Our kindergartners have had some pretty incredible opportunities to work with older students this school year. I believe strongly that these experiences are mutually beneficial. The older students get a boost of confidence as they realize how much they've learned since kindergarten and they get to experience a leadership role. Currently, we have two regular buddy experiences happening on a regular basis: 5th Grade Breakfast Buddies and 2nd/3rd Grade Book Buddies, and previously we worked with Mr. Walter's 4th grade students when the Maker Space supplies were in their classroom.
5th Grade Breakfast Buddies
This idea originated after a conversation with one of the 5th grade teachers, Mrs. Hibbard. We were talking about breakfast and how some of her students either eat breakfast before school or finish breakfast earlier. I told her that the same is true for many of our kindergartners. She suggested that some of the 5th graders come to the cafeteria each morning to play games with the students who are either finished eating early or have already eaten at home. It's been wonderful to see the leadership skills the current 5th grade buddies have developed already. They've quickly learned how to facilitate an activity with a group of young students. Our students love it! They are playing games that are both educationally valuable and fun, and they genuinely enjoy their time with the older students. Mrs. Hibbard has her students apply for classroom jobs, so these are students who really want to be there.
WMS Reads
Students from West Middle School recently visited TCAPS elementary schools throughout the district to read. They selected books and came up with a follow-up activity. While this was a one-time event, it was another positive opportunity for older students to work with younger students.
Book Buddies
Each Friday, we meet with our 2nd/3rd grade reading buddies from Miss Knue's class. Normally, students read book bag books together in a partner reading format. Every month or so, we do a literature-based art project together. Last week, students created heart penguins and in December, students created reindeer paintings. Tomorrow we will do a special Valentine's themed literature-based project. Our students look forward to their time with their book buddies each week! |
Coming Soon!
We will soon be hosting five interns from Ferris State University who are working on their degree in Social Work. These students will be reading with students as part of our new Emergent Reading Program (watch for more information about that!). I am excited for this opportunity for our students! They will be in our classroom for one hour per week on Mondays.