Reading Buddies at Washington Keeps Books Fun

Teaching young children that reading is fun is an important aspect of elementary school. Being a good reader is considered crucial to overall success both in and out of school. It also helps a person become a good writer and strengthens their grammar, spelling, vocabulary and word usage skills, too.

Reading is important all across Huntington UFSD, including at Washington Primary School. Finding a “buddy class” that provided partnering opportunities for students in both groups was is a recent well-received initiative.

First grade teacher Lauren Whitney’s class found reading buddies in teacher Sullivan’s second grade class. The students loved visiting a new class with new friends and reading books to one another. Friendships were forged, stories were shared and a love of reading took root.

Participating students shared that this was a fun experience and they loved getting to travel to another class and learn from new friends.

“At Washington Primary School, literacy development is one of our top priorities,” Principal Michelle Richards said. “We know that when students have a strong literacy foundation, they are able to think critically, decode accurately and read fluently.”

Fortunately, Washington students have traditionally taken delight in reading so it doesn’t take much effort to get them to crack open a book.

“People don not often stop to think, ‘Why is reading important?’” according to Grand Canyon University. “Yet the simple act of reading this shows one answer to that question. Beyond imparting information, reading can sharpen critical thinking and other valuable skills. You can read to be educated, entertained or persuaded. Beyond that, though, the value of reading can be very personal. For first-generation college students, academic reading may provide opportunities no one else in their family has had. For young children just coming to realize that the symbols on the page have meaning, reading is a significant accomplishment.”

It is estimated that about 32 million adults in the United States struggle to read. “This challenge with reading can cause people to struggle in school and on the job,” according to Grand Canyon University. “They may use coping mechanisms to get by, but the ability to read would make multiple aspects of life easier and more enjoyable.”