The children surprised me with a balloon, a plant,
and singing “Happy Birthday.”
We celebrated with ice cream.
When they asked me how old I am
I held up my birthday card
so they could read the number.
“57!”
Well, that was pretty good number reading
even if it was backwards.
For children, celebrating someone’s birthday is essential.
It teaches them that giving is important.
It helps them to think of others and spread kindness.
This happens ten-fold
when it’s a teacher’s birthday.
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 
That is beautiful. What fun! It is a great photo and a fun poem. Happy birthday 🎁🎂🎉🎈🥂
Thank you, Thomas!
happy, happy birthday, and I give them full credit for reading the numerals correctly, even if they used creative ordering of them. I like their style and what a great surprise
I knew you would like their style and ordering! Thank you, Beth. It was a wonderful surprise, and a great lesson in giving.
Happy Birthday, Jennie. I’m a May baby too.
Thanks, John. I’m glad to know we’re both May babies.
😊
Happy Birthday Jennie!
Thank you, Wayne.
Happy Birthday. And yes, giving is so important.
Thank you, Brian. I know you understand the importance of giving. 🙂
what a nice surprise and a happy birthday to you 🙂🙂
Happy Birthday!!!
Thank you.
Happy belated Birthday, Jennie!!! That number has to be 57. It can’t be the other. You look and behave 57 though much wiser. I love ice cream for a birthday celebration. Wishing my many many more. You teach those children the most important of lessons without fail.
That’s so nice, Marlene. Thank you! Yes, the 57 made my day. I’ll keep teaching important lessons till my last breath. 🥰
Happy birthday, Jennie!
Thank you, Norah!
It’s your turn to be a celebrity. You make the kids special every day. Now it’s your turn. Happy birthday!
That’s so nice, Anneli. Thank you! 🥰
You’re the best, Jennie! I hope you had a terrific birthday and that Steve spoiled you. Thanks for all the great life lessons you provide not only for your students for those who have come to know and respect you. Hugs from California!
That’s so nice, Pete. Thank you! Your words are always appreciated and a pleasure to read. You know me well! You actually gave me a beginning opening sentence for my book! Thanks for the California hugs, because they’re among the best. Hugs from Massachusetts, my friend.
Happy birthday. 🎂 I love your post! Student-teacher bond is precious. 😊
Thank you! Yes, that bond is precious.
Lovely post Jennie happy birthday 🎈🎂
Thank you, Willow! 🥰
A pleasure 💜😌
Happy Birthday, Jennie…I hope you got spoiled ❤
Thanks, Carol! 😍
Happy birthday, Jennie. I love your cake and birthday card, as well as your smile. Cheers!
Thank you, Hazel. No cake, just Hoodsie Cups ice cream. The card is wonderful, and my smile is genuine..
Yeah, I agree. You’re most welcome, Jennie
What a special birthday for a special teacher! I love how they read the numbers. I would take that!
Reading the numbers was the best! I’ll take 57, too. Thank you for your kind words, Darlene!
😉
A belated Happy Birthday to the best teacher of all-time! I’m so glad you had a wonderful celebration.
Best wishes, Pete.
Aww… thank you, Pete. That is so nice of you to say. It was wonderful, and I’m happy to be 57 once again. 😀
Happy birthday dear Jennie. It is so nice to be with children they too need to learn kindness and generosity ❤️❤️
Yes, they do. I’m the lucky one who gets to be with children and help them to learn. Thank you for the birthday wishes and kind words, Kamal. 🥰
Wonderful, Jennie!
Thank you, GP!
HA! I love the transposition of your age number…however if my youngest student (who’s dyslexic) read my ‘number’ I’d be the same age as herself! (hint: 07) She’d get a giggle out of that!
Much love to you on your special day, Jennie.
The number flip was terrific! I love how it would work with you, too, Laura. Many thanks for your kind words!
Happy Birthday! I’m sure I never knew the birthday of any of my teachers. Times have changed.
Thanks, Ally! Yes, times have changed. 😀
That’s delightful, Jennie – Happy Birthday.
Thanks so much, Dan.
Happy birthday Jennie 🎉🎂
Thank you.
Congratulations
Thank you.
How terrific!
Thank you, John!
Happy Belated Birthday, Jennie!!! 🎂🎈🎈🥳 I hope it was a wonderful day!!
Mine was on the 12th. We can add sharing our birthday month and in the same week as more things we have in common. 🥰
Happy Birthday, Deborah! I’m so glad we are both May babies and only two days apart. Yes, more things in common are added to the great list. 😀
😊
All the very best birthday wishes, Jennie.
Thank you, Tish.
Great birthday present
It really was. Thank you, Don.
You must really love teaching to still be working, Jennie. I would retire now if I could. A lovely birthday surprise.
Oh, I really do. This was such a lovely surprise.
I may be ready for bed by 9:00, but it is a joy to teach young children.
Happy birthday ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you.
You look so happy, Jennie!
Yes, I was. I’m glad you can tell! Thank you, Jacqui.
Happiest Birthday to an awesome person! And many, many more.
Thank you so much, Cindy!
I am a day late, But Happy Birthday Dear Jennie… 🎂 What a wonderful photo of you.
Congratulations on being 75 years Young …… and still many many young children so happy…
Sending you much love Jennie xx ❤ 🎉✨💖
Many thanks, Sue! The children keep me young so I can give them joy. I think that’s a win-win. Much love! 😍
It certainly is 😘❤️😍💖
Allow me to chime in with yet another Happy Birthday, dear Jennie!!
Aww… that’s so nice, Mitch. Thank you!
Happy Birthday!
That’s better than interpreting 57 as 75
Yes, it is! Thank you.
Sweet!! Happy birthday, Jennie!
Thank you, Wynne!
Happy Birthday to amazing YOU! ❤
Thank you, Annette!
Yes Jennie I completely agree with you. Children are the best. You are always welcome 🤗🤗🤗
Thank you, Kamal!
Always welcome Jennie 😊
Thank you, Kamal!
Happy birthday! This looks like a lot of fun, with smiles all around. And I like that your candle is in an ice cream cup! 🌞
Thank you, Dave. It was really fun, especially for the children. I’m glad you liked the candle in the ice cream cup, it was perfect! 😀
Always welcome 🤗
😍
Happy belated birthday, Jennie. I can tell from your expression that you had a wonderful day!
I did! Thanks so much, Stevie.
I am so sorry, Jennie. Now i had missed your birthday again. 😉 Happy Birthday, and keep on to be healthy and such a great teacher. With best wishes and blessings, Michael.
No worries, Michael! That’s so nice, thank you for the birthday wishes.
My pleasure, Jennie! Best wishes, Michael
How lovely Jennie and I am sure a very special day. ♥
Thank you, Sally! 💕
Happy Belated Birthday, Jennie! Oh, to be 57 again!! LOL!
Haha! Wasn’t that the best? Thank you, Cathy.
Dear, Jennie. You’ve made such a delightful post of this, with an important message. I’m so sorry to have missed your birthday. I hope you’ll celebrate your entire birthday MONTH. 🙂 Big hugs.
No worries, Teagan. Thank you for your kind words! Hugs!!
A very belated Happy Birthday, Jennie:)).
Hurrah! A happy (and cool) birthMONTH to you!
Thank you, Will!
That’s beautiful Jennie. Happy belated 57th! ❤
It’s good to be back to 57! 😀 Thanks, Debby.
Enjoy! 🙂 xx
What a sweet story! Kids really do know how to make someone feel special. It reminds me of the joy of creating something meaningful, though my recent “project” was less about celebrations and more about clearing out the clutter. Just rented a dumpster to tackle a big home cleanout, and let me tell you, it feels almost as satisfying as a surprise birthday party (minus the ice cream, though)! 😊
Yes! Thanks for your story, and thanks for reading.