What could be better than reading a fun picture book during the school day? Reading a fun picture book to a younger student. Bnos Malka Academy recently kicked off its yearly Book Buddies Program. Ms. Carone’s third grade class spent some time reading books to the PreK for All (PKA) students. They prepared for the task by learning about how to engage a younger reader using the techniques they have seen teachers using, such as a book walk, asking questions, and pointing out interesting things on the page. They also worked on voice modulation and reading with expression. While the third graders felt big and important, they were also meeting the listening and speaking standards from The Next Generation Curriculum (NextGen).
The PKA students were thrilled to be paired up with a “big” third grader. Each group found a space in the classroom to read together. The low hum of students reading (and giggling) filled the room. The third graders and the PKA kids had a great afternoon together and are looking forward to their next Book Buddy Session.
Dr. Babad, assistant principal for the lower grades, said, “Having students read for an ‘audience’ is great for boosting their reading skills and teaching them how to read with prosody and speak so others can hear. It also gave them a tremendous boost of confidence. The PKA students were happy to have individualized attention from the older kids, and while we already have programs in place to encourage older and younger students to spend time together, the PKA students now know many more older girls whom they can come to if they need any assistance. We are really proud of how well both groups of students engaged with their book buddy, and the rest of the lower grades are eagerly looking forward to their turn to be book buddies.”
