What is Reading Buddies?

Reading Buddies is a one-on-one or small group literacy program for students who are having difficulty learning to read and write. While each school’s Reading Buddies program will be different, the fundamental teaching practices are the same. The format of the program has been broken down into two models. Reading Buddies students come from all elementary grades and are usually students who are beginning or early transitional readers. For more information about this program or to order a Reading Buddies manual, please contact Dr. Donald Bear (bear@unr.edu) or Carol Caserta-Henry (CAROLCH2@aol.com). Reading Buddies programs began in 1993 in Washoe County, Nevada, and we are working with teachers in eight schools to help them implement their own Reading Buddies programs.

There are many benefits from this program. Students improve their reading and writing abilities. One of the most exciting benefits is seen in students’ more positive self-concept that develops as they meet with success reading and writing. Teachers and parents observe that Reading Buddies students read and write independently. Tutors also benefit from this program. There is the satisfaction of helping another person. The training can also help them look at a possible career choice or help them with their own children. Educators in contact with Reading Buddies benefit professionally with communication with other teachers, and through familiarity with the activities and materials used in Reading Buddies. Our studies of the effectiveness of Reading Buddies continue, and are noted in the reference and materials section below.