New Routine: Star of the Week

As we continue to grow together as a class, I'm excited to present a new activity that brings us closer together - getting to know one another on a more personal level.  I am so very excited to start our new STAR OF THE WEEK routine!  Throughout the coming months, each child will get the chance to be the Star of the Week.  Save the date, mark your calendar, and take a look at our Star of the Week Calendar to see when your child will be featured!  This activity is the perfect way for Kindergarten classmates to get to know each other better.

This week, I am taking my turn to show students what Star of the Week entails by sharing fun things from my life through my own Star of the Week turn.  The students are eager to learn about each day's events and sneak peeks into my life, my family, and my favorites.  Next week, Meridith will take her turn continuing to provide your child with examples of Star of the Week activities and details.

The week prior to your child's Star of the Week, your child will take home our Star of the Week bag full of materials to help prepare for their Star of the Week to begin the following Monday. In the week before, activities to prepare include:
• Completing the "All About" Poster
• Filling out "About Me" Slips
• Taking Rufus or Ruby (our class rabbits) on a "week-in-your-child's-life" photo adventure.
• Gathering Special Photos and Memorabilia
• Filling the Estimation Jar
• Finding your child's Favorite Book

The week prior to your child's Star of the Week, I will send home a DETAILED parent letter in the Star of the Week bag and via email. The letter linked in the previous sentence is a blank Star of the Week letter template for your reference.  Please take a look at it now to help your family plan for the tasks that lay ahead. I have also included a Timeline of Events that show you what components your child will be presenting each day of their week.

Below is a quick photo journey through my own Star of the Week preparation.

My Star of the Week Display

On the countertop I displayed some of my special memorabilia including my favorite book, my favorite game, a class photo, Rufus, my Star of the Week crown ;).

Left to right on the bulletin board you will see:
• my "About Me" Slips
• my special photos
My special photos include my wedding day, my little one, William, my niece & nephew, a childhood photo, my sister and me, and Brian and me at the beach - my favorite place.
• my "All About" poster - I colored my poster, wrote some words, included pictures of my family, my favorite food, my pet, and me. Your child may include photos and/or drawn pictures.
• my construction paper poster with Rufus's adventures from home
Below are just a few pictures of Rufus's adventures while at home with me.  Please feel free to come into look at my Star of the Week display for more ideas on adventures to take with your child and our classroom stuffed animal rabbit.  My photos include: going out to eat, running errands, playing with my dog, checking email, reading a book, crocheting, updating the website.  In addition to my own examples I tried to create some examples that showcase activities your child may do during the week like helping with the dishes, brushing teeth, and picking out clothes to wear.

Some Rufus Examples:

Running Errands

Reading a Book

Brushing Teeth

Doing Dishes

AS ALWAYS, please email me with questions or concerns.  I am happy to help. Remember to have fun!  Your child is super excited!  What a fun adventure it'll be, and what a fun way to further build our beautiful classroom community and strong friendships.  Thank you for your helping in making this experience memorable.