Reading Buddies Session #3

We had yet another Reading Buddies session with preschool kids, but slightly modified this time. This was after a long time we held this session (credits to October break and then busy schedule), but finally we were able to hold one today. Reflecting upon our limitation of class size, me and my fellow buddy Shinara took this session separately, with a smaller audience read to. This allowed us to focus more on each kid separately and make this session much more engaging.

The book I chose for this session was ‘Our Senses’, as it resonated well with the understanding level of the kids and also matched what they were learning during lessons. This was not an ordinary story book, but a rather large picture book. The book had a more visual approach, since with each sense they accompanied an image of the body part with which that sense matches. For instance, hearing for ears and so on. The criteria behind choosing these books is usually either informative or moral based. This time, for instance, it was an informative session and the purpose was to make the kids learn about senses.

I personally believe it’s pretty ironic because this topic of senses, although deemed as basic and at a preschool level, is actually implied on a much more complex level as we grow up. The distractions, say social media or going out too often, are just a matter of not having control over our own senses. So, in reality, maybe it’s something us high schoolers need to have a session on too.

This time, I read loudly and was able to stress the important bits in the story (thanks to Mr. Poulus’ lesson on Rhythm and Meter). I also gestured the kids during the story each body part, so they were able to connect further. For instance, I pointed at my ears every time ear was mentioned in the book. At the end, me and Mrs. Ivonne engaged with the kids in a small questionnaire where we asked a couple of questions regarding the senses.

It was really fun, especially since I could sense that the kids were relatively less shy and reserved compared to the past sessions. As usual, we did a couple of high-fives, but this time making sure that the kids knew which sense they were using while doing the high-fives (the sense of touch). They did manage to overpower me at the end, and Mrs. Ivonne had to come to my rescue (I underestimated them).

This was a really good session for me, and overall I would rate it a great improvement compared to the past ones. These sessions are also helping me, because although basic they still help me improve my read aloud skills. I would also say it’s a good way to get some experience with little kids (iykwim).

Finally, the aim for the next session is to have them not very often, but still make sure it’s enough for them to digest. Also, gradually increasing the thickness of the book, and the content type are some future expectations we aim to achieve with these kids.