Reading Buddies

A wonderful extension of mixed-age buddies is the buddy relationship my second graders have had with their fourth grade buddies. There they read and are read to from their book boxes. This exchange builds confidence in the little ones and brightens the days of the older kids. 

Our second graders gain from the experience, not only in learning about reading, but also in having successful social interactions with others. They learn reading behaviors, listening skills, and book selection strategies. They become more willing to converse with older friends and more adept at interacting with others.