Book Buddies

Every 5 weeks the students in my class participate in clubs.   At the beginning of the year they are given a list of choices of the clubs and choose the one they are interested in.  Last year,  I attempted to start a book club, but not a single student signed up.   I was still stuck on the idea when we were asked to provide a description of the club we would offer.  This year I decided to start a Book Buddies Club.  We have buddied up with one of the primary reading classes on club day.   During our first meeting, I helped my intermediate students choose books appropriate for their younger buddies.  It was honestly one of the most enjoyable days I have had in quite awhile.  Older and younger students alike loved reading the books together.   For our next meeting, the younger students are going to choose a book to read to their older reading buddies.   I am so excited for our next club day.   The interaction between the older and younger students is amazing to watch.  What a great way to encourage reading for both the older and younger students in the group.  I would love to have the opportunity to expand on this idea and have some of my struggling readers become reading buddies on a weekly basis.  It's motivating and engaging and lets them practice their oral reading fluency while practicing the books they share with their buddies.  It really is a shame that I am restricted in my ability to do this more often because of the pressure to perform on FCAT.  In my opinion the relationships, positive impact on self esteem, and the practice both groups get while reading to one another is invaluable.