Buddies
It had been several years since I had taught an upper grade class, so when I was approached to take 7th grade after a long stint in 2nd grade I was a bit hesitant to say the least. Once the decision had been made, I began to get more and more excited about employing various strategies and techniques in teaching this group of students. I began with Religion and incorporating a service project. Little did I know of the tremendous response I would receive.
Our Homework Buddy project consisted of 12 upper grade students assisting primary children with their homework over a six week period. Every Tuesday, they would meet with their buddies and immediately start helping with homework from reading stories, practicing spelling words to working out math problems. As I monitored this group I was pleasantly surprised to see the interest build, caring attitudes, kindness towards each other, and concerns when a little one did not make a class. It was truly inspiring. The older students were not only teaching the basic academics, but strenghtening good study habits within the younger children. They were establishing a lasting bond. Even though the project ended, the friendships and caring concerns remain as you see in the halls "high-fives" and questions of, "Did you do your homework?" between the groups. The children prove everyday that our faith just does not come from a book, but is alive and growing at St. Jerome School.
Monica Marolt
Seventh Grade teacher at St. Jerome School.