This term as part of our Social Science and English programme, Whaea Lizzy’s Year 9 class has been doing Tuakana-Teina reading with the three D block classes. Also known as buddy-reading, this is where older students visit younger students in class to read together.
As our class only has 12 students, one of the challenges to overcome has been the whakamaa (or shy-ness) of our Year 9s to lead a small group of 5-7 year olds. However, now that we are half-way through the term we look forward to every period 5 on a Tuesday – not just as it seems like an easy class for us! We think the D1-3 tamariki enjoy us coming too, and hopefully their reading skills and confidence benefit, although its only 20 minutes in each class.
Some quotes from students include:
Year 0-2 comments
I like reading to them cos’ its fun.
Buddy Reading is cool cos’ I read to them and they read to me.
They help me read.
Its different to reading to the teacher, they’re kind of like an adult but they’re younger than an adult.
I sometimes see my friend and speak French.
I like reading with Josef.
Its good to share with the older kids.
Its the only time ( or we never get ) to see/meet the older kids.
I like reading with my cousin.
It feels like learning but its fun!
Year 9 comments:
Its fun cos’ it doesn’t feel like learning…
Its good to know the little kids.
I like seeing / getting to know / hanging out with the little ones.
We are building relationships.
They learn really quickly / I like seeing the progression.
They’re so smart compared to when I was that age.
I like meeting new teina each week and getting to know more.
These comments show that the Tuakana and the Teina are growing their appreciation of all four of our School Values:
MANAAKITANGA ( caring for others ),
KAITIAKITANGA ( guardianship of our kura ),
WHAKAWHANAUNGATANGA ( relationship building)
and POUTAMA ( striving to do our best )
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