ROLE MODELS: Paige and Louise buddy up for reading. PICTURE / SUPPLIED
As you look around the classroom room you see children reading. The gentle hum of book language and smiles all around. It is exciting to sit and watch the older children support and foster the love of reading with the younger. With books tucked under their arms, four days a
week, all children at Whanganui East School swap classes and read to each other. "We get to help our buddies learn and read," comments Anna. Not only does buddy reading enhance the reading programme, it also gives the children opportunities to work together and develop positive relationships, which often spin off into the playground. "You get to know each other better," Hemi says. "It's not just reading, it's having fun!" Shania says. The big buddies are fantastic role models to new entrants and buddy reading is a highlight of the day.
