If you have children or work with children, you probably recognize all the star qualities in your kids. In fact, many school settings showcase a star of the week throughout the year. Star of the Week by Monica Wyrick is my pick for this month’s theme (school) for Poppins Book Nook club. Whether you have a child in a traditional school, a homeschooler or a child not school-age yet, this book can help your child discover all the star qualities within themselves.
Full Disclosure: Peak City Publishing provided a review copy of Star of the Week by Monica Wyrick. All opinions expressed are my own!
I love when I discover books for kids from small publishing companies. Small publishers offer the opportunity for many writers and illustrators to see their ideas in print. When I find a book I enjoy from a small publisher, I feel like I just discovered a hidden treasure! Peak City Publishing sent me a few books to review. I immediately was drawn to Star of the Week by Monica Wyrick.
Star of the Week is about Hildie, a young mouse, who has been chosen to be the star of the week in her classroom. When she sits down to fill out the information sheet about herself, she starts out a little hesitant that she will be able to find words that describe her. However, the more she thinks about herself, the easier the words start to flow! Creative, strong and brave are just a few of the words that she comes up with.
This is a great read-aloud for teachers who utilize star of the week in their classroom. But, it’s also perfect for anyone who wants to help a child discover all of the things that make them special!
Literacy Activity Extension: I Am A Star!
I believe that as caregivers it’s important to help kids explore, discover, and recognize all the qualities that make them unique. Children who have a good sense of self tend to feel more confident with decision-making.
I Am a Star is meant to be a visual representation and ongoing reminder of all the star qualities your child possesses.
Materials needed: 52 star cut-outs (approximately 4 x 6 each), crayons or markers, a prominent display area (ex.-child’s bedroom or a special notebook)
Each week, sit down with your child and reflect on things they may have accomplished or learned during the week. Here are a few questions that you could ask.
What are you most proud of about yourself this week?
What is something you learned to do or figured out this week?
Tell me some ideas you had this week.
Did you discover something new about yourself this week?
How did you make the world a better place this week?
These questions not only help your child reflect on their actions and thoughts from the past week, but can also be a springboard into a planning session on future behavior.
Have your child select one star quality about themselves and draw or write it on a star. Place the star in your designated spot. Review the stars each week and anytime your child is feeling down or needs some encouragement.
My hope is that your child will feel confident and empowered to be the best that they can be! You may also enjoy reading more books about promoting the best in yourself in this post I previously wrote- Redirecting and Promoting Good Behavior. What are some things you do in your family or school to help kids feel positive about themselves?
Now it’s time to see the books that the rest of the Poppins Book Nook crew has to share. Please visit the other bloggers below and if you have a post related to school, please link up! And, don’t forget to enter the giveaway that Enchanted Homeschooling Mom is offering. You can enter below (US only) for a chance to receive a copy of It’s Back to School We Go!: First Day Stories From Around the World.
Carrie @ Crafty Moms Share says
What a great activity. Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!!
Rita says
Congratulations, Monica, on such a charming book. Added to your talent as an illustrator and now author……Wow!
Dee Wyrick says
As grandmother of 5 and great grandmother of 3 (retired first grade teacher) I always enjoy good children’s books. They are great gifts because they can be enjoyed over and over,
JodieRodriguez says
Dee, my most favorite gifts to give and receive are books! And, it sounds like lots of little ones have been lucky enough to read with you!
Dolly says
I am a huge fan of Monica’s work, and so enjoyed your review!
OneMommy says
I love the idea of making a star each week for your child! What a wonderful thing to keep and look back on as they get older!
Anna@The Measured Mom says
Thank you for sharing this idea with After School!
Meredith @ Homegrown Friends says
Hi, Found you via Frogs, Snails and Puppy Dog Tails. Thought you would be interested in the Star Week I posted as part of my Homegrown Friends Summer Camp Series.
http://www.homegrownfriends.com/1/post/2013/07/summer-camp-week-three-im-a-star-week.html
JodieRodriguez says
Meredith, thanks for sharing! I love your list of books and all the activities you did with the kids. Super cute! Thanks for sharing!
Jaymie Shook says
GREAT activities! Thank you so much for sharing with the KLBH!
~ linda says
I love books that encourage children and build them up in who they are and can be. Glad I came by! ~ linda
Maria says
What a wonderful book for the young readers! Thank you for introducing it!
I am so happy to have found your blog! Looking forward to following you!
Maria@
http://www.musicteachingandparenting.com
JodieRodriguez says
Welcome Maria! I’m so glad you found Growing Book by Book. Enjoy browsing around!
Destiny says
I really love your activity idea! My daughter isn’t old enough to try it yet–but when she’s a bit older it would be a great way to build a sense of confidence and self-worth.
JodieRodriguez says
Thank you Destiny. I plan to use it with my little ones when they get a bit older too.
Angela Muse says
Great message! My daughter’s school has star student of the week during their birthday week.
JodieRodriguez says
Thank you Angela. We all love to feel like a star!
Natalie says
I love the activity you came up with for this book. Smarty’s school has “student of the week” ritual where students are recognized for “the skill of the week” that everyone in school is working on, and both years she was recognized for the skill of flexibility 🙂
JodieRodriguez says
Natalie, I like that idea. Thanks so much for sharing.
Ticia says
We have a kid of the day in our family, and I could incorporate some of the star of the week ideas into it…….
JodieRodriguez says
Ticia, I think that would be perfect. I’d love to hear how it goes.
Ashley says
What a great way to promote self confidence!
bamauthorb says
Love the message of Star of the Week!