Pairing up for reading

A long-standing tradition at Mountain Brook Elementary is the pairing of a kindergarten student with a fourth grade “reading buddy.” Meeting every other Friday, the children choose books together and foster a love for reading as well as, hopefully, a bond they will have throughout their school career.

Fourth grader Ellie Hamilton remembers that when she was in kindergarten her reading buddies were Parker Cobbs and Harrison Weaver, who are now in eighth grade. Hamilton still maintains a friendship with them even though they have moved on to MBJH. Now Hamilton and kindergartener Lola Salter meet weekly. They said they enjoy reading books by Mo Willems.

Kindergartner John Paul Scott said he is the oldest in his family, so having Stuart Jinnette as a mentor is like having a fun, older brother. Likewise, Stuart is the youngest in his family, so he appreciates the opportunity to play the role of big brother to Scott.

In addition to reading, fourth grade students share science projects and make crafts with their kindergarten friends.