I will share this Christmas ad every year, because… it’s that good.
Christmas is about family and friends.
It’s a time to smile and remember.
Yes, remember.
Because in the end, it’s our memories that stick with us.
That’s what we have.
May you find happiness and joy this season.
It’s the little things, not the big things, that are important.
Dance, smile, hug your kids, look at the sky.
Make memories!
Jennie
This is a repost of my favorite Christmas books. Every year they grow stronger, because children love them. These are the books children and adults want to read over and over again. That’s why they’re the best. Please, go to the library, get some of these books and read them aloud to your children. You will be hooked, too.
Red and Lulu, by Matt Tavares is the story of two cardinals who live in a mighty evergreen tree. They love their home, their tree. Best of all, they love it when winter arrives and Christmas carolers sing close by. Red leaves to get food, and when he returns, the tree is being cut down and hauled away. He tells Lulu to stay, and he desperately follows the truck as it drives the tree away – but he can’t fly fast enough. The tree becomes the tree at Rockefeller Center, and the story behind finding Lulu and what happens is fascinating. It’s Christmas, nature, love, adventure, and never giving up.
Christmas books are often more meaningful to read to a child after the holiday, once a child has experienced the joy of Christmas. Here is my collection:
I want to share with you my favorite Christmas books. I love books, and I love reading to children. After a gazillion years, these are the ‘tried and true’, stories that children love. Me, too!
Grab tissues, laughter, and wonder, and some history. Some books you will recognize. Others might seem new, but they’re not— they’re just better.
The first time I read The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg was in 1985, when the book was published. I was at a huge family Christmas gathering. Someone put the book in my hand and asked me to read it to the crowd. This was a new book for me, and as I read the words I was on that train ride. The ending was hard to read aloud with my heart in my throat. The movie is good, but the book is superior.
On Christmas Eve, by Peter Collington is a captivating wordless book, in the style of The Snowman by Raymond Briggs. It is based in England, with fairies and Santa Claus traditions. It is fascinating to follow the fairies helping Santa!
Mr. Willowby’s Christmas Tree, by Robert Barry is a delightfully predictable tale of a tree that is too tall. Each time the top is snipped off, it goes to someone else who has the same problem, and so on. The mouse gets the very last tree top. The story is done in rhyme, always a delight to the ears of children.
Morris’s Disappearing Bag, by Rosemary Wells is the story of Morris, the youngest in the family, who is too little to play with his sibling’s gifts. He discovers one last present under the tree, a disappearing bag. I wonder if J.K. Rowling read this book- perhaps it was the inspiration to create Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak.
Carl’s Christmas, by Alexandra Day is one of the Carl book series. It is beautifully done with full color illustrations. Of course Carl is a dog who is often left to look after the baby. That beginning alone is a story grabber. Best of all, it is a wordless book, leaving much to speculate and talk about.
Santa Bruce, by Ryan T. Higgins is the newest book on this list. Bruce is a grumpy old bear, and is again the victim of mistaken identity. He is not the real Santa, yet all the animals are convinced that he is. The book is absolutely hilarious.
If I had to pick only one out of the pile of books, it would be Apple Tree Christmas, by Trinka Hakes Noble. The story takes place in New Hampshire in the 1800’s. A blizzard, a farm, a tree, and a child who loves to draw. It is thrilling from beginning to end… grab the tissues, it’s a true story.
My almost number one book is The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree, by Gloria Houston. The story takes place in rural Appalachia, close to my roots. It is a story of rural traditions, WWI, a train, and what a mother does on Christmas Eve. And, it’s a true story. Recommended for kindergarten and above.
Merry Christmas, Strega Nona, by Tomie dePaola is a favorite. Everyone loves Strega Nona and Big Anthony. This book incorporates the culture of Italy and Christmas, and the lessons of life.
Night Tree, by Eve Bunting is a modern tale that tells the story of a family and their tree in the woods. Every Christmas Eve the family bundles up and heads from their house to the woods. They find “their tree”, the one they have decorated every year for the animals. It is a well written story, weaving adventure and giving, and family being together.
Dr. Seuss has always been one of the best. He outdid himself with How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The message of the true meaning of Christmas shines through in this book. Please skip the movie, it doesn’t hold a candle to the book.
Every adult should read these books. Period. They are that good. Then, spread the joy and learning by reading aloud these books to children, young and old. They will love the stories. You will, too.
Merry Christmas!
Jennie
This is a repost. I couldn’t say it better, and it bears repeating. Today’s game was equally exciting, and the 125th.
Today was the 122nd Army-Navy football game. I watch it every year. I am glued, because it is far more than a football game. It is a rivalry between brothers. I call it a ‘band of brothers’, much like how it was in WWI and WWII. They are warriors on the football field, and the war field. They live their lives with respect, purpose, honor, integrity, and kindness.
But, I’m getting ahead of myself.
Our son was a Naval Academy graduate in 2003. When he was in high school, he was assigned to a Blue and Gold Officer, someone who could answer his questions, and judge if he had the ‘right stuff’. The three words he said have resonated with me ever since:
Ship. Shipmate. Self.
It’s what the Navy lives by. It’s Life-101. First take care of your ship, then take care of your shipmate. Lastly take care of yourself. Ever since I heard those three words I have incorporated that philosophy into my teaching and classroom. Modern terms say ‘kindness’ and ‘giving’. The Navy knew that well over 100 years ago.
I was lucky to attend the 100th Army-Navy football game. That was when I understood. The stands were full of people who could have been my dear friends. Honestly, I could have left my seat and asked someone nearby to watch my belongings. There were ‘Spirit Spots’, spoofs made by the Midshipmen and Black Knights on the giant video screen. Parachuters landed on the 50-yard line. The home team ran the football from Annapolis to the stadium. I got an email today from a friend who was stuck in traffic outside of New York; Army (this year’s home team) was running the football into the stadium. Our son was part of Navy’s 13th Company who ran the ball from Annapolis onto the field in 1999.
Army was cheering today.
‘
Navy was cheering today. That is my great nephew.
Tradition runs deep. Tradition is a foundation. It builds who we are. The tradition at the end of the Army-Navy game is singing the Alma Mater. That’s ship. The team who wins joins the other team as they sing their Alma Mater. That’s Shipmate.. The team who wins then sings their own Alma Mater. That’s Self.
The Naval Academy has a beautiful Japanese brass bell on the campus (now a replica), a gift from Commodore Matthew Perry in 1854. The bell is only rung when Navy beats Army. It has been a number of years since the ringing of that bell. Tradition lives on. When that bell rings, winning the football game is important, yet what that win means is far more important – hard work, brotherhood, team work… and all the values of Army-Navy football.
Jennie
In the words of Mr. Rogers, a child’s job is to play. It’s the basis for learning, ‘Life-101’ for young children. Because play is so important, and complex, I needed to communicate this to my preschool families:
This is the first in a series of longer newsletters, going into greater depth on what is important for children, and helpful for families.
Young Children and Play
Parents often ask, “Does my child play with other children? Do they have friends?” It’s only natural that every parent wants their child to engage with their peers and classmates – to play.
There are sequential stages of play. Let’s start with the first one, Parallel Play. This play is when children are alongside a friend or in a group, but not directly engaging. It may appear to adults that the child is not playing, but in fact s/he most definitely is playing. Many Aqua Roomers started the school in Parallel Play in September. It’s the first stage of play and how children begin to develop friendships. It’s learning how to communicate, how to be part of a group, and how to be aware of others.
The next stage of play is Cooperative Play. This play involves more interaction with peers and classmates. Sometimes the play is with one or two other friends, sometimes it is in a group. Dialogue is exchanged as well as toys. It’s only natural that difficulties arise, such as sharing and taking turns. Sometimes impulsive behavior (hitting, pushing, running away) happens. This play is how children learn the give-and-take of cooperating. This is also where children begin to develop friendships. This stage is the foundation for social and emotional development. We will always champion for play!
As play develops, and children’s confidence grows, they often attempt things that are brave, sometimes giving adults cause for concern. This is Risky Play, and the benefits are enormous. Is it okay to climb up a slide or roll down a steep hill? Absolutely! By trying new things, children learn what their bodies can and cannot do. You have to fall before you learn how to walk, and as physical play becomes more challenging, trying will eventually find success. Many children want to climb on the big playground structure. If an adult helps them up and down, they never really master climbing. The added benefit of risky play is cognitive – critical divergent thinking, or the ability to sum up a situation and make good decisions. The best example is the astronauts’ quick thinking and decision making when things looked grim as they landed on the moon. At school, we are safety conscious, yet encourage a child’s risky play.
Attached, as a PDF, is an excellent article on risky play.
Mr. Rogers says it best, “A child’s job is to play.”
Jennie
Happy Thanksgiving
Children spread happiness, naturally and genuinely.
It’s a reminder for us.
This post from a few years ago says it all.
Our gigantic turkey
From my school to your house,
may you enjoy a turkey dinner with family and friends.
Most importantly, may you enjoy loved ones
and the many things to be thankful for.
I am thankful for you, my blogging friends.
Jennie
‘Lost and Found’ is a story that has eclipsed most stories that have happened over the past 40 years. Milly the Quilter and Gloria remain #1, and I’d be hard pressed to tell a story that is more meaningful than this one.
It happened like this…
Well over ten years ago, I was sitting in a doctor’s office at a big hospital outside of Boston, UMass Memorial. While waiting, I looked at the art that was displayed on the walls. It was children’s art. It was beautiful. When the doctor came in, the first thing I asked him was why the hospital decided to hang children’s art. This is what he said:
“People who come to hospitals are worried and scared. Children’s art makes them smile and feel good.”
Lightbulb moment!
He was right, and I knew what I had to do. I contacted our local hospital and presented the idea of adorning their major hallway with children’s art. I told them about UMass Memorial. I pitched what the doctor told me.
They loved it. They wanted children’s art to hang in their main hallway.
All I had to do was present the art, framed and ready to hang. I spent most of the year collecting the ‘best’ art. It was a labor of love. Children were vested. Everyone was excited.
When the big day arrived, the press was there, along with children and families, the hospital president and chief nursing officer. We made the front page of the newspaper.
Years went by. Everyone loved the hallway art. Yes, it made patients feel good. Then one day it was gone. No one called me or let me know. The art was taken down and replaced with something that looked cold and stark. That was a terrible day.
I spent the next few years contacting people at the hospital. Everyone was sympathetic, yet no one knew what happened to the art. I had people at the hospital search the storage areas. I gave them pictures of the art to help in their search.
Nothing.
On the first day of school this year for teachers, our director called me out of the meeting. Some man had arrived with a box of art for me. Yes! The lost art had been found, and thank goodness my name was on the box so he could deliver it to school.
Did I scream and jump for joy? No. Did I cry and touch the art? Yes.
My next job was to contact families and children to get their art. To my great surprise, the children – now fifteen to seventeen years old – remembered their art. Really! They were thrilled.
Here are the ‘now teenagers’, and where they are in the newspaper photo:
Now and then.
The photo was included in the newspaper.
His owl art is top right.
She is the child on the far right.
She is third from the right.
He is the first child on the left.
He is second from the left.
The children keep coming to get their art. Honestly, I have no words. I think the pictures and art speak for themselves. Who knew teenagers would remember their art? My heart is full.
Jennie
Children pride themselves in writing and decorating
giant thank you letters.
Today we made a thank you letter for General Z.
And today we received an ‘official’ letter from General Z
with a two-star flag letterhead.
Dear Ms. Fitzkee and Aqua Roomers,
Thank you very much for inviting me to your class to celebrate Veterans Day and honor the brave men and women who serve our military.
I was very impressed that you stand and salute our Nation’s Flag, and I was especially impressed by your excellent singing of “God Bless America.” It is one of my favorite patriotic songs.
I also want to especially thank you for presenting me with a copy of the inspiring book, The Star-Spangled Banner, by Peter Spier. I know that my family and our grandchildren will enjoy reading it over and over again since it tells the story of our National Anthem and the sacrifices that were made to keep our country free.
Most of all, I enjoyed meeting each of you. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Bruce E. Zukauskas
Major General (Retired)
Thanking a veteran is a moment.
Mail makes the moment more meaningful.
Children will remember
and have a sense of pride, connection,
and a feeling of goodness.
Jennie
‘Thank You’
are the all-important words
in life.
They’re especially important
on Veterans Day.
Major General Z
now retired
visited my classroom.
We wanted to thank him.
Children were in awe.
As soon as The General talked with children
it was bees to honey,
answering questions,
showing them his pins and ribbons,
parachute and helicopter.
He was in the Army 82nd Airborne Division
and so much more.
Children shook his hand
to say ‘thank you’.
This child speaks Russian
and so does The General.
They had a lively conversation.
We sang “God Bless America ”
Actually, we belted it out.
The YouTube above is almost as good as the children.
Children love this song.
They know it’s important.
It feels good.
We learned to stand proud and tall,
and put our hand on our heart.
Children wanted The General
to salute the American flag.
That was a jaw-dropping moment.
We presented
The General
with the best book, ever
The Star-Spangled Banner.
A final thank you
to The General
and his lovely wife- a dear friend.
Thank a veteran.
Freedom is not free.
Never forget. 🇺🇸
Jennie
At school, we have a theme song each year. This year it is “You Belong!”, a perfect song to let children know that – no matter what – we all belong. It has become our ‘wake-up song’. When nap is over, the first thing children say is, “Can we play the wake-up song?”
And we do.
Building a sense of self is #1 with young children. That’s how they become, well, whole. Then they are able to look beyond themselves and grow the all-important social and emotional skills – kindness, giving, sticking together, and understanding.
Folks, that’s really it, all we need in life to become good people who contribute to society and to others. We adults can learn a lot from children.
Perhaps we need to put into practice what children already know.
Jennie
 | Jennie on My Valentines |
| Jennie on My Valentines |
 | Carl Wright on My Valentines |
 | Stevie Turner on My Valentines |
| Jennie on Tigers! Tigers! |
| Jennie on My Valentines |
| Jennie on My Valentines |
| Carl Wright on My Valentines |
| Stevie Turner on My Valentines |
| Jennie on Tigers! Tigers! |
A Teacher's Reflections 