Students at Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School are proving that some of the best teachers aren’t much older than themselves. Through an innovative buddy program, second and third-graders are taking on the role of mentors to the Pre-K students.
In the library, Library/Media Specialist Melissa Meadwell oversees weekly reading partnerships where older students help their Pre-K buddies discover the joy of books. The big buddies assist their younger partners in selecting just the right story and then share one-on-one reading time. Each Pre-K student is able to check out their chosen book to enjoy at home for the week.
"The smiles and excitement on each student's face when they see their buddies reveal just how much they enjoy this partnership," says Meadwell. "It's wonderful to see the friendships, sense of community, and responsibility growing through this program."
The learning continues in the technology lab, where Technology Teacher Gary Miller guides these same buddy pairs through essential computer skills. The older students teach their Pre-K partners basic mouse techniques, such as clicking and dragging, while playing engaging interactive games. Miller notes that these foundational skills will soon lead to educational games focused on letter recognition, phonics, and early math concepts.
"For the first year of this model, it has been excellent for the second and third graders to mentor the Pre-K students," Miller notes. "It has worked very well both socially and academically."
Pre-K teacher Logan Zastawny has observed the profound impact of these cross-grade connections. "It is wonderful to see students interacting together that normally would not see one another during the school day," she shares. "Pre-K students get so excited to hear someone new read them stories and have a peer that they can look up to."
The benefits flow both ways. While younger students gain confidence and skills, their older mentors strengthen their own abilities through teaching. "For the second and third graders, not only are they practicing their academic skills, but their social skills as well," Zastawny adds. "The 'buddy system' has turned out great for all students involved."
This innovative approach to learning demonstrates how student mentorship can create meaningful connections while fostering academic growth, proving that at Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School, everyone has something to teach and something to learn.
