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A Morning in the Life of a Teacher       2024-02-21

Curious about what ESL teachers do after retirement? Well, Jesse Hionis has found a delightful pastime in writing stories. Here’s one that captures a slice of a teacher’s day, guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and resonate with the shared experiences of educators everywhere.

AT HOME
You wake up at the crack of dawn needing to make sure that everything is ready for your day in the classroom. Having meticulously prepared the materials you need for your lessons, you double check one last time. You need to make sure that everything you prepared the night before is perfect. You are convinced that these materials will surely make the concept you’re teaching crystal clear for your students.

You shuffle through all the cut-outs, the printed and pasted teaching prompts you’ll need this morning and shove them into a box. There is definitely no more room in your schoolbag! It’s already been packed and busting at the seams from all the stuff you put into it the night before. There’s no room in the box, or in your schoolbag for all the workbooks you have sitting on the kitchen table, so you decide you’ll carry those separately.

You quickly realize that two hands just won’t be enough to carry all this stuff, so you anxiously ask for help to load up your car from whomever is available at the breakfast table this morning. With a bit of polite convincing, all your materials are in the back seat of your car. Your school stuff is ready, now it’s your turn to get ready and dressed for school.

“I can’t be late”, you whisper to yourself. “A teacher can never be late!”

Quickly getting dressed and just as swiftly running out the front door with a cup of coffee in hand, you are very much aware that there is no time for breakfast again today.

IN THE CAR
“What if traffic is heavy again?” you ask yourself.

You immediately decide that you’ll grab something at school if you have time!

While driving to school, you rehearse the concepts you’ll be teaching today and scan your memory, making a mental note of which students didn’t get it yesterday.

“I must review yesterday’s lesson with those kids before moving on with the next concept!”

You just can’t allow your students to feel lost or overwhelmed! You immediately decide which students will be staying in at recess with you today. You’ll move to the new notion right before lunch.

“Everyone will then be on the same page. That’s what a good teacher does!” you say to yourself. You know that making sure every student can follow is essential!

ARRIVING AT SCHOOL
As you drive into the parking lot at school, you realize that you’ll definitely need help with transporting all the stuff you have sitting in the back seat. You can’t teach without that stuff today. You spent hours preparing it last night. You scan the parking lot but quickly realize that no one is around to help you. You immediately become empowered when your innate teacher survivor skills move in. You decide to leave your coffee cup behind to free up a few fingers.

“I can do this!” you murmur as you load up your arms, hands, fingers and tuck those workbooks you corrected last night under your chin.

You grunt and squeal a few times but luckily you make it to the walkway, box, schoolbag, notebooks, and agenda at hand. You finally make it to the school’s front door without dropping anything. From a distance, you hear your name. Not able to turn, from the corner of your eye, you see Jimmy’s mom jumping out of a big black car.

“Oh boy!” you whisper to yourself. “That’s it! I’m going to drop everything!”

Mrs. Gendron runs over to you. It’s essential that she shares that her son Jimmy has an orthodontist appointment this afternoon and will be leaving at noon. You politely smile while continuously struggling to not drop anything. Luckily, Jimmy’s mom offers to open the front door for you. You politely thank her for her help and the crucial information she just shared and proceed to struggle with getting through the door. You instantly remember that school doors should definitely be made bigger than this!

“They should know that teachers travel with lots and lots of stuff. A teacher getting through a doorway is like threading spaghetti through a miniscule needle head.” you say to yourself.

Your teacher acrobatic skills instantly kick in. You twist, bend, shuffle and turn to finally get through the door as you hear the morning bell ring. You sigh as you realize that breakfast isn’t going to happen today. Luckily you threw a banana into your purse this morning. Your stomach grumbles so you quickly comfort yourself by deciding that you’ll eat your banana at snack time with the kids. Luckily, snack time is only half an hour away!

ALMOST THERE!
As you try to weave through the crowds of children in the hallway trying to get to your classroom, Matilda decides that she missed you terribly overnight and absolutely wants to give you a big bear hug this morning. You can’t possibly refuse affection from your student, so you smile, and allow her to hug you. You obviously can’t hug her back as you are fully loaded with stuff. You made it this far, but unfortunately, with Matilda’s eager and heart-felt demonstration of love, you now drop all the workbooks you had nestled under your chin.

You politely smile, hiding the fact that your teeth are clamped shut. You tighten your clasped hands and arms to assure you don’t drop your box and schoolbag as well. Luckily, several students run over to help because kids love to help teachers. Wide-eyed and eagerly, they swiftly pick up your stuff, and take the box and schoolbag off your hands. They beg to help you bring your things to your classroom. You let out a sigh of relief.

“Thank goodness for that! I’d never make it otherwise.” you whisper.

You smile, touched by the students’ helpful and generous attention. Kids are just awesome! You think to yourself.

ARRIVED!
As you walk into your classroom, half the students are blocking the doorway, lining up to give you the fundraising money they brought from home, and the other half, not having noticed that you’re there, are swapping bendable ruler slaps onto each others’ arms.

No time to take off your coat or boots, you immediately show your presence by assertively, yet politely greeting the kids.

“Good morning, everyone!”, you roar.

You look quickly at the students’ faces and notice the eagerness with which they greet you, their smile from ear to ear.

Almost instantly, the students erupt with their daily cheerful greeting. “Good morning Mrs. Jessie!”

You smile as you take off your coat. The evening preparations and morning stress was all worth it! Which other career greets you every morning with such love and enthusiasm? Not too many!

As a teacher, you know that students are always on your mind, whether in class or not. Teaching is definitely not a 9-5 we leave behind when we go home after our shift.

We love teaching, we love kids, we feel gratified by cultivating young minds and we are touched by their progress and success. That’s why we are teachers.

Jessie Hionis retired in June of 2023 after 37 years of teaching ESL. She worked as a pedagogical and literary consultant and has co-authored the Spirals teaching materials published by Chenelière Education of Montreal, Quebec. Since retiring from her much-loved career in teaching, Jessie has now decided to fully invest in her long-term passion, the creation and publication of children’s stories. Jessie’s stories are tested and true-to life. Mostly inspired by situations arising with her students during her teaching career, Jessie’s stories entertain, while discreetly providing valuable tools for children, parents, and teachers.Jessie Hionis writes for anyone who has a soft spot for delightful, heart-warming stories that are sure to entertain children, parents, and teachers alike. Jessie’s stories are weaved to inspire, charm, captivate and cultivate kids and often deal with situations that are simply part of life. Feel free to email her or visit her web page to find out more about her books.

Jessie Hionis
Teacher and Amazon bestselling Author of LGBTQ+ families @ Books with Heart💓
jessiehionis.com
hionis.jessie@gmail.com

Winter 2025 New Releases

Tommy's World of Tastes

Tommy loves macaroni and cheese so much that it’s the only thing he’ll eat! He eats mac and cheese every day, three times a day, seven days a week. Tommy prefers not to eat at all if mac and cheese isn’t available. “No mama! I don’t like that!” Tommy replies to any other food mom offers. But when his family embarks on an exciting summer vacation to visit friends in Mexico, India, France, Italy, and Japan, his mom worries. “What will Tommy eat all summer if there’s no mac and cheese?”

Join Tommy as he discovers new flavors, surprising ingredients, and delicious dishes from around the world. Will he stay a fussy eater, or will he take a bite of adventure? A fun and heartwarming story about food, friendship, and the joy of trying something new!

Le Monde Savoureux de Tommy

Tommy adore tellement les macaronis au fromage qu'il ne mange que ça! Il en mange tous les jours, trois fois par jour, sept jours sur sept. Tommy préfère ne rien manger du tout s'il n'y en a pas. "Non, maman! Je n'aime pas ça." Répond Tommy à tout autre plat que maman lui propose. Mais lorsque sa famille part en vacances d'été pour rendre visite à des amis au Mexique, en Inde, en France, en Italie et au Japon, maman s'inquiète. "Que va manger Tommy tout l'été s'il n'y a pas de macaronis au fromage?" Rejoignez Tommy et découvrez de nouvelles saveurs internationales, des ingrédients surprenants et des plats délicieux. Restera-t-il difficile ou se laissera-t-il tenter par l'aventure? Une histoire amusante sur la nourriture, l'amitié et le plaisir d'essayer des nouvelles choses!

What if Canada Became the 51st State? Food for Thought! The History, Potential Implications and Possibilities of a Borderless Future

In What if Canada Became the 51st State?, teacher, author, and political enthusiast Jessie Hionis explores the hypothetical scenario of Canada joining the United States as its 51st state. This thought-provoking non-fiction work delves into the historical context, potential implications, and far-reaching possibilities of such a significant shift in North American politics and culture.

The book opens with a preface that introduces the concept of a borderless future, setting the stage for an exploration of this intriguing idea. Hionis presents the concept as food for thought, emphasizing the need to question traditional borders and envision alternative possibilities. The narrative moves through a comprehensive history of Canada-U.S. relations shedding light on the deep ties that have shaped both nations.

Through chapters that cover the benefits and drawbacks of such a union, Hionis highlights the constitutional and cultural challenges that could arise from integrating two sovereign nations into one. She delves into the significant implications for Canadian culture, the monarchy, and Indigenous peoples and explores specific provincial concerns, such as the Quebec and Alberta questions. In depth discussion of these two provinces and their specific needs are addressed as regional identities and their political dynamics are discussed in detail.

Hionis also evaluates the economic, environmental, and foreign policy impacts of a potential union. She offers insights into how Canada’s unique position in the world could be reshaped under U.S. governance and the challenges both the Canadian and American governments could face.

The book takes a bold step further by contemplating the broader global implications, examining how a united North America would affect international relations and global power dynamics. Hionis tackles the referendum process and potential public opinion surrounding the idea using hypothetical statistics to compare the post-union landscape with that of other countries and continents.

What if Canada Became the 51st State? Food for Thought! offers a compelling vision of a new era for North America, leaving readers to consider the deep, transformative shifts that could result from such a union. Through a mix of historical analysis, political inquiry, and cultural exploration, Jessie Hionis invites readers to ponder a future that blends two nations into one, challenging the very fabric of what it means to belong to a country.

Calm & Cool Valentine's Coloring Book for Kids 4-8 years old

The Calm & Cool Valentine’s Coloring Book for Kids was designed to highlight one of children's favorite holidays. Valentine’s Day quotes are included in the coloring book and will help children learn to read, write and spell the quotes related to Valentine’s Day. Coloring also helps with relaxation and is a calming and cooling activity that will also help with fine motor skills, dexterity and will enhance creativity.

Transport children into the captivating world of love, friendship and glee filled delights with fun, Valentine’s themed pictures. Within its pages lies an easy-to-use collection of carefully designed illustrations inspired by the magic of Valentine’s Day. From Cupid’s arrow and Valentine treats, to hearts, cake and candy, each page offers an immersive and thrilling experience that lets your child's imagination run wild. The artwork invites children to unleash their creativity and immerse themselves in the Valentine’s Day spirit.

The Best Easter Activity Book Ever, Teacher's Pick  4-8 years old

Welcome to The Best Easter Activity Book Ever filled with activities to help children aged 4-8 sharpen their English reading, writing, math, logic and observation skills while immerging them into the magic Easter. The Best Easter Activity Book Ever can also be used to help kids learn English as a second language while coloring, creating and learning.

Children will remain entertained for hours while practicing their pre-writing and writing skills, logic and reading, sharpening their fine motor skills, dexterity and creativity. Kids will love the festively joyous illustrations and activities while they also improve their observation skills. Activities included range from finding the difference between pictures, dot-to-dot, matching pictures and mirror images, filling in the blanks, identifying Easter items and activities, navigating through mazes, decorating, illustrating, coloring and creating masterpieces, counting, writing and identifying quantities, mastering sequencing skills, symmetry and coordination. Children will remain emerged and engaged in the beauty of festive decorations, pictures and activities.

Transport children into the captivating world of Easter traditions and glee filled delights with fun, Easter themed pictures. Within its pages lies an easy-to-use collection of carefully designed illustrations inspired by the magic of Easter. From the Easter Bunny and yummy treats, to chicks, roosters and candy, each page offers an immersive and thrilling experience that lets your child's imagination run wild. The artwork invites children to unleash their creativity and immerse themselves in the Easter spirit.

Miracle: A Parent's Blessing, A Newborn Baby, Memories and Milestones (Pink English Version, Blue English Version)

A heartwarming, rhythmic, rhyming story about parents planning for, expecting and welcoming their newborn baby miracle.

Keep notes of your most cherished memories and milestones as you nurture your baby's path to growth.

Replace the baby shower or congratulations on your new baby greeting card by this beautiful memories and milestones book that says it all with its gorgeous photos, beautiful rhythm and fabulous rhymes. Babies are in fact miracles and, parents are blessed to have them. 

Miracle, La Bénédiction D'un Parent, Un Nouveau-Né, Souvenirs et Moments Signifiants  (Versions Rose et Bleu)

Une histoire réconfortante, rythmée et rimée, pour les parents qui planifient, attendent et accueillent leurs miracle… un nouveau-né.

Remplacez la carte de vœux, de baby shower, baptême ou félicitations pour votre nouveau bébé par ce magnifique livre de souvenirs pour noter et souligner les étapes de vie importantes de votre bébé.

Ce livre deviendra un souvenir précieux pour toujours ! Rempli de superbes photos, d'un beau rythme et de rimes fabuleuses, Miracle est un incontournable pour chaque parent et chaque enfant !  

Ah! There's a Banana in the Toilet! (English Version) 

Follow Francis, a fifth-grade prankster, in this tantalizing, tasteful and truly terrific prank-filled banana saga. This early reader, beginner chapter book will have you eager to turn the pages while chuckling, giggling, and laughing out loud, from page one, all the way to the surprising end reveal. 

Ah! Il y a Une Banane Dans La Toilette!  (Version Française)

Suivez Francis, une farceuse de cinquième année, dans cette saga savoureuse, hilarante, et véritablement géniale, remplie de blagues et d’humeur. Ce livre débutant, donnera envie de tourner les pages tout en faisant des gloussements, et des éclats de rire, de la première page, jusqu’à la surprenante révélation finale. 

Welcome to The Treasure Chest Series

Whimsical and entertaining, yet candid examples of true-to-life challenges that children face daily. Heartwarming, feel-good picture books illustrate that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how dark it is. Stories that demonstrate strength and acceptance during life’s sometimes harsh realities. Stories that help children find that light they so often need!

At times when kids feel that their world might be falling apart, on the spot, yet entertaining focus on life’s challenges help children realize that they are not alone. Sadness, frustration, pain, and loss are tough feelings to deal with, especially for children. Show kids that they are not alone and help them cope.

Stories able to demonstrate profound feelings that allow children to feel understood. Colorful and true to life books with illuminating conclusions can, and do, cultivate strength, acceptance and teach kids resilience. Help kids build strength and character to deal with and overcome life’s obstacles with The Treasure Chest Series.

Tested and true-to-life stories that charm, captivate, and cultivate children. These rhyming picture books for newly independent readers are of interest to kids, parents, and teachers alike. They offer accurate information and promote a positive outcome in today's not so perfect world. Weaved to inspire empathy, kindness, cooperation, determination, and courage and show kids that everything will be okay!

The Treasure Chest Book 1

A Family is Love, And It's Just Right for Us 

This delightfully illustrated, rhythmic, rhyming picture book encourages and empowers children to stand up to bullies and support what they believe in, positively! A Family is Love, And It’s Just Right for Us fosters inclusivity, love, empathy, understanding and strength while entertaining readers, young and old. A beautiful example of LGBTQ+ families and some of their challenges.

Inspired by a true story of love, selflessness, perseverance, and determination, A Family is Love, And It’s Just Right for Us was written as a gift for Jessie’s new sister Kim and her family. Kim saved Jessie’s biological sister’s life by donating her kidney in 2021. Kim's boys have two wonderful moms and are, as should be, proud of it. 

A Family is Love, And It’s Just Right for Us is a wonderful tool to encourage discussions of family values, acceptance, diversity, strength, courage, and inclusiveness. Jessie Hionis, with over 3 decades of teaching experience, aims to share her expertise with bullying through this beautiful story about family, love, and positivity. Besides being a teacher, pedagogical and literary consultant, Jessie is the author of Miracle, A Parent’s Blessing, A Newborn Child, Ah! There's a Banana in the Toilet! (in French and English) My Three Wishes, Serenity and Selflessness When Dealing With Loss, For Children 7-12, The Calm and Cool Coloring Collection, Best Activity Books Ever Series (Teacher's Pick), Clumsy Rat Runs 'Round Town and has co-authored several learning materials, Spirals grades 5 and 6, published by Chenèliere Education and used in schools today.

The Treasure Chest Book 2

My Three Wishes, A Fantasy Tale about Loss and Bereavenent for Kids

Have you ever known a child that was about to lose a loved one or cherished pet? My Three Wishes, a whimsical fantasy tale about Serenity and Selflessness when Dealing with Loss. For Children 8 to 12 is an honest look at how children can find strength to cope with loss. Being selfless is part of growing, and loss is part of life. Penelope finds serenity and wisdom through her fantasy tales and discovers that being selfless can provide comfort and serenity in times of loss and bereavement.

The Treasure Chest Books, 3 

The Fallen Star Coming in 2025 

Have you ever spoken to a young child that felt abandoned by a parent? How can we help a child in this situation? The Fallen Star is a heart-warming story of abandonment and looking at what we have, instead of what we're missing. Remember! There is always a light at the end of the tunnel so let’s learn to look at the bright side of tough situations!

Fall 2024 New Releases

The Calm & Cool Halloween Coloring Book for Kids

Transport children into the captivating world of eerie delights and fun, spooky pictures with The Calm & Cool Halloween Coloring Book. Within its pages lies an easy-to-use collection of carefully designed illustrations inspired by the magic of Halloween.

Kids will be entertained for hours while using their favorite coloring tools to discover a wide array of designs suitable for children of all ages. Each illustration is thoughtfully crafted with varying levels of complexity, allowing kids to choose their favorite Halloween images to create a masterpiece that reflects their style.

With big, bold, sturdy and quality pages, this coloring book is easily adaptable for home and classroom settings. The Calm & Cool Halloween Coloring Book is an ideal companion for teachers and parents alike.

The Calm & Cool Christmas Coloring Book for Kids

The Calm & Cool Christmas Coloring Book for Kids was designed to highlight one of children's favorite holidays. Christmas vocabulary words are included on each coloring page and will help children learn to read, write and spell the words related to Christmas. Coloring also helps with relaxation and is a calming and cooling activity that will also help with fine motor skills, dexterity and will enhance creativity.

Transport children into the captivating world of gleeful delights with fun, yuletide themed pictures. Within its pages lies an easy-to-use collection of carefully designed illustrations inspired by the magic of Christmas.

Calm and Cool Christmas Coloring Book is designed for ages 4 and up. With big, bold, sturdy and quality pages, this coloring book is easily adaptable for home and classroom settings and is perfect for home, school, daycare, in the car or restaurant or anywhere kids need to sit, relax and create. Designed for hours of relaxing Christmas fun that will enhance learning and creativity, improve dexterity and fine motor skills and will calm, charm, captivate, cultivate and educate children! The Calm & Cool Christmas Coloring Book is an ideal companion for teachers and parents alike. 

Livre de Coloriage de Noël, Calme & Cool pour Enfants

Bienvenue dans le Livre de Coloriage de Noël Calme & Cool pour Enfants, conçu par Jessie Hionis, enseignante pendant 37 ans, spécialiste en éducation, auteure et créatrice de livres pour enfants. Jessie crée des livres avec des objectifs spécifiques en tête ; pour charmer, captiver, cultiver et éduquer les enfants.

Le Livre de coloriage de Noël Calme & Cool pour enfants a été conçu pour souligner l'une des fêtes préférées des enfants. Des mots de vocabulaire de Noël sont inclus sur chaque page et aideront les enfants à apprendre à lire, écrire et épeler les mots de Noël. La coloration aide également à la relaxation et constitue une activité apaisante qui contribuera également à améliorer la motricité fine, à la dextérité et la créativité.

Le Livre de Coloriage de Noël Calme et Cool pour les enfants est conçu pour les 4 ans et plus. Avec de grandes pages robustes et de qualité, ce livre de coloriage s'adapte facilement à la maison et à la salle de classe et est parfait pour utilisation en garderie, en voyage, lors d'événements spéciaux ou partout où les enfants ont besoin de s'asseoir, de se détendre et de créer. Conçu pour des heures de plaisir de Noël relaxants qui amélioreront l'apprentissage et la créativité, la dextérité et la motricité fine et calmeront, charmeront, captiveront, cultiveront et éduqueront les enfants ! Le Livre de coloriage de Noël Calme & Cool est un compagnon idéal pour les enseignants et les parents.

The Best Christmas Activity Book Ever (Teacher's Pick)

Jessie Hionis, long-time teacher, full-time author and creator of The Calm and Cool Coloring Series, The Best Activity Book Series, The Treasure Chest Collection and Books with Heart. Having worked with children for 37 years, Jessie learned firsthand that kids happily adhere to learning while doing fun and entertaining activities. She therefore aims to charm, captivate and cultivate children while discreetly integrating learning into each one of her publications.

Children will remain entertained for hours while practicing their pre-writing and writing skills, math, logic and reading and sharpening their fine motor skills, dexterity and creativity. Kids will love the festively joyous illustrations and activities while they improve their observation skills. Activities included range from finding the difference between pictures, dot-to-dot, matching pictures and mirror images, filling in the blanks, finding words in puzzles and word finds, identifying Christmas items and activities, navigating through mazes, decorating, illustrating, coloring and creating masterpieces, counting, writing and identifying quantities, mastering sequencing skills and symmetry, coordination and expressing likes, favorites and preferences creatively. Children will remain emerged and engaged in the beauty of festive decorations, pictures and activities in the Best Christmas Activity Book Ever.

The Calm & Cool Flowers Coloring Book for Adults

Welcome to the Calm & Cool Flowers Coloring Book for Adults designed by Jessie Hionis, a 37-year veteran teacher, educational specialist, author and creator of children's books. Jessie creates books with specific goals in mind; to charm, captivate, cultivate and educate.

The Calm & Cool Flowers Coloring Book for Adults is designed to highlight the beauty of flowers and bring to light various quotes and sayings inspired by flowers. Beautiful illustrations are included on each coloring page along with several quotes inspired by flowers.

Coloring has been proven to help with relaxation, concentration and creativity. It is a calming and cooling activity that will also help with fine motor skills, dexterity and will enhance creativity. Geared towards adults, this beautifully illustrated coloring book allows one to escape into the wonders of all types of flowers.

Specifically designed for adults, this beautiful book will have you lose yourself into the large and well-defined illustrations while improving concentration. Therapeutic coloring has also been proven to help adults, seniors, people with ADHD, stress and anxiety, Alzheimer’s and other ailments.

Livre de Coloriage, Calme & Cool Fleurs pour Adultes 

Le livre de coloriage Calme & Cool, Livre de Coloriage de Fleurs pour Adultes a été conçu pour mettre en valeur la beauté des fleurs et pour souligner diverses citations inspirées par les fleurs. De belles illustrations sont incluses sur chaque page à colorier ainsi que plusieurs citations importantes inspirées des fleurs.

La coloration aide à la relaxation, à la concentration et à la créativité. C'est une activité apaisante qui aidera également à la motricité fine, à la dextérité et améliorera la créativité. Destiné aux adultes, ce livre de coloriage magnifiquement illustré permet de s'évader dans les merveilles de tous types de fleurs.

Spécialement conçu pour les adultes, ce magnifique livre vous permettra de vous perdre dans des illustrations larges et bien définies tout en améliorant votre concentration. Il a également été prouvé que la coloration thérapeutique aide les adultes, les personnes âgées, les personnes souffrant de TDAH, de stress et d’anxiété, de la maladie d’Alzheimer et d’autres maladies.

Stay tuned for much more …