Magic happens when kids teach kids. That’s the simple truth behind peer mentoring. At Little Fort Elementary, we’ve turned this idea into something special.
Every week, the fifth graders in Ms. Rios’ Project Discovery class pair up with Mr. Schroetter’s first graders for the Mentor Reading Buddies program. These 10- and 11-year-olds don’t just read together. They take it further: each fifth grader creates a custom math game tailored to their younger partner’s needs, then teaches and plays the game with their buddy.
The program benefits everyone. The older students strengthen their social and emotional skills, building patience and empathy as they mentor. The first graders gain valuable reading practice with supportive older buddies. More than that, the experience builds confidence, sparks friendships, and turns learning into play—exactly what education is all about.