News from ISBerne

Grade 4 and Kindergarten at the International School of Berne are 'Reading Buddies' every Friday. They share books, spend time getting to know each other, and explore the classrooms.

The 'Little Buddies' benefit from:

• hearing stories read-aloud (modeling of reading fluency, phrasing, and expression)
• Having conversations with an older student about topics that interest and involve them (extending their vocabulary and oral language abilities)
• having regular opportunities to practice familiar reading with 1:1 assistance
• Enjoying fun, positive experiences with 'big kid' who is now a recognizable face in the school community

The 'Big Buddies' benefit from:

• further developing their literacy skills
• fostering leadership and problem-solving skills
• improved self-confidence that comes from being looked up to
• a genuine and important reason to be responsible, and an opportunity to be 'caught' (and praised) for positive behavior
• bragging rights

This 'Reading Buddies' program promotes interest and engagement in reading, and improvement in social and communication skills, particularly for students learning English as a second language. And, most importantly, it's simply FUN!