If you stroll through the halls of Owen School on a Wednesday, you might hear some captivating sounds from room five or six, like the rhymes of Dr. Seuss, giggles of glee or the phrase “once upon a time.”

Pre-K, kindergarten and first graders in room five have teamed up with middle schoolers in room six to create a reading program called Book Buddies. The younger students pick out several books that interest them, and then their Book Buddies spend time reading and interacting with them.

Heather Hoeye teaches room five. She says her students have a few classroom goals and one of the goals is to make reading fun. Not only is the Book Buddies program an exciting way to get kiddos reading, but the program offers other great benefits as well.

“Students practice social skills, emotional intelligence and kindness, all while enjoying the benefits of extra reading,” says Heather. “We are proud of our partnership with our older friends.”