How can you get better at reading?

By reading!

This term, during the last lesson on Friday, Grade 7 pupils have been ‘buddy’ reading with Grade3 pupils. This involves each G7 listening to their ‘buddy’ read and asking questions about the storyline. G7 have also been trained to encourage their G3 to use expression and follow punctuation. Following that the G7 pupil reads a book chosen by their G3 ‘buddy’.

Here is a selection of the children’s comments:

‘I have fun because I learn more about reading books.’ (Mwaka G3)

‘My buddy has been helping me to read with expression and to be fluent in my reading’ (Robby G3)

‘It connects us to the G3s, we are an influence to them and make them better readers. I have learned that if I became a teacher, I wouldn’t be very patient with them and would quit within a week.’  (Chawa G7)

‘I enjoy reading to them and letting them listen to the story out loud’ (Adam G7)

‘Reading with a G7 helps me to read new words that I haven’t heard before. My buddy asks me questions and it helps me to remember what’s happening in the story.’ (Takhondwa G3)

‘I’m helping my buddy learn how to read hard words and I‘m helping her to learn how to read faster than she used to and how to read with expression. (Palak G7)

‘It helps me to listen and understand the book properly. Whenever I do something wrong my buddy helps me.’ (Charlie G3)

Here is a selection of 'buddy' pictures:

Contributed by Mrs Kirk