I was the last to bloom,
but I’m here.
Can you tell how happy I am?
My leaves are outstretched like arms reaching for the sky.
Winged Victory!
Jennie was the first to see me.
She told me flowers are just like children;
they bloom at different times.
Sometimes the late bloomers are the most precious.
No wonder children and flowers are connected.
Kindergarten means
‘garden of children.’
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 
I love sunflowers, and that one look truly happy to have finally appeared. 🌞
Best wishes, Pete.
It looks much like a sunflower but it’s actually a Jerusalem Artichoke. I loved the ‘arms’, it was so happy! Best to you, Pete.
I had no idea they looked like that, so I looked them up and discovered they are also called ‘Sunchokes’. This has a photo of one like yours. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerusalem_artichoke
Thanks, Pete. The flower is much smaller than a sunflower.
What a noble and happy sunflower. Kindergarten is such a wonderful word, borrowed from German.
It is one of my favorite words! The flower looks much like a sunflower but is actually a Jerusalem Artichoke. What a happy guy!
How cool is that? xo
Yes, very cool!
Lovely! Our sunflowers are just starting to bloom.
Blooming is much later in New England. Thank you, Liz.
You’re welcome, Jennie. I can see the blooms though the window by my desk.
That’s wonderful!
It is!
Nice photo and verse combo.
Thank you!
Just beautiful, Jennie, in every way.
Thank you so much, Robbie.
I sooooo love this Jennie.
I’m so glad, Flower!
Love this, Jenni!
Many thanks, Ritu!
Totally lovely!
Thanks, FR!
Perfect…and so very true. Well done!
Thank you, Steve!
Lovely sunflower. Terrific post.
It does look like a sunflower, but it’s much smaller. It’s a Jerusalem Artichoke. Do you have those in Texas? Many thanks!
Yes, they are native to Texas.
🙂
😄
What an uplifting photo and blog post — on many different levels… Here’s to early bloomers, middle bloomers and late bloomers!
You understood, Will. Many thanks!
“There you are! I was wondering when you’d join the festivities.” Late bloomers are often the best of the bunch, Jennie!
Yes, they are! 😀
Wow that is a powerful, profound and beautiful poem and the ending was great “Kindergarten means ‘garden of children.'” I love your poem.
Thank you, Thomas. Your words ring true.
yay! every flower (and child) in their own time-
Yes!!
What a lovely and uplifting post. 🌸 I love the comparison between flowers and children it’s such a gentle reminder that there is no “right” time to bloom.
“Sometimes the late bloomers are the most precious” is a beautiful thought that will resonate with so many people.
Thank you for sharing this heartfelt reflection and celebrating the beauty of growing in our own time. 🌿💛
Thank you for your kind words and lovely comment. Much appreciated!
That’s beautiful, Jennie. I love sunflowers, and you’re right about children.
Thank you, Dan. It looks like sunflower, but it’s a Jerusalem Artichoke, which is a much smaller flower. Yes, I agree that I’m right about children. 🙂
Wonderful, Jennie – wunderbar! Made me smile – a Good Thing!
Many thanks, Mike!
Great analogy, Jennie! We all develop at our own rates. While I understand it’s human nature to compare our children to someone else’s, that’s not good for the child.
Thanks, Pete. You are spot on!
Love this! “Winged Victory” for sure! Thank you, Jennie! ❤️😊❤️
How could I not call this Winged Victory, right? Many thanks, Vicki. 💕
Absolutely! ❤️😉❤️
😍
So very true. Love this one.
Yes! Thank you, Marlene.
beautiful, just beautiful!
Thank you, Annette!
So beautiful Jennie 🥰
Thanks, Debby!
So cute and beautiful poem Jennie. The sunflowers and children go so well together.
Flowers and children really do go well together. Thank you, Kamal!
Yes absolutely true. Always welcome dear Jennie ❤️🙏❤️
Thank you, Kamal!
Welcome 🤗🤗
Tee-hee! What a delight, Jennie. She really is like the Winged Victory, the Rolls Royce of flowers. Hugs.
Yes, she is!!! Hugs!