Third Graders Promote a Passion for Reading with Kindergartners

 At Santa Clarita Christian School, our full and half-day kindergarten program offers children a rigorous academic curriculum taught from a Christian worldview by accomplished, loving teachers. One of the special aspects of the Kindergarten year is the reading buddy program.
At the beginning of the school year, Kindergarteners are partnered up with a third grade “buddy.” They meet every other week to practice reading together. At first, third graders are reading to the younger students, but by December, many of the Kindergarten children are reading to their buddies.
“The reading buddy program has been a tradition at SCCS for over twenty years and continues to be an effective way to help build confidence in our young readers,” shared Lynn Kistler, Director of Academics. “Part of what makes being at a K-12 school so unique is the ability for younger children to be mentored by older ones.”
The relationship is reciprocal as third graders look forward to finding out who their buddy will be each year. “For third graders, it is their first opportunity to develop leadership skills,” shared third grade teacher Mrs. Mothershead. “They learn how to give directions to a younger student and how to be patient and loving. They learn that they are examples to the younger students so they need to make good choices. A friendship is established, and hugs are given every time they see each other.”
Beyond reading, buddies play games together, conduct experiments, participate in fun projects such as cooking, and play together on the playground. Mrs. Steinbock added, “It’s sweet to watch these little friendships form and grow throughout the year. This is what makes our community so unique!”
RSVP now for SCCS’s Fall Kindergarten Preview Day on November 30 at 8:15 a.m., so mark your calendar! You can register by calling 661-252-7371. Space is limited and filling fast! Early bird pre-registration is from December 3 though 17. Visit www.sccs.cc or www.facebook.com/SantaClaritaChristianSchool.