Reading buddies merge to motivate one another

<p>Submitted photo</p><p>High Point kindergarten class pairs with the fourth grade once a week for reading. From left to right: Grant Calvird, JoJo Porter, Morgan Gromer, Julissa Calderon, Wade Fisher, Segan Stanley, Tyler Johannes and Trent Hamm.</p>

Submitted photo

High Point kindergarten class pairs with the fourth grade once a week for reading. From left to right: Grant Calvird, JoJo Porter, Morgan Gromer, Julissa Calderon, Wade Fisher, Segan Stanley, Tyler Johannes and Trent Hamm.

HIGH POINT — Part of the goal of High Point R-3 is to promote fluency and peer interaction.

Fourth-grade teacher Katie Henderson and kindergarten teacher Amy Wilhelm have thought of a way to merge their classes and accomplish that goal.

For the past month, the 20 students have come together as reading buddies. For 30 minutes on Fridays, the group enjoys one-on-one interaction.

First, the kindergarten students read to their upper classmen buddy. They smile as the big kids come to them, Henderson said.

During that time, the older student helps the kindergartner identify context clues in the illustrations. They point out sight words and help with sounding out words.

Simultaneously, the fourth-graders are reinforcing reading skills and gaining confidence.

When they switch, the kindergarten students enjoy a book from their buddy. As the fourth-grader reads and answers questions, they learn to comprehend and become prepared for test and communication.

“Having their peers coming in makes the kindergartners feel special,” Henderson said. “It makes the fourth-graders feel special, and it builds fluency for both grades.”

Both groups are avid readers, she added. While the program has just begun, she hopes to continue the team building.