Kindergarteners throw classmate a “big brother shower”

Becoming a big brother for the first time can be an intimidating experience for anyone, but George L. Cooke Elementary School kindergartner Jaylen Agapito can rest assured that he has the love and support of his classmates and teachers.  

a class full of kindergartners are posing for the camera. The teachers are in the background and one is holding up the book that the class collectively created for their classmates.

Cooke kindergarten teachers Michele O’Sullivan and Megan Hobby organized a “big brother shower” to help Jaylen celebrate this milestone. On the Wednesday before his sister’s scheduled arrival, the class enjoyed “hot cocoa for the big bro,” and excitedly presented Jaylen with a surprise keepsake — a book that the class had collectively written and illustrated. Each student wrote a page explaining why they believe Jaylen will make a great big brother, or offering a piece of advice in his new role. Clad in a “big bro” hat and pin, Jaylen paged through the book as his classmates looked on.  

Jaylen, wearing a hat that says big bro is surrounded by a few classmates. They are all looking down and reading a book.

We fully believe that part of Social Emotional Learning is fostering positive home-school relationships and celebrating life’s moments, especially with kindergarten students,” Ms. O’Sullivan said.  “We’re hopeful that this will become a signature classroom tradition for our students in our classes over the years as we celebrate both the big things and the little things for them.”

Jaylen and several classmates are looking up at the camera and smiling.

Shortly after the shower wrapped up, Baby Girl Agapito made her debut. Mama and baby are home and doing well, and Jaylen has eagerly settled into his new role as big brother. 

photo of a page from the book Jaylens classmates created. in child's handwriting, the page reads "Jaylen will be a big brother because he is kind."