Star of the Week

Scott is Star of the Week in his first grade class.  We received a schedule during Back to School Night with each child's special week listed.  Because our last name starts with a letter near the end of the alphabet, Scott's turn is now, instead of earlier in the school year.  I thought this would be a problem last year when he kept asking me, "when do I get to be the star?"  But it proved both then and now to be better timing for him.

Last year, in Kindergarten, Star of the Week included making an All About Me poster, bringing in show and tell items, and the grand finale, having relatives visit the classroom.  Because I could, I arranged to pick up my nephew (who was 9 at the time) from his private school and bring him to Scott's public school along with Jane.  The 3 of us arrived with a treat (Skittles) and books to read to the class. 

Scott had fretted all week about which book I should read.  He dismissed book after book for being boring or dumb.  He worries that the other children won't like what he chooses.  Finally, after much stress, we had settled on Green Eggs and Ham. 

Scott was so excited to have his favorite cousin, who he looks up to, at his school.  But I was concerned that all the hoopla would backfire.  We had experienced plenty of times when hype turned to disappointment or even worse, a public meltdown.  Once we were seated in front of his fellow students, I pulled out the book to read.

Scott looked at me and said very matter-of-factly, "I'll read it, mom."  I knew that he could read this book easily, but the idea that he would feel confident enough to do it in front of his class, took me by surprise.   He read the whole thing, which is pretty long, without faltering.  At one point I caught the teacher's eye and she smiled.  It was difficult for me not to start crying.

Afterward, I told his teacher how surprised I was, and she said that it was something he can remember forever.  I knew I would always remember how proud I was of him and how confident and poised he was, but what she said has stuck with me, too, for the last year.  That he could feel proud of himself.  That he would have this moment when he took a chance and it worked out.  His moment to truly be a star.

I also realized that had it been the beginning of the school year, he wouldn't have felt comfortable enough with his classmates to do such a thing.  So I figured it was just as well that his turn this year was after most of the kids had already had their chance.  The down side to this is that the pressure to do something different or better is greater.

The last few days have been fraught with making decisions about his poster, show and tell items, and his special visitor time.  Apparently this year, the relatives (usually just the mom), not only read a story and bring a treat, but also play a game of some sort.  I've heard there's been limbo and freeze dance.  Scott wants something original.  Any ideas for me?  Please help me here, I don't know what to do.

I am a little worried about the whole thing because Scott is doing exactly what he has always done prior to these kinds of events.  He keeps saying, well so and so won't like that game, or that's too boyish, the girls won't like it.  This is similar to what happens before his birthdays when he says, "that kid won't like it and won't want to come."  Matt and I end up saying, exasperated, "It's your party!  You should do what you want to do!"  But he is either laking in self confidence that the other kids like him or he is overly concerned with making everyone happy.

Whatever is the case, he is super excited about Jane and I visiting.  He decided to have Sour Skittles as his treat (I have to procure those tomorrow!) and then finally, he chose the book, The Giving Tree.  A lovely book, for sure, but one that makes me a little emotional.  He said he might read it or just have me do it.

I kind of hope he does, because I might have a little trouble speaking clearly through my tears.

 

Comments

[Ahzel]

Ken what a lovely photo and how great to see the older boys take the time to ecgnuraoe the young ones in the love of the game. This photo will always be special for us and the contrast in the Jerseys makes this such a fun photo. Thank you for taking the time out to get the shot! Tamara Bebb

[Casdok]

Congrats on Star of the week!
I just love that book!

[Laura]

Alright, I am done. Enough already-where r u? I had an excellent idea and need to know about how it all went down!!! Sheesh.........

[Maddy]

Aha! Found you but you've not updated yet.
Cheers

[Maddy]

That is so fabulous. One of mine is just like that, bending over backwards to make everyone else happy when it 'should' be his day.
Best wishes

[marla]

Congrats on Star of the week! I will keep my fingers crossed that it all goes well.

[MommyWithAttitude]

I love The Giving Tree! I wish I had some ideas, but I am the worst at thinking up those kinds of things. I hope this year goes as well as last, that's a great story!

[tulipmom]

What a great story about last year. I bet Scott will never forget that.

Thanks for reminding me I need to dig out The Giving Tree from my teacher stuff in storage.

I really like Laura's idea ... I did something like that with my students and I think they really enjoyed it.

[Laura]

I love that book and still have it from when I bought it in my early 20's! What a great choice.

I think you & Scott should make a little prototype tree with little kind gestures written on a leaf to do for each other that a kid can pick each day from the tree-like share your snack with a friend or help the teacher hand out papers. Put as many leaves on the tree as the # of kids in the class and then try to come up with nice things to do. You know, like shut your mouth and stop talking so much. Tee-hee, you get the picture!

Have fun!

[Jenn]

Star of the week...I can see the light from it all the way over here.

[Julie Pippert]

Sweet book choice! And what an awesome story from his previous year. He will remember, and you too.

How much time do you have for an activity?

Could you do a craft related to the book? Such as painting a tree or something on a piece of wood?

Or the follow the clues and solve the case of the missing whatever is always popular with kids this age IME. The missing thing could be a small tree that you donate to the school to plant.

That's off the top of my head. Hope it helps or gives you an idea. :)

[delilah]

I love that book! As for the game, I am so not good with that kind of thing. I'm glad my girls like to do crafts!

[Don Mills Diva]

Aww - congrats to Scott. He's going to do great. That is also my son's favourite book!

[slouching mom]

that moment when he read green eggs and ham -- beautiful, poignant, moving.

sigh. lovely.

[kyra]

what a wonderful book Scott chose!

gee, i wish i could think of a good game to play--all i can think of are ones i'm sure are 'too babyish!'