When I went to Todd Elementary School to learn more about the Reading Buddies program, I was greeted with a whirlwind of energy from students and staff.
Reading Buddies is a Beloit College club and part of Todd’s after-school program where, two days a week, college students volunteer to read and do activities with the elementary kids. “It’s always different, always fun, always entertaining,” said Mary Ellen Fuentes, the Todd Elementary connection for Reading Buddies.
Through the partnership, college and elementary students build a connection and learn from each other. The elementary schoolers see older students that look like them. “It’s hugely important for our kids to see what their future could be,” Fuentes said. Club coordinator Maddie Schnurr’29 also emphasized the importance of children having supportive adults in their lives beyond their parents. She said some students have even recognized her in public, saying hello or introducing her to their parents.
The after-school program also allows kids who may be quieter in a group of more than 20 students to break out of their shell and find ways to express themselves. All the kids are “so interestingly fun, and all have unique personalities,” said Fuentes. At Reading Buddies, a different side of the students comes out.
Volunteering with Reading Buddies is an exciting and rewarding experience. “You can learn a lot from kids,” said Schnurr. “They’re young, but not stupid. The program teaches patience and how to hold a real dialogue with them.”
Schnurr is an education and youth studies major, who plans on working with ages K-9. She took over leadership of the club after the previous coordinator graduated. The program is now over 20 years old, which is remarkable for a club that depends on students showing up semester after semester.
Schnurr and Fuentes both expressed that they are grateful the partnership has continued all these years. There have been Reading Buddies volunteers who go on to do their student teaching at Todd and become full-time teachers at the school.
The program has something to offer for all students. “Being involved in the school system is a really good gateway to that community connection,” said Fuentes. It can be a great experience for education majors to explore if they want to work with kids, and for all students to discover something new. “Beloit is such a diverse and interesting community … our kids are varied, and our kids are very diverse,” said Fuentes.
Reading Buddies meets twice a week, but it’s one part of the larger after-school program which includes collaboration with groups like Turtle Tunes and Girls on the Run. “These opportunities can be life-changing,” said Fuentes.
During my visit to the school, to be safe from the rain, Girls on the Run moved their after-school running into the halls of Todd. Fuentes answered my questions while greeting runners, giving high fives, and passing on words of encouragement. This was a snapshot of the energy and care that radiates from Todd’s afterschool program.
This year, Reading Buddies will meet from 4:15 to 4:50 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays. There will be two training sessions on Wednesday and Thursday this week, 4:15-4:50. In the session, volunteers will learn about Todd Elementary, the ground rules, and some things they may encounter working with children. Fuentes also shared that they like to hear the interests of students so they can incorporate them into the program.
If you want to be a part of life-changing work, need volunteer hours, or want to dive into community, it seems Reading Buddies is the place to be.
Featured image: Beloit Reading Buddies
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