Most teachers in the primary grades (and often upper elementary, too) have some sort of program to honor a different student each week. Usually this involves a special display, sharing, and sometimes special jobs or privileges. Each day of the week brings a different Student of the Week activity.
Here are some ideas for things you might want to include in your Student of the Week (or whatever you call it in your classroom) program. You can also download this free parent letter and Information Sheet.
- For the display you can simply send home a piece of butcher paper or poster board (I used yellow butcher paper cut to a star shape) for the student to decorate with photos and mementos.
- In addition to the display the student creates, I also have him or her fill out an information sheet about family, favorites, etc. that is also displayed (see below).
- Another option (if you have the budget for it) is to use one of the ready-to-use posters like this one that students fill in.
- Most teachers send the poster and explanation letter to parents home the Friday before the child’s super star week. Another option is to send it home with every child at the start of the year along with a schedule so that parents will have time to plan ahead.
- If you can manage it, then it is nice if the child’s week corresponds with his or her birthday.
- Some teachers like to select a child randomly each week rather than planning ahead. Others use the Student of the Week as a reward for good behavior, effort, etc.
- Child brings something special to share with the class – a possession, collection, or possibly a pet, if the school allows it.
- Child brings a favorite book to share. The teacher can read the book to the class, or the student can. For longer books just read a selection. Another idea is to allow the child to invite a grandparent or other special adult to read the book.
- Child brings in a special CD to share.
- Child puts a special object in a bag and leads the class (or helps the teacher lead) in a yes/no guessing game to guess what is inside.
- Child gets to eat lunch with a chosen friend in a special place in the room, such as the Class Library.
- Each student completes a page for a special Super Star book. The page includes a positive statement or note about the child and an illustration. The Super Star decorates the covers. Be sure to include a teacher page as well.