Star of the Week

Sydney has been waiting and waiting and waiting since last October for this week to arrive. And at last her time in the spotlight arrived: her turn to be Star of the Week.

At the beginning of the school year, her teacher sent home the "Star" schedule. As (bad) luck would have it, Sydney was the very last one on the list. And so all year long she's been telling me about which friend's turn it was that week and who he/she picked to be snack helper. (Apparently it's a hugely exciting honor to be chosen to help your friend pass out the treats to the class.) And she's been dreaming about her chance to be line leader, which toy to bring to "share" (i.e. show off) to her classmates and which book to have me read to her class. Because, yes, when you're the Star, your parents are invited (i.e. expected) to take time off from work to visit the class and read a book.

And so... backing up to Monday... Sydney's week started with some totally unrelated star treatment. She got to be a "model" in a photo shoot I coordinated for the Children's Museum.  Here's a behind-the-scenes look as she was prepped for finger painting. (As if she needed any instruction.) It was pretty cute to hear the kids explain to my creative director how finger painting is done and what supplies were needed.)

Sydney potentially is going to show up on a billboard next month. I haven't seen how the photos turned out, but if you picture her covered in finger paint, here's a preview of what it'll look like.

So that was Monday. Tuesday is when her official reign as Star began. We sent her to class with all sorts of snacks and juice to fulfill her royal duties.

Wednesday is when I joined her. For the last 15 minutes of class, all the kids sat on the alphabet rug while Sydney and I sat in front of them. (She's been watching the routine all year, and so was very excited to pull the appropriate chairs over for us to use.) We talked about her favorite things (food = strawberries, pet = puppy, thing = Barbie) and then read "Smooch your Pooch," which all the kids giggled at, so it is now her absolute favorite book. She shared her purple fairy Barbie doll, and then it was time for the kids to each raise their hand and ask Sydney a question. Here's a sampling:

"Do you like Barbies?"
"What's your favorite food?"
"I have a puppy, too!"
"How many Barbies do you have?"

Sydney grinned throughout, loving the attention and having me at her side. She gave me a big hug when we were done.

And then came Thursday. The best day ever. (When you're four.)

Not only was she still the Star (note the "Star necklace" she's been wearing each day of class), but coincidentally it was also "Pajama Day" AND the day for her all-class birthday party. The kids got cupcakes and had a gift exchange. Thankfully Sydney got a pack of card games as her gift. (When AJ was in the class, he came away with a recorder. I've yet to identify the horrible and hateful parent who sent such a loud and annoying gift.)

All in all, it was a pretty fantastic week for Sydney. She's feeling good about herself and good about going to school. Which is what, I assume, this was all about. She's got two more whirlwind weeks of class (picture day is Tuesday, and there's an end of year program/party the following week.) and then she's officially ready for kindergarten.

I could get all sentimental about how big she's gotten way too fast. But I think instead I will simply be happy that her favorite part of the week was when I came with her to class.