I am so excited to share something really cool that is happening at our school here at SSWS. We have started a Buddy Program. It an initiative that is already making a wonderful impact on our students. This program defines a buddy not just as a friend, but as a guide, a mentor, and a lifelong connection. It is designed to help our students grow, learn, and shine together.
The first step was meticulously pairing students. We linked Grade 3 with Grade 1, Grade 4 with
Grade 2 and so on. Our aim was a balanced mix of personalities, fostering diverse relationships. A ‘Buddy Chart’ in each classroom made the pairings clear, creating an immediate buzz of excitement among the students.
When our buddies met for the first time, it was a heartwarming session filled with initial shyness quickly turning into genuine smiles. Students exchanged introduction cards detailing their names, hobbies, and favourite things, which provided a lovely starting point for conversation. Icebreaker games like ‘Find Something in Common’ were perfect for easing them into interaction and highlighting their shared interests. Buddies meet for a dedicated 30-minute session each week. These sessions are carefully planned to support their social, emotional, and academic development.
June’s activity included meet & greet: Students drew pictures of their buddies and shared fun facts, a creative way to learn more about each other. Icebreaker Games: The “Find Something in Common” game continued to be a favourite. Buddy Bingo: This activity encouraged them to discover and note down shared preferences, deepening their understanding of each other.
July’s activities pivoted towards literacy and deeper communication like story time: Older buddies read short stories to their younger counterparts, followed by discussions about favourite parts, encouraging active listening and comprehension. A simple yet powerful activity Letter Exchange, where buddies wrote letters to each other, promoting written communication and personal expression. Book Buddies read stories together and discussed the moral, fostering critical thinking and shared values.
It is truly rewarding to observe the growing bonds and see the students learn from each other. This program is proving to be a cornerstone in building a supportive and connected school community. and many more great activities are planned for the months to come.
