Darlington School: Private Boarding School in Georgia 14419
Darlington School: Private Boarding School in Rome, GA
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Tiger Buddy Program promotes unity at Lower School

April 4, 2007 | 151 views

Lola Bradshaw’s students in grade 4B are no strangers to the Buddy Program. Four years ago, they adopted their next-door neighbors in Janice Cox’s pre-first grade, and the classes have been friends ever since.

This year, Dr. Steve Bartholomew, director of Lower School, introduced the Tiger Buddy Program as a school-wide initiative to all students in grades pre-K through five, and so far it has been a hit. Students in older grades are paired with younger “buddies,” and teachers are encouraged to come up with monthly buddy activities including arts and crafts, lunches and holiday parties.

“The Tiger Buddy Program has so many benefits, and it ties in beautifully with Darlington’s mission to teach children to become well-educated, responsible human beings who learn with passion, act with integrity, and serve with respect,” said Bartholomew. “It helps develop a school culture that promotes patience, empathy and understanding between students; encourages learning about different ages, interests and backgrounds; creates a sense of belonging; increases feelings of ownership and community within the Lower School; and provides leadership opportunities for caring and responsible helpers.”

Elaine Smith and Alice Clements selected the playground as the first meeting place for their second and third-grade classes. “Each student was assigned a buddy, and they interviewed each other about their likes and dislikes, families, favorites, etc.” said Clements, third-grade teacher. “After the interview, they had some free time on the playground and ate lunch together. Once my students got back to the classroom, they wrote a paragraph about their buddies. Then, in computer class, they typed their paragraphs and inserted photos from their first meeting. I have a bulletin board up in my room showcasing our Tiger Buddies.”

Smith said her second-graders love running into their third-grade buddies during the school day. “They love being noticed and acknowledged by the older students,” she said. “It makes them feel special and accepted.”

Bradshaw’s students, who are still paired with pre-first, have enjoined with their buddies on several activities already this year. “Sometimes, one of the pre-first graders will quietly come into our room and leave a note or picture for their buddy. It is so neat. They really seem to adore each other,” she said. “So far, we have invited Mrs. Cox’s class to watch several science experiments, and we did a joint party and lesson for Groundhog Day. My students also drew pictures and posters for their buddies and helped them weave Valentine’s Day baskets.”

Beth Smith and Tami Wilcox said their pre-K students love interacting with their fifth-grade buddies. “Every time they see their buddy they are so excited that they want to run across the lunchroom to give their buddy a high-five or a hug,” said Smith.

“It has been a very positive interaction,” agreed Wilcox. “Mrs. Collier’s fifth-graders really nurture my pre-K students, and the younger kids look up to their buddies.”