Reading Buddies

Overview

"Reading Buddies" is a collaborative activity where students pair up to read books together, taking turns reading aloud and discussing the story. This activity creates a supportive environment for students to practice reading fluency, develop comprehension strategies, and engage in meaningful discussions about texts while building social skills.

Learning Objectives

• Improve reading fluency and expression
• Develop reading comprehension strategies
• Practice active listening while others read
• Engage in meaningful discussions about texts
• Build collaborative learning skills and peer relationships

Materials Needed

• A variety of books at appropriate reading levels
• Reading buddy journals or response sheets
• Bookmarks with discussion prompts
• Timer (optional)
• Comfortable reading spaces around the classroom

Preparation

1. Select and organize books at various reading levels
2. Create reading buddy pairs, considering reading abilities and social dynamics
3. Prepare reading buddy journals or response sheets
4. Create bookmarks with age-appropriate discussion prompts
5. Arrange comfortable reading spaces around the classroom

Activity Steps

1. Introduction (5 minutes):
   • Explain the Reading Buddies activity and its purpose
   • Model how to be a good reading buddy (taking turns, helping with difficult words, asking questions)
   • Review discussion prompts and how to use them
2. Book Selection (3 minutes):
   • Pairs select a book they both agree on
   • Ensure the book is at an appropriate reading level for both students
   • Allow pairs to find their reading spot in the classroom
3. Partner Reading (15 minutes):
   • Partners take turns reading aloud (e.g., page by page or paragraph by paragraph)
   • The listening partner follows along and helps with difficult words if needed
   • Partners pause at natural stopping points to discuss what they've read using prompt bookmarks
4. Response Activity (5 minutes):
   • Partners complete a brief response activity in their reading buddy journals
   • This could include drawing a favorite part, writing a prediction, or answering a question about the story
5. Whole Class Sharing (2 minutes):
   • Select 1-2 pairs to briefly share something interesting from their reading
   • Discuss what made the reading buddy experience successful

Differentiation

Assessment

Observe and note students' abilities to:

• Read with appropriate fluency, accuracy, and expression
• Engage in meaningful discussions about the text
• Use strategies to decode unfamiliar words
• Demonstrate comprehension through discussions and responses
• Work collaboratively with their reading buddy

Extensions

• Create reading buddy book recommendations for other pairs
• Have reading buddies perform a favorite scene from their book
• Connect to writing by having pairs write an alternate ending to their story
• Establish cross-grade reading buddies with older or younger students
• Create a class book review board where reading buddies post mini-reviews

Discussion Prompt Examples