Coars National School @Reading Buddies”

Reading buddies in primary school is a program where older or more confident readers are paired with younger or less confident students to read together regularly.

How it works

Students are paired across different class levels

• They meet weekly or fortnightly in the classroom or library.

• The older buddy reads aloud, listens to the younger child read, and helps with difficult words.

• They often talk about the story and look at pictures together.

Purpose

The main aim of reading buddies is to:

• Improve reading skills

• Build confidence

• Encourage a love of books

• Develop positive relationships between students

Benefits

For younger students:

• Feel supported and less anxious about reading

• Improve pronunciation and understanding

• Gain motivation through encouragement

For older students:

• Develop leadership and responsibility

• Strengthen their own reading and communication skills

• Build empathy and patience