We start Buddies almost the first day of school. It is helpful for the Kindergartens to have Grade sixes and sevens ease them into being one of a twenty-something group. It is helpful for the Grade sixes and sevens to have the opportunity to work with the younger students, the opportunity to be a leader, to be a teacher, to be a friend. The teacher that I Buddy with and I are comfortable with the students gravitating to each other, so generally we let them find the Buddies that 'fit' best. I have Buddied with the same teacher for several years now, she usually has an all day Kindergarten class (which in the Vancouver School District usually means beginning English speakers) and I usually have a Grade 6/7 class. This year she has a Kindergarten/Grade 1 class.
As the term progresses we work through different activities: reading, playing games, collecting leaves, writing letters. We get together once a week and seldom miss a chance to meet - all the Buddies look forward to meeting, big and small. For forty minutes each week the students from Division 15 have a new centre of their universe, and the Kindergartens and Grade Ones have someone attending just to them.
Each of the activities that the Buddies do together benefit each of the Buddies in multiple ways. Reading, counting, sorting, thinking and strategizing with a capable other attending directly to their needs the Little Buddies get valuable one-on-one time. While taking on the roll of teacher, figuring out and meeting the needs of their Little Buddy the Big Buddies become the capable other that their Little Buddy requires. Buddies is about perspective. Both Buddies open themselves up to the other's perspective, build a relationship and learn together - all this while having fun!
Buddies - Playing Games Together
Buddies - Big Buddies Make Games For Little Buddies
Buddies - Giving and Playing The Games
When I shared this account with the Big Buddies they were amazed at how 'happy' both they and the LIttle Buddies looked together. They enjoy their time with their buddies, but to see in the images how much fun learning can be was a surprise for them. They also saw in the images the joy in their Little Buddies eyes when they, the Big Buddies, were around - they recognized the obligation they had to live up to the adoration they saw in the images.
When I give Intermediate students opportunities to become role models I ensure they are set up for success. I structure activities that foster positive situations for leaders and teachers to evolve so they can have practice in these situations. I also require them to assume the responsibilities these rolls carry and have them practice in these situations as well. I have seldom be let down in either situation in the many years I have facilitated Buddies in this way.