Reading Buddies

My home school participates in something we call character partners.  This is when an older kid is paired with a younger kid in the school.  The classes get together about once a week and read together, have lessons on the character words of the month, teach each other something or work on special projects together.  It is a time that I truly enjoy, watching as the older kids mentor the younger ones and watching as those younger kids appear in awe of their partners.

Today, my host school started a reading buddies program.  Once a week, the children will meet with their reading buddy and read together.  The year 5 children (4th grade) have been paired with someone in year 7 (6th grade) who has similar reading abilities.  They might read a book together, take turns reading out loud or discuss books that they have read.  It went absolutely brilliantly today.  The kids enjoyed meeting an older pupil in the school, and the older ones were great listeners and supporters of their new young mentors.  They had conversations about books, shared some laughs and enjoyed getting to know each other!  It was a true joy to watch and listen.




Just as I look forward to character partners at home, I have no doubt that this time each week will also become a highlight in my week!

I also must brag on my kids today.  We had a new pupil today, a sweet little girl joined our class from a very small primary school.  She was understandably anxious about joining a middle school, but she did really well.  The girls in the class, and even a few of the boys, made sure she got from one class to another and ensured that she had friends to play with during lunch.  It was not only a pleasure to get to meet her today, but also watch as my kids showed her just how kind-hearted they truly are.

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