Our Bright Spot Reading Buddies keep a busy schedule when school is in session. We have three teams of Reading Buddies at the Westhampton Elementary School (WES) in Westhampton, Massachusetts (Lilo – the Great Dane, Zack – the Border Collie, and Lily – the English Setter). And, two teams of Reading Buddies at the Hilltown Charter School in Haydenville, Massachusetts (Tucker – another Great Dane, and Violet – the Australian Labradoodle).
Each of the Reading Buddies arrives at the school on their assigned day and spends up to 90 minutes listening to each individual reader as he or she reads aloud. The readings take place in a quiet corner of the classroom or school library away from the rest of the class. Each reader has one-on-one time with the Reading Buddy.
Our Reading Buddies are assigned to specific grade levels. At WES, on Mondays, Lilo listens to third graders and pre-schoolers one week and Kindergarteners, the next week. Every Tuesday, Lily listens to first and second graders. And, every-other-week on Thursdays, Zack listens to fourth and fifth graders. At Hilltown, on Thursday mornings, Tucker listens to Kindergartens and first graders every week and Violet listens to second and third graders every week. Each child enthusiastically awaits their special time with their Reading Buddy.
Needless to say, our Reading Buddies were ready for their vacation week as much as the students and teachers were! It will be back to business come April 22nd with children ready with 3 and 4 books in hand to read aloud to their fun, furry listeners.