There is something special about watching older students become the readers and role models for our youngest learners. Mrs. Silvestri’s ELA students recently had the opportunity to do just that through a Book Buddy experience with students in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade.

Students in grades 6, 7, and 8 selected picture books to share with their younger buddies and prepared for their read-alouds with purpose. Mrs. Silvestri taught students how to plan an interactive read-aloud, using sticky notes to identify places in their books where they could pause, ask a question, make a prediction, talk about an illustration, or invite their younger readers into the conversation.

The experience was about much more than reading a book aloud. Our middle school students practiced planning, communication, public speaking, and thinking carefully about their audience. At the same time, our youngest students got to experience the excitement of having a “big kid” read to them and share a story.

These are the kinds of experiences that make a small school special. Our students have opportunities to learn from one another, build relationships across grade levels, and see themselves as both learners and leaders.

Thank you to Mrs. Silvestri and her ELA students for sharing their love of reading and making reading a little more special for our youngest Tigers!