Have you noticed a change in your primary students’ ability to socialize and cope with big emotions? The upheaval from the pandemic might be to blame. Teachers are sounding off about a universal need for social-emotional learning in tandem with academics. And since our students have faced a lack of peer interaction due to social distancing and remote learning, that makes a lot of sense. As we return to business as usual at most of our schools, it’s a great time to bring back a long-held tradition that schools have participated in for years for some much-needed extra support.
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Buddy programs (pairing younger students up with older students to work on activities and projects together) are a great solution to accelerate the social skillset for both sets of kids. In our education system, little ones have long participated in buddy programs with older children for good reason— Because they WORK!
Buddy reading is a valuable activity that promotes positive social interaction while improving literacy skills. It boosts communication by encouraging discussions, helps build confidence for both younger and older students, and strengthens peer relationships. Additionally, it enhances academic skills like reading fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary, benefiting both age groups as they work together.
Practical Tools for Buddy Reading Success
Just what should your students do with their buddies to keep things calm, focused and beneficial? Here are some student favorite ideas.
1-Reading Response Activities
After reading a short story together, focus on comprehension in an engaging way. The older student of the pair can help guide their younger buddy through reading the directions and responding. If there is writing involved, the older student writes while the younger helps with ideas. If drawing is part of the response, it becomes a team effort.
(image of this being used: https://shop.luckylittlelearners.com/product/reading-response-setting-postcard/)
Check out this collection of reading print ‘n’ go reading response sheets.
2 – Partner Games
Once a month, we like to play games with our buddy readers. This provides a much needed break from routine and allows students to work on cooperation skills.
(image of this being played: https://shop.luckylittlelearners.com/product/craftivities-valentines-day-forever-frog-sight-words-game-hoppin-around/)
Browse this menu of partner games, which you can narrow down by grade level on the left hand side.
3 – Art Projects
A great activity for buddy classes is art projects. Another added benefit, many schools do not have an art teacher, so this is a great way to sneak in those art standards.
(image of any hallway display project OR ASCS art project being done by partners)
4 – Science & STEAM Activities
Most students love Science and STEM-inspired activities because they offer hands-on learning opportunities. Trying STEAM with a buddy class will allow the older student to step into a teacher type role and memories are sure to be made.
(image of this in use: https://shop.luckylittlelearners.com/product/camp-read-a-lot-animal-tracks-center/)
5 – Coding
Given the age of technology we live in, many of your students will someday find themselves in a computer-related occupation. Being tech savvy can benefit our students both in school and for the future. Your student buddies will absolutely love coding, as it not only sparks creativity but also encourages problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking in a fun and engaging way.
Here is a list of my favorite coding apps for kids.
6 – Digital Fun
Trying digital games, like Toothy for example, is a great way for student buddies to have fun, work together, and review important skills without even realizing they’re doing it. Explore our digital resource library.
(do we have an image of a pair of students using digital toothy together?)
7 – Centers
Use centers to reinforce skills recently taught, but instead of you leading the review session, the older student buddy takes the lead. Here are some of our favorites.
(image of any ASCS center being used by two kids)
8 – Book Review
Instead of finishing a book and instantly grabbing another, have your student buddies discuss what they’ve read, and subsequently write a review. These reviews could even be posted for other student pairs to peruse.
(Image of this being used: https://shop.luckylittlelearners.com/product/reading-buddies-questions-buddy-book-review/)
Plan your buddy program with school goals in mind
Align your buddy program with your school’s expectations, whether through a program like PBIS or a mission statement. Using consistent language and practices helps students connect their behavior to school values. Younger students can practice norms, while older students reflect on their role in fostering positive peer interactions and leadership. This approach reinforces social skills and promotes lasting improvement.
Preparation is KEY to a successful buddy program.
We want to be careful going into this practice that we aren’t just pairing up kids who will always easily get along. Matching kids by gender, personality, or other commonalities may prevent essential lessons and social skill development. The kids who benefit the most from the opportunity to practice positive peer interactions are often the students who initially find it challenging to connect with their buddies.
To ensure success, pair a timid older student with another buddy to model positive interactions, or start with small, achievable goals for socially immature younger students. Provide tools for older students to guide and empathize with younger ones, and gradually give more responsibility as they gain confidence. Regular check-ins help reinforce expectations and track progress.
Buddy Programs are Innately Flexible
Buddy Reading is the most common kind of paired event. And often, it’s a great place to start. It builds academic skills for both younger and older students, and it gives lots of extra practice time for reading. However, buddy programs can be super flexible because our learning standards tend to build on each other across the board. You can also be flexible with the environment. Bring it outdoors if you can so students can get those wiggles out and volume control is less of a concern.
Get Everything in this post for $1
If you liked any of the buddy class ideas shared in this post, I’ve got great news for you! All of these resources can be downloaded for $1! Find out more below.
