Buddy Readers Matches Big Readers with Little Listeners

MCS students are making new discoveries and new connections through the Buddy Readers initiative. Each week, Marianne Warner’s third grade students thoughtfully choose a library book to read to a student in Lyn Burton’s afternoon pre-kindergarten class.

Burton says she wanted to provide more exposure to reading and language and help her students develop a love for books. She says the third grade students are great reading ambassadors, “Typically the younger students really enjoy being with the older students, which has definitely been the case this year!” 

Warner says the program is building reading confidence for her students. “Being a role model carries a lot of weight and these third graders have risen to the occasion,” she said. In fact, she’s noticed that some of her students who occasionally struggle in some subjects have become more engaged throughout the day since the Buddy Readers program began.  

Preston is one of the readers. During a recent session, he shared a book from the Fly Guy series by Ted Arnold with his younger companion and said he plans to bring in something from the Elephant and Piggie series next time. Preston had advice for anyone learning to read, “You can practice and try your best,” he said.

Cayden is in Pre-K. He loved the way Preston voiced a character from a book. “WAAAA,” he repeated while laughing and pointing to the page.

Across the room, Tyler was reading to Cayson. Tyler also had some advice for beginning readers, “Give them a simple book then they can move onto harder books.”

While reinforcing literacy skills, the Buddy Readers program is blossoming into a way to build community.

“Friendships have been formed and communal bonds have been developed,” observed Warner. “The caring and kindness that takes place during this activity is witnessed from the moment my class enters the pre-kindergarten room with smiles, hugs and high-fives.” Burton says each week, her pre-kindergarten students are filled with anticipation, “They look forward to seeing their buddies and sitting with them to hear their story.”

These new friendships are poised to extend beyond school. Recently, one of Warner’s students was asked an important question by their reading buddy: “Would you like to come to my birthday party?”