Reading Buddies: Plan a Clear Opinion Piece

Big Buddies, Little Buddies

1Every Friday afternoon, the kindergarten classes at Oak Hollow Elementary have a quiet reading time. Our principal, Ms. Delgado, is trying to decide whether fifth graders should join them once a week as reading buddies. Some students think the idea sounds fun, and others are not so sure it is worth the time. I believe our school should start this buddy program, because it would help both the kindergartners and the fifth graders.

2First, a buddy program would help kindergartners grow as readers. Many young students are just learning to sound out words, and a buddy could help them when they get stuck. A buddy could also point to each word during a story, which helps young readers follow along. A fifth grader can read aloud picture books that are too hard for a kindergartner to read alone. Being a buddy would make fifth graders feel proud and trusted. Best of all, little kids love attention from big kids, so they would look forward to reading time every week.

3Second, the program would help fifth graders, too. When we read aloud to younger children, we practice reading with expression and at a smooth, steady speed. We would also learn to be patient and to explain ideas in simple words. Planning a short activity for a buddy would teach us to be organized. Those are skills that we will need in middle school and beyond. Sharing favorite picture books might even remind us how much fun reading can be.

4A buddy program would give both grades something to look forward to on Friday afternoons. Younger students would get extra help with reading, and older students would grow as readers and as leaders. Everyone at Oak Hollow would gain something, from the youngest readers to the oldest. For these reasons, I hope Ms. Delgado says yes to reading buddies.