|
Reading buddies is a great program to boost confidence in readers, as well as make reading exciting for beginning readers. It all starts with a K, 1st, or 2nd grade class adjusting a schedule to meet with a 3rd,4th, or 5th grade class for a half hour or so. When a time is agreed upon, the classes meet. Throughout the week preceding the meeting, the upper elementary students read books and decide which books they would like to share with their reading buddy; a K,1st, or 2nd grader. The reading buddies share the story and do a short activity based on the book, usually created by the upper elementary student.
This activity serves as a great way for upper elementary students to read critically, think of activities to tie into a story, and to share what they can do. Even if they are a poorer reader, to a kindergartener, they are a good reader. And to a kindergartener, having another child read to them and explain things is sometimes better than an adult or a teacher. Kids can sometimes be the best teachers for other kids.
Reading Buddies from my 2003-2004 class:
This year, my class met with a second grade class once a week. Below are some pictures of the students in action.
|
