Each week since the beginning of the school year, I chose one student to be our student of the week. This activity was so beneficial for young ones because it helped develop confidence, curb behavior, and taught appropriate speaking and listening skills. Once we get to know more about each student, we write a sentence, as a class, on the Student of the Week's poster. Here is one week's schedule of activities:
Monday- Brainstorm all the positive qualities/reasons why the class likes that student; write them on a poster.
Tuesday- S.O.T.W. brings in 4 pictures (usually of their family). The class will take turns asking questions such as "Who's in picture #1?" or "What are you doing in picture #3?" My class had trouble understanding the difference between asking a question and telling you a comment, especially because they are so young. Giving them the opportunity to ask appropriate questions is really helpful to them.
Wednesday- Student brings in favorite book. We read it aloud and afterwards students ask questions. "Why is it your favorite book?" "Who do you read the book with?"
Thursday- Student brings in favorite toy. Make sure it fits in their backpack and does not come out except for student of the week time. Students have lost their privilege to share their toy because they would play with them during the school day. When it's time to share, give the student an opportunity to show us how their toy works and then move on to asking questions about it.
Friday- Each student gets a star and writes one thing they like about, or a positive quality of the S.O.T.W. We add the stars to the poster and the SOTW gets to take it home.
Every student got a turn to be Student of the Week before the end of the school year. My class voted and they decided I should be student of the week. This is what my poster looks like.
