The third and first grade classes team up to have great reading every week!  Each first grade child is paired up with a third grade child. The third graders prepare stories to share with the first graders, or as the first graders begin to read, they may share the stories.  Then, an activity, prepared by the teachers and centered around a particular story that can be used to teach a specific skill, is done.  For example, Alexander Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday, by Judith Viorst, is used to teach the skill of money. Play coins are given to each group of buddies to use and interact with the story line. Money Bingo is played to follow up, with a “smartboard” game or activity finishing the session. Many times, music, art, or even food treats are integrated to make the learning more memorable and fun.   Not only are academic skills learned and reinforced, but  many traits of good character are also involved in having a book buddy.  It is also a great way to use higher level skills with both groups as the third graders become the partners (teachers) to assist the first graders in the activity that are at a higher level for them (first graders). What a great day of reading….BOOK BUDDIES!!!!