WeAreCaliber #3: Reading Buddies @Caliber: ChangeMakers Academy

Learn more about how 6th grade and TK is partnering to read!  

A recent interview with Ms. Cox (TK) and Ms. Barlow (6th grade): 
What is your favorite thing about Caliber: ChangeMakers Academy?
Ms.Cox: " That I can come to work as my true authentic self!"
Ms. Barlow: "My favorite thing about ChangeMakers is that teachers have the opportunity to connect with kids on different levels and focus on other things that are not academics . We get to look at the whole child and get to be on their journey of growing into kind humans! The middle school team rocks! 


Tell me more about the Reading Buddies program?
Ms. Cox: “ So the reading buddies program is allowing my TK babies to partner with a 6th grade reading buddy on a monthly basis.”
Ms. Barlow: “The reading buddies is an opportunity for our 6th graders to be leaders and give the transitional  kindergartners an opportunity to look up to middle school leaders and learn the importance of reading!”


Why do you think it’s important for students to engage in this?
Ms. Cox: “ I think it's important for TK to participate in this because as we are learning to read and learn the foundational things needed, they get to experience the end goal with 6th grade! They get to see it happening as they are still learning.”
Ms. Barlow: “ I think it is important for students to engage in this because it helps build relationships with one another and learn from each other. It is important to foster a love of reading for all our students this is one opportunity that they look forward to."


Tell me something memorable that happened during reading buddies?
Ms.Cox: “I have some students hide behind me, but when we got settled, it was nice seeing them intensively listening and being comfortable. One of them didn't want to do it and wanted to pair with his brother, but he got paired with two buddies and got to read in both Spanish and English!”
Ms. Barlow: “A favorite memory from this year is a Tk baby was scared and wanted to converse in his home  language. We found a 6th grader that spoke the same language and matched them together. Both were so happy to find something in common and were able  to read together in their language. It was an opportunity for both kids to exhibit a part of who they are. The 6th grader has talked about his buddy everyday since!"