A reading buddy is when younger students are paired with older students, to build on stronger literacy and social-emotional skills. This type of activity offers a variety of
benefits to all involved.
Sharing time reading age-appropriate books, the older buddy reads to the younger student, helping them become more comfortable with reading and literacy. This 1-on-1 shared experience helps to develop reading fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary.
Our younger students work on their listening and comprehension skills by hearing stories read aloud and talking about them with their older buddies. At the same time, our older students also improve their listening skills, as they become mentors for their younger peers, making sure that they are heard and respected while reading.
The advantage of being a PK – 12 single building is that our older students naturally develop as role models and mentors. These responsibilities develop leadership skills by guiding and supporting their younger buddies both in and out of the classroom. Through time spent during their shared reading, our reading buddies are also making connections and building friendships. Our younger students quickly realize that the older students aren’t so intimidating after all!
Both sets of students develop important social-emotional skills such as communication, patience, empathy, and understanding. Older students learn to take responsibility for their younger buddies, which can translate to better personal responsibility in other academic and social-emotional areas. Setting a good example while making memories and sharing a good book are all great foundation experiences for a bright future!
