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The St Mungo's Reading Buddy Club

Why was this partnership activity necessary - concerns, aims, difficulties etc?
We aim to provide our Wee Buddies from P1-P6 with extra reading time with a peer and, through this work, to raise awareness and the status of books, reading and libraries. For our Primary 7 pupils, our Big Buddies, we aim to provide a real experience of responsibility commitment, citizenship and a raised awareness of the difficulties of others.

Where does this partnership operate?
In our school dining hall, foyer, open areas and the Primary 7 classroom.

When does this work happen?
The Club meets on Mondays and Fridays from 12.00 - 12.15 pm. Our Big Buddies meet with the Support for Learning Teacher on Mondays from 1.15 - 1.30 pm.

How does the scheme work? How is it maintained, sustained and evaluated?
In October of each year, Primary 7 pupils are selected by means of applications and references to take part in a Reading Buddy Training Day. Alongside this, Class Teachers from Primaries 1-6 recommend pupils from their classes who would benefit from extra attention and input from an older pupil. Wee Buddies are matched with Big Buddies and meet twice a week. Through meetings with Big Buddies and regular comments from Class Teachers, the Scheme is monitored and adjusted throughout the year. It is evaluated annually by structured questionnaires issued to Wee Buddies, Big Buddies, Class Teachers and Parents.

What are the benefits? What difference does this partnership make?
We notice an increased level of assertiveness, confidence and self-esteem amongst our P7 pupils. Parents recognise and appreciate that their children are receiving extra help with reading. Class Teachers are aware that some pupils read and behave more confidently and less self-consciously with their Buddies. Through the Reading Buddy Club, Support of Learning Teachers can ensure that pupils with reading difficulties gain extra practice in reading aloud and discussion of text.

2.1 St Mungo's Primary School, Alloa, Stirlingshire