Lessons in the Key of Life
Viewing comments for Prologue "Overture"A music and dance teacher's improvization
28 total reviews
Comment from ExperiencingLiphe
I worked in a daycare and you couldn't have said it better. You could tell the parents who were more hands one than the ones who weren't. We also had an autistic child and his parents did everything they could but you always had to be prepared for if would just run outside in the dead of winter. You couldn't get mad, it's just how it was. There were ways with working with him worked and ways that didn't. Thankfully, it was very much a team effort, kind of like how you described how you and that teacher worked together. She sounds like a great teacher.
reply by the author on 18-Mar-2019
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I worked in a daycare and you couldn't have said it better. You could tell the parents who were more hands one than the ones who weren't. We also had an autistic child and his parents did everything they could but you always had to be prepared for if would just run outside in the dead of winter. You couldn't get mad, it's just how it was. There were ways with working with him worked and ways that didn't. Thankfully, it was very much a team effort, kind of like how you described how you and that teacher worked together. She sounds like a great teacher.
Comment Written 17-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 18-Mar-2019
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I hear that, ExperiencingLiphe. (You can't get mad, it's just how it was.) The best teachers understand that. I'm glad you're working in an environment with such a strong team because that makes ALL the difference!
Thank you for this nice review. Yours are always so interesting. xo
Comment from Debbie Pope
Rachelle, I am so happy that I found you. You are downright inspirational. Unfortunately, I have no six star ratings to award this very deserving piece. I love Jesse and Ann. I have a grandson much like Jesse, and I know how valuable Ann's reaction was. She just showed love, and she knew how to calm poor Jesse down. If this is a prologue, I can't wait to read every chapter. You may just have won another story of the month award with this one.
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2019
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Rachelle, I am so happy that I found you. You are downright inspirational. Unfortunately, I have no six star ratings to award this very deserving piece. I love Jesse and Ann. I have a grandson much like Jesse, and I know how valuable Ann's reaction was. She just showed love, and she knew how to calm poor Jesse down. If this is a prologue, I can't wait to read every chapter. You may just have won another story of the month award with this one.
Comment Written 16-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 16-Mar-2019
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Debbie, Debbie, Debbie! This is the first thing I read this morning after I opened my computer this morning. *sigh* I obviously lead a magical life because these words just warmed me to the utmost capacity. Thank you for always saying exactly what I need to hear, exactly when I need to hear it.
I wish you could know Ann. You would love her, since you're both such positive, engaging women.
This review is worth a zillion times more than a sixth star; trust me on that. xo
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Sometimes hearing the truth is just what you need. You are gifted, girl.
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xo
Comment from giraffmang
I work with children who require additional help, and have done so for twenty-five years now, so this touched me and it rings so true. They just want to know that things will be okay and that someone gives a damn about them, at the end of the day.
Some of the houses and families I visit would give The Munsters a moment's pause. - lol, I like this. (I've had the same experience doing domiciliary care.
Jesse, doe-eyed, sentient, dear, and brilliant. - I'm not sure sentient is the best choice here. Most of us (hopefully are sentient). I'm not sure exactly what you're getting at. Perhaps smart, intelligent, switched on, full of life, exuberant?
reply by the author on 13-Mar-2019
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I work with children who require additional help, and have done so for twenty-five years now, so this touched me and it rings so true. They just want to know that things will be okay and that someone gives a damn about them, at the end of the day.
Some of the houses and families I visit would give The Munsters a moment's pause. - lol, I like this. (I've had the same experience doing domiciliary care.
Jesse, doe-eyed, sentient, dear, and brilliant. - I'm not sure sentient is the best choice here. Most of us (hopefully are sentient). I'm not sure exactly what you're getting at. Perhaps smart, intelligent, switched on, full of life, exuberant?
Comment Written 13-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 13-Mar-2019
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Point well taken, Giraffmang. That one always felt like a snag when I'd read it, and yet I have always loved that word. But I think you're right: it needs to be replaced. Thank you for having my back there.
And you're right about children's need to just feel as if someone cares. I guess that's what we all need. But children have less control over their life, so it matters way more to their mental health and well-being when they can be who they need to be at that moment and still get treated well anyway.
Thanks very much for this review. xo
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pleasure.
Comment from Joanna S. Blue
I was drawn to this story, not only for the quality of the writing, but also the subject matter. Having taught in elementary school for 30+ years, I had the opportunity to meet many Jesse's. This story illustrates so well how children and adults can learn from every situation--even from a mischievous mouse. I look forward to more.
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2019
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I was drawn to this story, not only for the quality of the writing, but also the subject matter. Having taught in elementary school for 30+ years, I had the opportunity to meet many Jesse's. This story illustrates so well how children and adults can learn from every situation--even from a mischievous mouse. I look forward to more.
Comment Written 12-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2019
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Now it makes sense why you and I clicked from the get-go; we have this beautiful common bond. And for that reason, your warm and encouraging review means more than ever. Thank you for all these words, Joanna; you have made my day. xo
Comment from Scarbrems
This is really touching, beautifully written as always. What that teacher did was an incredible thing, and it's wonderful to have that experience early in your career. I look forward to reading more.
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2019
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This is really touching, beautifully written as always. What that teacher did was an incredible thing, and it's wonderful to have that experience early in your career. I look forward to reading more.
Comment Written 12-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2019
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Ohh, Sarkems; there you go with your warm and encouraging reviewing ways again. And you're so right that I was lucky beyond words to have had Ann as my mentor. I will share these sweet words you bestowed when I see her later this week for lunch. As always, thank you for your feedback.
Comment from Phyllis Stewart
As a former teacher, I can relate to this. We all have those kids with problems that don't come from the classroom but from their lives outside. Usually kids who cause trouble have known too much trouble instead of love. Love solves every problem. I had a non-reader in grade three who didn't respond till I hugged him while we did a lesson one-on-one. I think he needed to know someone cared, and I did.
I later learned his mother beat her 21 children with straps and belts, leaving welts. He had his share. In those days, social services didn't help much since hitting kids was "normal" parenting.
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2019
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As a former teacher, I can relate to this. We all have those kids with problems that don't come from the classroom but from their lives outside. Usually kids who cause trouble have known too much trouble instead of love. Love solves every problem. I had a non-reader in grade three who didn't respond till I hugged him while we did a lesson one-on-one. I think he needed to know someone cared, and I did.
I later learned his mother beat her 21 children with straps and belts, leaving welts. He had his share. In those days, social services didn't help much since hitting kids was "normal" parenting.
Comment Written 12-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2019
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Oy, Phyllis. What a brutal backstory for that poor little sweetie. But at least he was also given a teacher like you who heard his heart and responded accordingly. As you know, sometimes all it takes is one loving adult to make a difference in a child's life forever. I bet wherever he is now, he remembers you with love and appreciation.
And myself, I love and appreciate this touching review. Thank you very much. xo
Comment from Miss Sherry
Magnificent story!! I have lived by this saying I made up: "Love the unloveable, they need it most of all." And your saying is almost the same. To chastise a sensitive child who is already devastated would be heartless beyond words. A very fine story by a very good writer!
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2019
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Magnificent story!! I have lived by this saying I made up: "Love the unloveable, they need it most of all." And your saying is almost the same. To chastise a sensitive child who is already devastated would be heartless beyond words. A very fine story by a very good writer!
Comment Written 12-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 12-Mar-2019
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Ahhh. Now I'm seeing why you and I clicked so easily from Day One, Miss Sherry. We have an important common bond. And how perfect that our mantras match up so well. Thank you for this warm review which means even more since you understand from the same vantage point. xo
Comment from meeshu
this is fun to read, what more is there. sounds like you are right about no two days being the same. I am so happy about 'Big Brownie's' recovery. what a relief! great piece, Rachelle..................meeshu
reply by the author on 11-Mar-2019
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this is fun to read, what more is there. sounds like you are right about no two days being the same. I am so happy about 'Big Brownie's' recovery. what a relief! great piece, Rachelle..................meeshu
Comment Written 11-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 11-Mar-2019
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Haha. Thanks for sending love for Big Brownie (did you guess the kids named him?) I hope the coming chapters amuse you, as well. Stay tuned. xo
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
I loved your philosophy here and your are a thoughtful teacher and something of a rarity these days, your story here is touching and I enjoyed every word Rachelle, love Dolly x
reply by the author on 11-Mar-2019
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I loved your philosophy here and your are a thoughtful teacher and something of a rarity these days, your story here is touching and I enjoyed every word Rachelle, love Dolly x
Comment Written 11-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 11-Mar-2019
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These are such warming words to hear, Dolly. Thank you. You are the most thoughtful of reviewers. xo
Comment from Louise Michelle
What a wonderful story, Rachelle. First of all, I applaud you for all your work and dedication. A Vera Wang gown, eh? You must be making quite a salary. Just teasing, haha.
The part about Ann is extraordinary. More teachers should have her dedication. Oh, good, I'm glad Big Brownie (terrific name) was okay. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Regards, Lou
reply by the author on 11-Mar-2019
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What a wonderful story, Rachelle. First of all, I applaud you for all your work and dedication. A Vera Wang gown, eh? You must be making quite a salary. Just teasing, haha.
The part about Ann is extraordinary. More teachers should have her dedication. Oh, good, I'm glad Big Brownie (terrific name) was okay. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Regards, Lou
Comment Written 11-Mar-2019
reply by the author on 11-Mar-2019
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Thank you, Lou, for this warm and gracious review.
Did you guess the class named our little rodent there? Creativity for monikers doesn't reach its zenith quite yet at five. And you're right: Ann is extraordinary. I will always be so grateful that she was the one I got to learn the ropes from.
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Yeah, I did figure the kiddos came up with the name. So whimsical!
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And simultaneously practical, as well! lol