Note: If you're bringing in a snack for our Student of the Week time, please make it nut-free. If that's not possible, please let me know in advance. :)
Every 1st grader will have a week to be the "Student of the Week." He/she can invite a guest to visit the class to read a story, demonstrate a skill, share information about careers, make a craft, play a game etc. Examples and ideas are listed on this page.*Please note that for privacy and safety issues, I intentionally try not to post a solo picture of each Student of the Week. Or, if a picture is of a single student, I don't name the student.*
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Student of the Week: Congrats to JACK!!!
Student of the Week, 5/8: Congrats to RAEGAN!!! Raegan and her mom and brother visited the class, answered our questions, and made us laugh (especially her fun little brother!) While Raegan's mom led the class to complete a surprise for moms, the class munched on delicious rainbow swirl cookies from Muellers. A perfect spring combo!
Student of the Week, 4/24: Congrats to EVAN!!! Evan and his sister and dad came in to answer our questions and share munchkin treats. Evan's older sister kept the class at attention with her expressive reading of 2 crowd pleasers. After snacking, many students wanted to show Evan and his family some of their favorite items. A good time was had by all!
Student of the Week, 3/27: Congrats to GRACE!!! Grace had so much fun planned for her classmates! First, she introduced her aunt and cousin, who answered our questions. Then Grace had a surprise: her star lamp. Afterwards the class had a delicious donut while working on a chick craft. Time flies when you're having fun!!
Student of the Week, 3/20: Congrats to WYLAND!! Wyland's mom, dad, brother, sister, and abuela visited our class. After answering some questions (and giving out a couple hugs) the class made "Beauty and the Beast" masks. The visit ended with delicious and nutritious muffins and lemonade- and big smiles all around.
Student of the Week: 3/9 Congrats to AVERY!!! Avery's grandmother visited us and, after answering questions, read a story about the sea that was written in a Dr. Seuss style and reminded us of our Sneetches play. Then, every student got a bag filled with supplies to make an edible sea scene! (see pictures on slideshow tab). Though the crafts were too beautiful to eat, some first graders proved they were too delicious NOT to eat, too!
Student of the Week: 1/30 Congrats to JENNA!!! Jenna's grandmother and older sister visited our class for a Valentine themed experience. Her grandma read a sweet story about a boy who liked to hug and ended up getting hugged for all his hugging. Then Jenna shared Valentine stickers for each student to color. The visit was topped off with delicious Munchkins- which we all "loved."
Student of the Week: 2/6 Congrats to TYLER!! Tyler, his brother, sister, and mom were here for his Student of the Week time. After answering questions, they gave each student a copy of a book in which the Berenstein Bears visit a hospital. Tyler did an excellent job of reading the book aloud with expression, and it helped explain Tyler's mom's job. Afterwards, everyone got gear to wear in a hospital: booties, gloves, masks, visors, thermometers, and stethoscopes! The visit was topped off with cupcakes.
Student of the Week: 1/9 Congrats to COURTNEY!! Courtney's mom and sister visited our class. Her sister gave us tips for how to be successful in 2nd grade, and her mom read a story to us about colorful insects. Courtney's mom and sister looked at our eggs and made guesses about which one would hatch first. Afterwards, Courtney shared colorful gummy frogs with the class.
Student of the Week: 12/19 Congrats to COLIN!!! Colin's parents, grandparents and sister came in to talk with the class. His mom and sister read a mesmerizing tale of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, from the same copy of the book that Colin's mom had read to her when she was a little girl! Colin and his guests treated the class to some delicious and festively decorated donuts, too, before saying goodbye for the holiday break!
Student of the Week: 12/12 Congrats to JASON!!! Jason's parents treated the class to a great story about traveling crayons, then gave us supplies to make our own postcards! While the class worked on their postcards, they had festive cookies and Grinch on a stick fruit! The first graders even got a package of Legos to take home!
Student of the Week: 12/5 Congrats to GILLIAN!!! Gillian's mom and dad came in and answered the first graders' questions, most of which were about Gillian's dad's interesting job as a policeman. All first graders were given a reflective police safety belt, badge stickers, and a flashlight! Afterwards, the class walked to the back parking lot to tour Gillian's dad's police truck, complete with flashing lights! Very exciting!
Student of the Week: 11/14 Congrats to ERICA!!! Erica's grandmother from Florida, a "mad scientist" from "Florida Kids Do Science" put on quite a show for our class! She kept us captivated with science experiments like "magic UV beads," "chromotography," and other experiments related to light and heat. She talked about the relationship between magic and science, and then the class did a great job of making a "Dunkin Donut" disappear. (my phone was having issues so pictures are coming soon from Mr. Speelman.)
Week of 10/24: Congrats to HARRY!!! Harry's mom and "Hummy" began our time with a "scary story," followed by an alphabet animal game, and then the class had a lot of questions for Harry and his guests. After some delicious mini-cupcakes, Harry did a great job explaining the directions for a spider pipe cleaner craft and every student made one.
Week of 10/17: Congrats to GENNY!!! Genny invited her mom and grandfather to visit the class. Her grandfather shared his story of serving our country in the Vietnam War, and allowed the students to view the medals he was awarded for his service. Every student was given a card with their name on it written in braille. Afterward, Genny called on students to see her grandfather's braille deck of cards. Genny and her guests answered so many questions, spoke about not making assumptions based on any person's disability, and ended the visit with delicious chocolate chip cookies.
2013-2014 STUDENTS OF THE WEEK BELOW
Student of the Week June 9-13
Radek!!! Radek's dad and brother visited with donuts from "Top That Donuts". We read the menu choices together and then each sampled one of their delicious creations. The time was topped off with a fun game of 7-up!
Student of the Week May 16-23
Christopher!!! Students enjoyed talking with Christopher's mom, dad, sister, and brother, and then playing a few exciting rounds of Twister. The great visit was topped off with some delicious Munchkins.
Christopher!!! Students enjoyed talking with Christopher's mom, dad, sister, and brother, and then playing a few exciting rounds of Twister. The great visit was topped off with some delicious Munchkins.
Student of the Week April 28-May 2
Kenley!!! Kenley and her mom told us some very interesting information about horses and horseback riding. We learned the names of some of her favorite horses and tips on how to get along with horses. A fruit snack followed the question & answer session, with some delicious mom-made dip that was a real hit! (Due to phone issues, I am sad to say I do not have pictures of this visit.)
Kenley!!! Kenley and her mom told us some very interesting information about horses and horseback riding. We learned the names of some of her favorite horses and tips on how to get along with horses. A fruit snack followed the question & answer session, with some delicious mom-made dip that was a real hit! (Due to phone issues, I am sad to say I do not have pictures of this visit.)
Student of the Week April 21-25
Liam!!! Liam treated us to delicious chocolate chip cookies while his mom and he answered our questions. Afterwards, Liam impressed us with his historical knowledge of NJ facts and we played a game Liam created called "Mobster."
Liam!!! Liam treated us to delicious chocolate chip cookies while his mom and he answered our questions. Afterwards, Liam impressed us with his historical knowledge of NJ facts and we played a game Liam created called "Mobster."
Student of the Week April 7-11
Sadie!!! Sadie and her mom talked with us about what Sadie enjoys doing, and we learned about her mom's interesting career. (Good luck with the new store opening!) The class also enjoyed delicious pastel-colored cupcakes. Another great time!
Sadie!!! Sadie and her mom talked with us about what Sadie enjoys doing, and we learned about her mom's interesting career. (Good luck with the new store opening!) The class also enjoyed delicious pastel-colored cupcakes. Another great time!
Student of the Week March 24-28
COSTA!!!! "The Human Knot" exercise gave students practice working together and communicating effectively, and gave us a lot of laughs along the way. The students were rewarded with ice cream sundaes to top of this visit from Costa's mom and sister, Penny.
COSTA!!!! "The Human Knot" exercise gave students practice working together and communicating effectively, and gave us a lot of laughs along the way. The students were rewarded with ice cream sundaes to top of this visit from Costa's mom and sister, Penny.
Student of the Week March 10-14
KARRIS!!! The class really enjoyed talking with Karris's mom and older sister and hearing about her sister's experiences as a student at MAST who's currently building a robot! Karris showed off her flight skills with a remote-control helicopter demonstration, while students enjoyed brownies and fresh fruit.
KARRIS!!! The class really enjoyed talking with Karris's mom and older sister and hearing about her sister's experiences as a student at MAST who's currently building a robot! Karris showed off her flight skills with a remote-control helicopter demonstration, while students enjoyed brownies and fresh fruit.
Student of the Week March 3-7
SEAMUS!!!! Seamus's mom shared her knowledge and experience as a photo editor. She taught us about the difference between 4 types of photos: landscape; still life; documentary; portrait, and passed around books filled with examples of each. Then each student was given his/her very own disposable camera and an optional photography homework assignment. Our enjoyable time ended with chocolate chip cookies and a munchkin.
SEAMUS!!!! Seamus's mom shared her knowledge and experience as a photo editor. She taught us about the difference between 4 types of photos: landscape; still life; documentary; portrait, and passed around books filled with examples of each. Then each student was given his/her very own disposable camera and an optional photography homework assignment. Our enjoyable time ended with chocolate chip cookies and a munchkin.
Student of the Week February 24-28
MADELYN!!! Madelyn and her dad put our sleuthing skills to the test with one of his now-famous readings from the Encyclopedia Brown series, after fielding questions about hobbies and "favorites." They also generously treated the class to a delicious snack and contributed a jar of pretzel rods to the class pretzel supply.
MADELYN!!! Madelyn and her dad put our sleuthing skills to the test with one of his now-famous readings from the Encyclopedia Brown series, after fielding questions about hobbies and "favorites." They also generously treated the class to a delicious snack and contributed a jar of pretzel rods to the class pretzel supply.
Student of the Week February 3-7
MICHAEL!!!
We all enjoyed a visit from Michael's dad and his brother, who answered some pretty interesting questions about former jobs, favorite sports, and high school memories. Before a couple games of "Hangman" on the whiteboard (Reeses!), the class was treated to some delicious donuts, too. Another great Student of the Week time!
MICHAEL!!!
We all enjoyed a visit from Michael's dad and his brother, who answered some pretty interesting questions about former jobs, favorite sports, and high school memories. Before a couple games of "Hangman" on the whiteboard (Reeses!), the class was treated to some delicious donuts, too. Another great Student of the Week time!
Student of the Week January 27-31
EMILY!!!
Oh the dance moves we learned! What a great time we had learning a short hip-hop routine from Emily, her mom, and Emily's dance instructor. It really tested our memory, attention, and coordination skills- and some of us even broke a sweat! Our workout was followed by some outrageously delicious rice krispy treats or pretzels.
EMILY!!!
Oh the dance moves we learned! What a great time we had learning a short hip-hop routine from Emily, her mom, and Emily's dance instructor. It really tested our memory, attention, and coordination skills- and some of us even broke a sweat! Our workout was followed by some outrageously delicious rice krispy treats or pretzels.
Student of the Week January 6-10, 2014
TANNER! The class had a great time talking with Tanner's dad and brother and hearing about their hobbies and interests- especially soccer! Tanner guided us beautifully through his "Student of the Week" bulletin board before treating us all to delicious munchkins.
TANNER! The class had a great time talking with Tanner's dad and brother and hearing about their hobbies and interests- especially soccer! Tanner guided us beautifully through his "Student of the Week" bulletin board before treating us all to delicious munchkins.
Student of the Week 12/9-12/13
JAYCEE! Jaycee and her fun uncle answered questions about surfing, snowboarding, and gymnastics before sharing some delicious and pretty cupcakes with us. We even had a surprise visit from Jaycee's sister, who also fielded some questions. At the end, Jaycee treated us to some fun poems written by Shel Silverstein.
JAYCEE! Jaycee and her fun uncle answered questions about surfing, snowboarding, and gymnastics before sharing some delicious and pretty cupcakes with us. We even had a surprise visit from Jaycee's sister, who also fielded some questions. At the end, Jaycee treated us to some fun poems written by Shel Silverstein.
Student of the Week 12/2-12/6
REID!!! Reid's special guest was his "Nana", who is an amazing artist. She taught us how to sketch with charcoal to create beautiful (and funny!) portraits. She also brought in some dino-cupcakes, which were a hit! Surprise appearances by Reid's dad and brother really topped off our amazing time!
REID!!! Reid's special guest was his "Nana", who is an amazing artist. She taught us how to sketch with charcoal to create beautiful (and funny!) portraits. She also brought in some dino-cupcakes, which were a hit! Surprise appearances by Reid's dad and brother really topped off our amazing time!
Student of the Week 11/18-11/22
J.J.!! The class enjoyed some very delicious and healthy snacks while learning about National Childhood Grief Awareness Day. JJ encouraged us all to wear blue on 11/21 to show support for children who have lost loved ones. Since 11/21 was class photo day, our supportive class will have a very blue-hued photo! :)
J.J.!! The class enjoyed some very delicious and healthy snacks while learning about National Childhood Grief Awareness Day. JJ encouraged us all to wear blue on 11/21 to show support for children who have lost loved ones. Since 11/21 was class photo day, our supportive class will have a very blue-hued photo! :)
Student of the Week 11/11-11/15
HALEY!! We enjoyed our visit from Haley's mom (and a pop-in from her brother). The class had so many questions about Haley's family's world travels, and then we decorated and dined on delicious cupcakes!
HALEY!! We enjoyed our visit from Haley's mom (and a pop-in from her brother). The class had so many questions about Haley's family's world travels, and then we decorated and dined on delicious cupcakes!
Student of the Week 10/21-10/25
JONAH!! We had a great time talking with Jonah and his mom about a variety of topics, but especially wrestling. After the question & answer session, we all enjoyed a festive treat!
JONAH!! We had a great time talking with Jonah and his mom about a variety of topics, but especially wrestling. After the question & answer session, we all enjoyed a festive treat!
Student of the Week 9/30-10/4
JADON!!
Many thanks to Jadon and his mom, who spoke to us about fishing, gave each one of us a fishing "teaser" and answered a lot of questions. The "fish cookies" were beautifully delicious, too!
JADON!!
Many thanks to Jadon and his mom, who spoke to us about fishing, gave each one of us a fishing "teaser" and answered a lot of questions. The "fish cookies" were beautifully delicious, too!
Student of the Week 10/7-10/11
MADDIE!!
Many thanks to Maddie and her mom and sister who answered our questions, spoke to us about their travels, and performed opera for us! We were were also treated to delicious cupcakes from Meullers. What a wonderful visit!
MADDIE!!
Many thanks to Maddie and her mom and sister who answered our questions, spoke to us about their travels, and performed opera for us! We were were also treated to delicious cupcakes from Meullers. What a wonderful visit!