week.
We swam together.
And then we talked…and talked.
He told me stories about the children,
little things, funny things, important things,
the things that ‘stuck’ with him.
He was full of life, wanting to tell me what happened.
And then I told him stories about teaching children,
little things, funny things, important things,
the things that still stick with me.
The conversation became deeper.
How is it for teachers today in the classroom?
How can you teach everything you need to teach,
and still be there for so many children,
all of whom are on different levels,
and many of whom have issues?
Noah said to me,
“It’s all about the connection, not the content.”
Yes, yes, yes!!!
Noah, you ‘get it’. Children will learn from you
because you connect with them.
As the evening wore on, Noah told the dinner group
about his visit to Philly (Philadelphia) to see his sister,
and going to a nightclub where jazz
was played, impromptu.
As he described the jazz,
the other guests went off into other conversations.
Not me!
I was glued as he described the 92-year-old
bass player who could barely walk up to the stage.
He must have performed like James Jamerson.
We talked about the sax, how it is ‘the’ instrument.
Everyone missed the great conversation.
Noah doesn’t miss a beat,
especially when it comes to teaching children.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
How great that Noah has taken up the Jennie-baton! Well done both!
Thanks, FR!
That’s wonderful to read, Jennie. It’s great connecting with children and watch them mature. All credit to you xx
I feel lucky to stand back and watch them mature. I’m glad you enjoyed this, Joy. Thank you!
What a fantastic compliment to you and your teaching, Jennie!!
That’s so nice, GP. Thank you.
so very wonderful, Jennie, you taught him many things, but most of all, the most important thing, the connection to the children you teach, in the moment, and the connections with them that continue
You truly understand and have walked in those shoes many times. That connection makes all the difference. What a gift when it continues.
You gave Noah the roots and he got the wings. Take a bow, Jennie and Noah.
You said that well, Don. Thank you!
Yet more proof (as if any more was needed) of your wonderful influence on the children you teach. Well done to Noah, and to you too of course.
Best wishes, Pete.
Awww…that’s so nice, Pete. Thank you. 🥰
What a fun evening. Those are the stories we teachers live for. The bass player–it doesn’t matter his age when music is his soul. My son had that with his stand-up bass.
Yes, these are the stories we live for. When music is in your soul, it’s there forever – even at 92. I’m so glad your son had that!! Best to you, Jacqui.
Right on, Noah. As Maya Angelou says so eloquently, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” As a young man, Noah already knows that connection is the most important ingredient to any relationship with children.
Yes! Noah ‘gets it’ already. The Maya Angelou quote hangs in our front room for everyone to see. It’s the best! Thank you, Pete.
Noah is an inspiration for all of us Jennie. Splendid post. Thanks 👍🙏👍
I think he definitely is. Thank you, Kamal. 💕
You are always welcome Jennie 😊😊
You are harvesting the fruit of your hard work Jennie. Congratulations!
That’s so nice of you to say, Wayne. Thank you!
It must be wonderful to maintain that connection and see the wonderful person Noah has become. I’m glad he’s found his passion, Jennie.
It is a wonderful thing, Dan. When he talks about teaching (and music), I watch him light up.
Noah and Jennie–the dream team continues! THIS is what education is all about–well, heck, this is what being a good human is all about! Well done Jennie and Noah! You’re both inspirations!🤍🤍🤍
Thank you, Karla! Yes, this is what being a good human is all about. It all starts with family and in the classroom. 💕
You’re welcome ☺️ you’re such an inspiration to me, Jennie! 💕
That means a lot to me, Karla. If I can inspire people, that’s as good as it gets. 🥰
I’m so happy, Jennie. You’ve kept me going at times you don’t even know it!! Or if I’m reading at a school and I think, “I bet Jennie would do …” lol!! 🤍💕😁💜
😍❤️🥰
You’ve reached so many children, Jennie, and Noah is an example of the good that comes of your efforts.
Thank you for your kind words, Anneli.
Yay, Noah! And thank goodness for connections!! Love that, Jennie!
Well said, Wynne! Thank you.
Oh that’s great. Must be neat to see!
It is, Brian. Thank you.
A lovely recap of your visit with a student who makes you proud. Well done Noah and Jennie.
Thank you, John. That’s so nice of you to say.
😊
He is proof that the way you teach children can make the difference of a lifetime. You must be proud.
Thank you, Pam. I am very proud.
The the fruits of your labour. I love this.
Yes, it is. I’m so glad you love this, Darlene.
It’s all about the connection! Hurrah for Noah and hurrah for you and hurrah for YOUR ongoing connection!!!
Many thank yous here, Will. Connection is everything in teaching…and, well, life.
I remember Noah! What an incredible young man he has grow up to be to carry on your work with children.
Yes, he has. Talking with him was much like talking with a fellow teacher who has the same excitement about children.
That must be so gratifying–and it gives hope to those of us looking to a new generation to make the world a better place.
Exactly!
Yes, he has. 🙂
It doesn’t get better than this! Congratulations! (I feel like you won a prize, an award…) Congratulations to you and to Noah.
Many thanks! Honestly, I feel the same way.
Thank you!
It all started with you, Jennie why am I not surprised! Congratulations to youn and to Noah xx
That’s so nice, Carol. Thank you! 💕
What a wonderful uplifting interlude, Jennie. How proud you must feel that this passionate young man has been inspired by you and goes on wanting to learn from you. This has immensely cheered me up:)).
Thanks so much, Sarah! I’m glad it cheered you up. Yes, I’m very proud of Noah.
Why am I not surprised dear Jennie, that Noah your former student turned out so well… 🙂 He had the best teacher and mentor ever in my opinion.. And Noah will make an excellent teacher himself, as he like you so understand the need of feeling connected… And you both have that special gift of Listening!… Really listening, not only to each other, but to the Music of the Soul!!…..
Good luck to Noah in all of his future adventures… And I loved your photos Jennie..
Much love xx ❤
Sue, your words and thoughts are so beautiful. Thank you! Understanding and connecting is something incredibly important, and the fact that Noah ‘gets it’ early on makes my heart soar. All the best to you, Sue! 💕
I’m going to echo what so many others have said, you planted the seed and now the Beat Goes ON! 😊😊 I wish him lots of success in his chosen career.
Thanks your your wonderful echo, Deborah. 🥰
You’re welcome, Jennie! 😊
Hi Jennie, I would have listened to the story about the musician. Very interesting.
♥️♥️♥️
Oh, Jennie! This is a brilliant young man who is smart enough to go to the best teacher to learn more about REALLY teaching. You gave him the perfect answers and you really LISTENED! Win for you both and the next generation.
Listening is so important! He already understands ‘real teaching’ and lit up when he told me stories of connecting with children. My heart is full, and there is great hope for the next generation. Thank you, Marlene!
Jennie, a heart-warming post and it must feel amazing to be part of his very early education! Noah seems a great guy and just think of all the people he will help in his career, in his life of connections! 😀❤️
It really does make me feel wonderful to be part of his education and journey. He is such a great guy. Thanks, Annika! 😀
Hi Jennie, thank you for another wonderful post!
Wow! What a lovely former student and day…it sounds magical…
Dear Jennie, you have so many living legacies!
Your legacy is so far reaching Jennie and what a delightful advocate for your belief in connection with children. ♥
Noah has learned much from you, Jennie. You should be proud of yourself!
That’s so nice, Stevie. Thank you. 🥰
What a lovely, warm, positive post, Jennie. It’s gave me genuine spontaneous smiles when I was feeling over-anxious. Thank you. Hugs.
I’m so glad, Teagan. Hugs! 💕
I love that you had such a profound impact on him that he became a teacher!
Thanks so much!
I think Noah would excel at whatever profession he chose, since he seems like such a people person. And his willingness to seek advice from others will take him far.
How wonderful that you’ve had this connection for so long!
Hi Jim! Yes, I think you’re right about Noah. I feel quite lucky to have this connection. Hope all is well with you.
I am sure Noah feels just as fortunate!
🙂
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Thank you.
A wonderful achievment, you have reached again, Jennie! A wonderful read about the blooming of your every day efforts! Best wishes, Michael
Hi Michael! Thanks so much!! I hope all is well with you.
This is a really inspiring story. Teachers who lose hopes and inspiration need to read this blog. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you.