Family Photo Collages

Posted on January 6, 2025 by Jennie

Our first parent event at school is Back-To-School Night.  We have a meet-and-greet, parents connect with each other and with teachers, and we talk about our philosophy and curriculum.

Then, parents make a family photo collage for their child.  It stays at school for the year, and becomes an important piece of home to school.  Children treasure their family photo collages.  They share them with each other, proudly talking about their family.  They often sleep with their collages, too.

Teachers make a photo collage, too.  Here is mine.

This side is me growing up, my family, Hubby, our siblings,
and special photos.

This side is my house, children, grandchildren.

Children love the teacher photo collages as much as their own.  I’m not surprised, because we are all – all – one family together.  When teachers connect with children on the most basic of levels, it serves as a bridge, letting children know;

I am like you.   I understand you.

Recently Penny, a book lover, came rushing over to show me this photo:

“Jennie, It’s you and Steve!”

By golly, she was right.  It’s much like the picture of me and (hubby) Steve.  Penny was bringing my family into our Aqua Room family.  This happens all the time.

The more I connect with children, the more they care, and the more they listen and learn.  I become more than a teacher, I become a Learning Coach.

I will always sit on the floor.
I will always tell true Jennie Stories.
I will always read aloud.
I will always sing.
I will always marvel at nature.
I will always listen to children.

I will always embrace every new moment and adventure that children discover and run with it.

Thank you, Penny!

Jennie

Posted in behavior, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, joy, Love, picture books, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 69 Comments

This New Year Irish Blessing is Wonderful.

Posted on December 31, 2024 by Jennie
Happy New Year 2025!
Posted in Uncategorized | 38 Comments

Happy New Year, Gloria!

Posted on December 30, 2024 by Jennie

Hubby:  “Jennie, did Gloria have Christmas with an Aqua Roomer?”

Me:  “No, she did not.”

Long pause…

Hubby:  “And you didn’t bring her home to have Christmas with us?”

He was right.  I felt terrible.  Gloria was alone at school.

Me:  “I have to go in to school today.  I’ll bring Gloria home.  She can spend New Year’s Eve with us.”

I brought her home.  She was so happy!  I had to go to the store, so Hubby was in charge.  When I got home, this is what I saw:

They were watching football together.

Tonight I will read to Gloria.  She always wants Goodnight Moon, because that’s what she hears everyday at school.  It makes her feel good.

Tomorrow Gloria will pick what she wants to wear for New Year’s Eve.  She has tried on many costumes, and I think this is her favorite.


“Gloria, you look beautiful!  New Year’s Eve will be fun.  The new year will, too.  You know Zeb?  Faith’s zebra?  flannelwithfaith.com 

Guess what?  Zeb is lonely.  He heard you were lonely, too.  Zeb is coming here to visit you, all the way from Missouri.  He’s so excited!  I know the two of you will get along and have a grand time together.”

Jennie

Posted in Gloria, Inspiration, joy, Kindness, Love, reading aloud | Tagged , | 65 Comments

The Best Christmas Ad – My Favorite

Posted on December 24, 2024 by Jennie

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

Posted in Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, joy, Love, music, wonder | Tagged , , | 74 Comments

The Best Children’s Christmas Books – Annual Post

Posted on December 18, 2024 by 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

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, reading, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , | 69 Comments

Army Navy – Why It’s the Greatest Game

Posted on December 15, 2024 by 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.


Army singing their Alma Mater


Navy singing their Alma Mater

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

Posted in America, Inspiration, military, patriotism | Tagged , , | 47 Comments

Mr. Rogers and Play – the Job of a Child – My Letter to Families

Posted on December 7, 2024 by 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

Posted in behavior, Play, preschool, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 60 Comments

Mark Twain – Smile! Thank you Jaye and Anita.

Posted on December 6, 2024 by Jennie
Mark Twain Quote #2
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | 16 Comments

Thanksgiving

Posted on November 28, 2024 by 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

Posted in America, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Giving thanks, Inspiration, Kindness, preschool, Thanksgiving | Tagged , , | 69 Comments

Lost and Found!

Posted on November 19, 2024 by 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

Posted in art, Early Education, Inspiration, preschool, young children | Tagged , , , | 75 Comments