Reading Buddies
Our Reading Buddy program is an initiative where older students participate in a paired reading activity with younger students.
This year, pupils from 5th& 6th classes (Senior Buddies) were paired with pupils from Junior Infants, Senior Infants and 1st classes (Junior Buddies). The pupils meet twice a week for 6 weeks. Each week, the pairs swapped predictions, connections, summaries, favourite details, feedback on their reading skills, and even certificates they made for each other at the end of the six weeks!
The ‘Junior Buddies’ benefit from:
Here are some pictures of our buddies in action!
This year, pupils from 5th& 6th classes (Senior Buddies) were paired with pupils from Junior Infants, Senior Infants and 1st classes (Junior Buddies). The pupils meet twice a week for 6 weeks. Each week, the pairs swapped predictions, connections, summaries, favourite details, feedback on their reading skills, and even certificates they made for each other at the end of the six weeks!
The ‘Junior Buddies’ benefit from:
- hearing stories read-aloud (modelling of reading fluency, phrasing and expression)
- having conversations with an older student about topics that interest and involve them (extending their vocabulary, oral language abilities)
- having regular opportunities to practice familiar reading with assistance
- enjoying fun, positive experiences with older school children.
- further developing their own literacy skills
- fostering leadership and problem-solving skills
- improved self-confidence that comes from being looked-up to
- a very real and important reason to be responsible, and an opportunity to praised for positive behaviour
Here are some pictures of our buddies in action!
