Reading Buddies Scheme

Reading Buddies

Every year, we advertise for the position of 'Reading Buddy'. We then welcome applicants from Key Stage 2 who write a letter of application stating how the meet the pre-released job decription. Applicants are then invited to an interview whereby they are asked to eleborate further as to why they are suitable for such a role. Those who are successful during this process are then chosen to read with a different child from EYFS/KS1 one lunchtime per week.  Last year we had a woping 28 reading buddies - more than we have ever before.

What is a Reading Buddy?

Reading Buddies is a program in which two or more individuals read together. For example, older students can read with younger students, and volunteers from the community can read with students of all ages. A Reading Buddies scheme can help model good reading. As with any skill, reading needs to be practiced on a regular basis, and with this practice as well as modeling, students can improve their skills.

It allows older students the opportunity to develop fluency as well as a sense of pride in their accomplishments. In addition, they often come to see the value of reading. Students can not only promote good practices but gain self-esteem. Repeatedly reading easier books has been shown to improve reading abilities in poor readers, and this program provides students with a reason to read easier books.

Reading to younger students can help them develop a love of reading and a greater motivation to read. Younger students should also read to their older Buddies each week, as this allows younger readers to feel a sense of accomplishment while they build fluency. Because the program provides success in literacy, students often become more positive about their ability to read and may also improve their reading skills. Ideally, Buddy visits will be ongoing, and older and younger students will become familiar with one another and nurture a mutual interest in reading.