Juan Omar

BETH NEWINGHAM writes: body

To help build community in my classroom, I have students take turns being our "Star of the Week." During the week that a student is our "Star," each day consists of an exciting event or activity to honor him or her. It is also a way for students in the class to learn more about each other and each other's families. Parents choose the week that their child will be our star by signing up at Curriculum Night. As you will see, parents also take part in some of the "Star of the Week" activities.



Parents receive note at the beginning of the year and again prior to their child being the Star of the Week that describes what each day of the week will entail.



Monday: Sharing Sack: The week before a student is Star of the Week, a backpack will be sent home with the child. Students have a week to collect special items with which to fill the bag at home and bring it back to share with classmates on Monday. Students also bring photos of their choice to display on our Star of the Week bulletin board (see picture below).



Tuesday: Favorite Book: The star student brings one of his or her favorite picture books to read to the class (or have the teacher read to the class) at our class meeting (see picture below). I encourage students to practice reading the story aloud at home first.



Wednesday: Parent Letter: Parents are asked to write a letter to the class about their child. They send the letter in a sealed envelope to school with their child, and I read the letter to the ...