Good buddies

***image1***Larry Jackson, Kaisers-lautern American Elementary School kindergarten teacher, and his wife Sherry Jackson, KAEMS fifth-grade teacher, have the chance not only to work together one day each month, but also to promote social and academic success for their classes.

For the past 20 years, fifth-graders in Mrs. Jackson’s class have traveled to Mr. Jackson’s class to help the kindergarten students through language arts, reading and mathematics. Students from each class pair up in partnerships to work a variety of activities.

This year’s classes took a trip to the bowling alley, shared a Thanksgiving dinner, wrote letters to Santa and supported reading activities.

““It makes me feel good to know that I have other kids look up to me,” said fifth-grader Latroy Rudd. “I like to help the kids in Mr. Jackson’s class because I can become the teacher.”

***image2***When the classes got together in January, the focus was on buddy reading, where the fifth-graders read to their kindergarten counterparts. For Valentine’s Day, the groups worked some math-related activities.

It benefits both age groups,” said Mr. Jackson. “The fifth-graders get a sense of teaching and accomplishment. The kindergartners get a personal connection with one of ‘the big kids,’ which makes them feel special.”

The buddies form a bond, and point each other out to friends in the hall.

Mrs. Jackson said that her fifth-graders often clarify their own learning by having to explain concepts to the younger children.

Over the years some of Mr. Jackson’s “little buddies” have become Mrs. Jackson’s “big buddies” as they move to fifth grade.

“I like going to Mr. Jackson’s class because it’s a lot of fun,” said fifth-grader Patrik Walton.