5 Low-Prep Ideas for Making the Most of a Class Buddy Program

Looking for a great way to boost your students confidence and get them to practice those important leadership skills beyond the walls of your classroom? Connecting with a buddy class could be just the answer! Ideally, you should aim to connect with a teacher who has students at least two grade levels below yours, with a goal to meet 30-40 minutes at least once a month. So, if you haven't already, get out there and find a kinder or first grade teacher and get the fun started with these 5 low-prep ideas for making the most of your Buddy Time.

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• Reading Together. There is literally no prep required for this one (plus it is a great way to get your struggling older readers to be reading the just-right books they try to avoid). The only thing you will want to consider is some purposeful pairing to let all students get the most from the experience. Have your students sit and take turns reading aloud with their buddy from the younger buddy's book bin. Be sure to partner your high students with the high students from the partner class. For an added bonus, you can let your students bring a special story they've written in class to read to their little buddy. 

• Tech Time. My class has had both first grade and kinder buddies across the years, and one of the best things we've done together has been computer time. Although I usually plan this for late September or early October so my big buddies can teacher their partner how to log on to our school laptops, it can be helpful any time of year because the younger students often need more support when logging on and getting into the computer programs. What kindergarten or first grade teacher wouldn't want every student to have a one-on-one helper when it came time for pulling out the technology? None that I know of! Big buddies can help their little buddies play learning games, practice typing skills, read and research, and more. Plus it makes computer time way less stressful for everyone!                                         

• STEM Activities. Give buddies a challenge to complete. Whether it is building a tower out of index cards, building marshmallow shooters, or something completely different, students love working with their buddies doing hands-on activities. While these take a little more prep for gathering supplies, once the students are working you'll be amazed at how little support they need from you and how much they'll learn. (I always have my students come back and write a short reflection in their Buddy Journal after our sessions, and it is amazing how excited they are to write and the insights they gain from their time with their little buddies. Get a free copy at the end of this post.)

• Learning Games. This is a great low-prep way to give your students practice with those essential social skills. The younger buddies love having one-on-one or small group time with older students they look up to, and the older buddies are a great support for keeping the younger students on task and learning. This is a great option for all those indoor recess days during the cold, wet winter and spring months, too!

• Community Outreach. Although you can do projects that give back all year, February is a great time for a community outreach project. One of my favorite activities is making valentine cards for a nearby children's hospital or retirement community. Bust out the art supplies and let the kids get busy. Some years I've even had classes go on a walking field trip to deliver them (since we were lucky enough to be down the street from a nursing home). However, even if that isn't a possibility, you can't imagine how much fun you'll have and the joy you'll bring by just letting your kids get creative!

Although it is great to have a buddy class all year, it is never too late to get started! With these simple, low-prep ideas starting your partnership for classroom buddies can be an easy, no stress way to support your students' academic and social emotional development.

P.S. Don't worry! I didn't forget your freebie. Click the image below to get it now!