Whiz Kid: Sophie Schneider

Each week, East Brunswick Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid.

This week, fifth-grade teacher Michele Castaline nominated Frost School student Sophie Schneider.

Congratulations Sophie, you are this week’s Patch Whiz Kid.

According to Castaline, Sophie love reading and dreams of becoming a teacher. She even spearheaded an effort to teach her classmate how to use audio books.

Here is what Castaline had to say about Sophie.

“Sophie is an avid reader and an aspiring teacher. In addition to reading novels she also enjoys listening to audio books. She explained that audio books are great for readers at all levels. They help to build new vocabulary and help to read with expression. She shared her enthusiasm for audio books and thought that other students might enjoy them as well. However, many of her classmates were unfamiliar with audio books, so Sophie asked if she could teach a lesson to the class about audio books. Sophie explained that she would really like to be a teacher some day and this could give her some practice. I applauded her initiative to create teaching opportunities for herself at such an early age.

On her own time, she prepared a Power Point presentation that included recommended book titles and narrators. Her lesson was well thought out and positively received by her peers. Sophie expressed interest in preparing other class lessons in the future, which I am encouraging her to do. Sophie is a personable young lady who is curious and asks good questions. Her winning personality and great smile make those around her feel at ease. She exudes an enthusiasm that gains the attention of both her peers and adults. All of these qualities added up, will no doubt, be a great asset to Sophie as she pursues a career in teaching.”

Do you know a great kid who made Eagle Scout or did your local soccer team take the championship? They may be our next Patch Whiz Kid honoree.

Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to john.saccenti@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the following information:

.                Nominator's Name

.                Nominator's E-Mail

.                Whiz Kid's Name

.                Whiz Kid's Age

.                Whiz Kid's School

.                Whiz Kid's Accomplishment

.                Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness (what made him/her successful?)

.                A high-resolution JPG photo of your Whiz Kid