Bonding with our Buddies over Books! 

 We met up for our weekly Buddy Time this afternoon, and Melanie had a rather special challenge in store for Year 6!

Having been mightily impressed by the children’s attentiveness, kindness and caring nature, not to mention how quickly they have helped our Reception children settle into school life, Melanie decided it was time for Year 6 to step up to the plate!

She suggested that our Year 6 children listen to their buddies read and, brace yourselves… write a comment in their reading record books! Yes, just like a teacher or teaching assistant would!

As our Reception children are still at the very beginning of their reading journeys, this was no easy task! Year 6 needed to initiate conversations, ask probing questions, support their buddies with phonics and encourage them to talk about what they could see in the pictures.

And what can I say? They were INCREDIBLE! 

In fact, Melanie was so impressed that she even hinted at the possibility of some of Year 6 becoming teaching assistants in Reception! Don't worry… I quickly reminded the children to ask how much she was willing to pay them, and, funnily enough, she soon went off the idea! 

We have some very exciting plans in the pipeline involving Year 6 and their buddies, so watch this space… 

This afternoon was a wonderful example of just how much our oldest children have grown in maturity, confidence and responsibility. Watching them show such patience, encouragement and genuine care towards their younger buddies was a real joy.

I couldn't have been prouder of them!

Buddies and Books