I don't know of a better way to begin a Friday then sharing a book with a good friend!  Ms. Weiss's second grade students agreed with me as you can see from the video clip on the right.  Students were able to easily log in to a Google Meet with their fifth grade book buddy in Ms. Nelson's class and with a few clicks they were ready to share.  Some shared hard cover books they were reading from their own book baskets while others shared digital books they were reading from Epic!  This practice isn't just an enjoyable way to ease into the weekend, but an effective literacy practice to support both our youngest readers and strengthen our older ones.  Below are three ways that book buddies benefit our youngest readers according to Reading Roundup:  

"Listen to A Fluent Model

Younger students grow as readers when they hear more experienced readers model fluent reading. The older students can demonstrate how fluent readers read with appropriate phrasing and intonation. Emergent readers also benefit from hearing their buddies read with accuracy and automaticity rather than needing to constantly sound out difficult words.

Observe a Peer Model

The benefits of buddy reading go beyond academics. Younger students can observe their buddy demonstrating positive behavior and valuable social skills. They see their buddy following the rules and remaining focused on the task. They also benefit from their buddy displaying positive character traits such as kindness and patience with them.

Receive One on One Support

During buddy reading the younger students essentially have their own personal tutor helping them with their reading. The older students provide immediate feedback and offer strategies to help emergent readers decode unknown words. It also builds awareness and increases self-monitoring of comprehension as the older buddy can support the student when the reading no longer makes sense."  - Reading Roundup - 10 Reasons Why You Should Try Book Buddies 

Ms. Weiss

Ms. Nelson

After viewing the second graders engaged in reading their book to their buddies I wanted to walk down the hallway to find out how the fifth graders felt about it.  Take a moment to click on the video to see our fifth graders in action.  .   Below are three ways that book buddies benefit our youngest readers according to Reading Roundup:  

"Build Confidence

Struggling readers and shy students in the upper grades may not feel comfortable reading aloud with their same-aged peers. Reading to a younger student provides them with a chance to feel confident as a reader in a less intimidating environment. It naturally builds confidence when they know someone is looking up to them both academically and socially. The little buddies view their reading buddies as their role models and are in awe of them!

Act as a Mentor

In the same way reading buddies benefits older students who struggle with reading, it also helps students who have difficulty with self-control. They are forced to model positive character traits and set the example for responsible behavior during the designated time. The program naturally rewards them for good behavior by having someone look up to them rather than focusing on any negative behavior.

Practice Leadership Skills

Reading buddies provide older students with an opportunity to practice lifelong skills in authentic ways. They learn leadership, patience, and problem-solving strategies while working with their younger buddies." Reading Roundup - 10 Reasons Why You Should Try Book Buddies 

In this article by Edutopia, author Ryan Wheeler explains the social-emotional benefits to Reading Buddies for our older students as well. Reading Buddies Edutopia Article