Today’s Readers, Tomorrow’s Leaders

Upper grade students at Colton Joint Unified School District elementary schools are helping their younger peers to boost English Language Arts skills through Reading Buddy programs. The programs, held at schools throughout the district, match fourth, fifth and sixth graders with kindergarten, first or second grade students. The older peer mentors help younger students practice and master skills in literacy. The Reading Buddy programs are just one way CJUSD is striving to ensure that all students are reading at grade level by third grade. Early literacy is a priority for the district, which has adopted the theme: “Today’s Readers, Tomorrow’s Leaders.” At Zimmerman Elementary School, for example, sixth grade students are matched with first graders. The sixth graders, who have been trained by teachers, help to guide their younger peers through reading, writing and spelling activities. In turn, the sixth graders gain valuable leadership experience and have become inspired by possible future careers. “They’re able to help them with the specific skills they need to become proficient readers,” noted Zimmerman Principal Cynthia Coello. She said the school has seen an increase in reading assessment scores since implementing the program last year. “My students see where they need to be,” added first grade teacher Meylin Parrales. “I tell them that someday they can be the helpers.” Grant Elementary School Literacy Coordinator, Sandra Soares, noted that students may feel more comfortable practicing reading with a peer. “It takes away that filter, that intimidation,” she said. Student tutors take their jobs seriously. They have training and keep track of skills to be mastered, such as fluency and reading and comprehension. “I have to be responsible,” noted 9-year-old Brianna Lozano, who helps students in Tracy Apodaca’s second grade class at Grant. Sixth grader Karen Moreno takes pride in a special job helping younger students needing a little extra help to master phonics and letter recognition. “I really like to help people,” she said. “When I grow up, I want to be a teacher.”