Book Buddies is a program that has been ongoing for about two years. Rubidoux High School students volunteer their mornings, once a month, on late start days by walking to their neighboring elementary schools and reading to younger students.
Groups of students visit West Riverside Elementary, Rustic Lane Elementary, Pacific Avenue Academy of Music, and Ina Elementary schools.
Book Buddies helps engage younger students, familiarize them with reading, connect with them, and help them develop reading skills.
“In the beginning, they’re shy because they are meeting a new person. But once I start talking to them, asking questions, and then getting familiar with them, they start to open up more. They blossom into a new person, which I find is so interesting.” RHS Senior Megan Pelaez said.
High School students are trained by literacy coaches who go over how to read for elementary literacy. They learn finger tracking (using a finger to guide readers’ eyes along the text), vowels, and how to ask the younger students questions to keep them engaged.
“It’s just so great to come here and know that you’re being a good role model to these kids, getting them to read, getting them to experience new things, maybe they’ve never experienced before.” RHS Sophomore Elissa Ruiz said.
Book Buddies started with a group of 11 high school students. As the word spread, more students began to show up to volunteer. Now there are over 200 students who participate.
“We always do a meeting the day before Book Buddies so we can get students to sign up for which school they want to go to, and that library is absolutely packed with kids,” said RHS Librarian Terri Spencer.
The success of Book Buddies has led to the start of a Book Buddy Club. Megan serves as the president of the club, which is fundraising to provide graduation cords and certificates for club participants.
“With the club, we are hoping that we have a strong peer leadership so that the students are able to now be the leaders and make that change… and maybe at some point, we have this big congregation of all the book buddies around here and celebrate the joy of literacy,” said Delia Toscano, Teacher on Special Assignment - Community Schools at RHS.
The excitement of Book Buddies has transferred over to the elementary students. Robbie Moreno, Pacific Avenue’s Elementary Media Center Clerk, has noticed his students get excited to pick out books that they want their older Book Buddies to read aloud to them.
“I think the best part about the program is hearing the students laughing and giggling with the Book Buddies. And noticing little details. I think the smaller group setting allows for a more intimate storytime.” Mr. Moreno said.
