Remembering the Little Things

The little things are the big things
in life
although we often don’t see it at the moment.
You never know when the things you do
will be meaningful
or important to others.
Goodness always carries the right message.

My pen pal Kiansh (yes, we are still pen pals) reminded his mother of a little thing, which is really a big thing.  I had nearly forgotten until his mother sent me this email:

Hi Jennie,

Happy New Year!

Hope you’re doing well and had a great holidays!

Thank you from all of us for a beautiful holiday season card and your kind wishes! It certainly made our holidays extra special! Yes we will visit GCS this year and keep you posted on that!

Recently, I gave a hug from back to Kiansh and he immediately said mom that’s Jennie hug! Remember she used to hug me from back! I said of course, I remember that Kiansh 🥹. You and I, we both know why a back hug 😊! I still remember the day you told me about Jennie’ hug during his pickup! Small gestures like this makes a life time memory! For me that was the moment I knew how great you are as a teacher 💕! I will always remember this moment as a mom!

We have received your pen-pal card and Kiansh was curious to know about Boston T to get to North TD Gardens! He hasn’t experienced T yet. So that’s something for him to look forward to. I always enjoy watching him when he simply picks your letter, and starts reading on his own. And would come to one of us if has question/s.

Have Joyful & Healthy Year!

Warmly,
Priya

Life is good when you keep doing good things.

Jennie

P.S.  I am saving all of his pen pal letters, 14 so far.  One day I hope to bundle them in a ribbon and give them to Kiansh, hopefully at a big event like a graduation.

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.
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64 Responses to Remembering the Little Things

  1. willowdot21's avatar willowdot21 says:

    Wonderful 💜💜💜

  2. GP's avatar GP says:

    Your title definitely says it all, Jennie.

  3. Dan Antion's avatar Dan Antion says:

    These – all the little things – are the things that matter. This is lovely, Jennie. Thanks for sharing it with us.

  4. Darlene's avatar Darlene says:

    This is so special. How wonderful that the family is still communicating with you. Yes, it’s the little things that matter. 😀

    • Jennie's avatar Jennie says:

      Thank you, Darlene. It is wonderful to still be in touch. Honestly, I’d forgotten about that hug from the back, which makes me even more aware of the importance of little things.

  5. You’re right, Jennie. It’s the little things that matter indeed. 💯❤️

  6. Hugs are a forever thing!

  7. beth's avatar beth says:

    I love pen pal letters and this is very special – it is the little things that are really the big things

  8. That is delightful. He is in my mind, now.

  9. beetleypete's avatar beetleypete says:

    That’s the kind of thing that warms my heart and makes me forget my cares and worries. He will treasure those letters when he is older.

    Best wishes, Pete.

    • Jennie's avatar Jennie says:

      I’m so glad this warmed your heart, Pete. If you forgot your cares and worries for the moment, that’s really wonderful. I do hope he will treasure his letters. The writing – from barely printing giant letters to writing words – is in itself an enormous change. And there will be more to come. Best to you, Pete.

  10. The little things are what make the big things so special, Jennie. Thanks for sharing Kiansh’s Mom’s letter.

  11. Don Ostertag's avatar Don Ostertag says:

    Sweet post, Jennie. Read it just after listening to the song Little Things Mean a Lot

    • Jennie's avatar Jennie says:

      I just listened to the song. It’s wonderful! Kitty Kallen, 1954. I was 4 then, but remember my parents playing the song. Thanks, Don, and I’m glad you enjoyed the post.

  12. This is delightful, Jennie. What a rewarding life you live.

  13. The little things are important. Sweet post, Jennie.

  14. What a lovely note — and wonderful that the mom took time to send it to you. Hugs.

  15. Victoria's avatar Victoria says:

    So sweet, Jennie! 🥰

  16. frenchc1955's avatar frenchc1955 says:

    Hi Jennie, this is wonderful!

  17. petespringer's avatar petespringerauthor says:

    So sweet! This post is a good reminder that every interaction with our students is critical. Sometimes things that we don’t recognize as big things at the time are very important.

  18. Thank you for sharing this heartwarming post. It left me with a huge smile on my face.

  19. Opher's avatar Opher says:

    Little things are certainly big things. Saying thank you gives pleasure. It’s not little.

    I always thought, when I was in education, that the things that you could not measure were the things that were the most important.

    Those are the things you focus on Jennie!

  20. So sweet! Yes, often the little things are what is most important.

  21. dgkaye's avatar dgkaye says:

    So beautiful Jennie. Indeed, it’s the little things. ❤

  22. Wonderful and so beautiful post Jennie ❤️

  23. Always welcome dear Jennie 🙏

  24. Sheri Kuisch's avatar Sheri Kuisch says:

    It’s the little things in life that are the sweetest memories

  25. Ally Bean's avatar Ally Bean says:

    Delightful! Good vibes are always appreciated.

  26. sjhigbee's avatar sjhigbee says:

    There’s an ad on British TV about how teachers can transform children’s lives and when I saw it, I thought of you, Jennie. Have a lovely week.

  27. Carla's avatar Carla says:

    How lovely and positive. That will be a wonderful surprise for Kiansh someday.

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