By: Jeff Mikalaitis
JAMESBURG — Three classes at the John F. Kennedy School are participating in a unique program designed to enhance reading skills, and build confidence and friendships.
In the Reading Buddy program, third-grade students in Debbie Majorczak’s class have been reading books and stories to younger students in Barbara Beckett’s kindergarten class.
Third-grader Rosie Medina, who is 9 years old, reads to her younger brother, 6-year old Alberto, and to Brianna Willan, also 6. Rosie knows the true value of the program.
“It’s fun,” she said. “I like reading to my brother and to my reading buddy. It’s good for them because they can learn how to read.”
According to Ms. Majorczak, third-grade students chose their Reading Buddies earlier in the year by interviewing the younger children and conducting an interest inventory of likes and dislikes to determine with whom they shared interests.
The buddies meet every Monday. After the buddies have read more than 10 books, they select their favorite one and present it to the other students.
The teachers feel the program has both educational and social benefits because it creates a comfort level between the students and their younger peers.
“The program builds and strengthens reading skills,” said Ms. Majorczak. “When the older kids get used to reading out loud they don’t feel uncomfortable. Some of the kindergartners are even reading out loud.”
Ms. Beckitt said she feels that having a reading buddy is like having a big sister or a big brother.
Each group of reading buddies also have become authors by writing their own books.
“They got to go through the whole writing process,” said Ms. Majorczak. “They brainstormed, wrote and developed many friendships.”
The books will be placed in the school library and the reading buddies will present them to other students. Rosie, Alberto and Brianna wrote a book about Pokemon. Rosie not only had fun being creative, but also gained an appreciation for the writing process.
“I’m really excited about it,” said Rosie. “We made up stuff and made corrections. It was fun and takes a lot of work. One day I would like to be an artist or a writer.”
Like Rosie, third-grader Angelo Trento, who is 8 years old, feels the experience of writing a book may help him in a future career.
“If I ever want to be an author, I’ll know what to do,” he said.
Andy Ramos, 9, and his reading buddy, younger brother Kevin, 5, wrote a science fiction story called “Alien in Jamesburg.”
“It’s about an alien who wants to chase this kid,” said Andy. “But he just wants to be his friend. In the end they become friends.”
Andy said the program is having a positive effect on his brother.
“I want him to learn how to read,” he said. “He is learning so far. He likes Dr. Seuss books.”
