Braelinn Buddy Classes Build Bonds

Buddy Classes are strengthening the community at Braelinn Elementary.

For their first meeting of the year, Cheyney Smith’s 2nd grade class and Mary Bohdan’s 5th grade class focused on getting to know each other and sharing a good story. The younger students chose a book and read it to their new friends. They also shared a few things about themselves so they could learn what they might have in common.

Going forward, they will add new opportunities like setting goals together and writing letters back and forth.

The purpose of Buddy Classes is building community, supporting, learning and helping students develop social skills. Students are paired based on similar interests and strengths to help them connect and have a positive experience together.

“It’s a great way to connect the whole school,” said 5th grade teacher Mary Bohdan. “We hope the younger students will build confidence, practice their communication skills, and feel more comfortable around older students. For the older students, it’s an opportunity to practice empathy, patience, responsibility, and being a good mentor.”

Cheyney Smith has loved seeing her students make new friends that extend beyond buddy time.

“My class sees Mrs. Bodhan’s class as we enter the lunch room each day, and my second graders are absolutely thrilled every day to see all of their buddies waving to them from their table.”