Two Models

Reading Buddies can be organized into a one-on-one or small group literacy program. Each configuration is discussed here.

Small group. The small group model uses a combination of whole group and small group activities. Whole group activities include reading aloud providing an interesting writing stimulus, sharing our writing, and support activities like choral reading and rereading group experience charts. Small group activities include familiar reading, new reading, writing with, and word study. Small group instruction is conducted with approximately three students per teacher or tutor. Further details on the organization of instruction is discussed in the section below titled "Typical Schedule of Activities."

A program designed for small group tutoring accommodates approximately 15 children per session. Implementation of this program requires two teacher coordinators, or one teacher coordinator and a school liaison who coordinates activities with the school and families, and helps to coordinate instruction. Three tutors and university education students are needed in the small group configuration.

One-on-one. Personnel required for this model are one teacher to serve as /coordinator and enough tutors to staff one-to-one tutoring. Tutors work with students 30 minutes each day, or for longer periods of time two or three days per week. This model allows for extensive individualized instruction. Activities are similar to those conducted in the small group model. Most tutors pick up a second child and tutor two children individually.