Buddy Readers
Ocean City Elementary School builds community and caring relationships among students with its Buddy Reader program.  Fourth grade students are paired with first grade students.  They meet weekly to read, discuss what they have read, and take Accelerated Reader tests.  Younger students build confidence in their reading skills, increase their vocabulary, and develop new friendships.  Older students act as mentors as they model good reading habits, encourage younger students to take risks in their reading, and offer praise.  Older students develop self-confidence, pride, and a sense of responsibility for others.  Younger students know they can depend on the fourth graders for help and they strive to emulate them.  During the weeks leading up to state testing, younger students create letters of support for their Buddy Readers.  They visit the fourth graders to encourage them to “do their best on the test.”  Fourth grade students appreciate this support while younger students learn the importance of encouraging others and of contributing to our school’s success. Buddy Readers may also meet to talk about issues that are interfering with school success, such as absenteeism or lack of motivation.  With the counselor or a teacher, students discuss the importance of attending everyday school, and of doing one’s best.  Older students talk about their own experiences and offer suggestions.  When older students have issues, such as frequent absenteeism, younger students explain how they feel when their Buddy Readers are absent.  This helps the older students understand how their actions affect others and fosters a sense of responsibility to their Buddy Readers.  The Buddy Reader program creates a culture of cooperation, caring and responsibility for others that is evidenced throughout Ocean City Elementary School.