At Busan Foreign School, our vision is to empower students to excel academically, thrive socially, and become compassionate global citizens and leaders.

One way that we bring students together to develop academic literacy, social relationships, and compassion is through our long-standing Reading Buddies initiative.  The purpose of Reading Buddies is for Early Childhood and Elementary students to develop community across grade levels and to foster students’ love of reading.

Reading Buddies at BFS started with just one pair of classes in 2014-15. Since then, it has grown to consistently include Early Childhood to Grade 6 and has occasionally included Middle and High School students. Students meet with Reading Buddies in their partner class at least once per Quarter in classrooms or outdoors.

Both teachers and students appreciate the valuable experience that Reading Buddies provides. 

• Early Childhood students in PK3 and K4 recently met with their buddies in Grade 3. PK3 teacher Ms. Sandstrom shared, “I loved watching the younger students become so engaged and excited as the third graders read to them. I also enjoyed watching them say hi to one another during lunch time and hearing the PK3 students say there goes my new friend.”  The Early Childhood students light up when they meet their third grade buddies. K4 student Diya shared, “I love to read with my friends!,” and K4 teacher Ms. Robinson added, “It’s wonderful to see the joy, connection, and excitement for books that grows in every session.” The feeling is mutual, and Grade 3 student Maria recounted, “We had fun reading together and talking about the pictures and characters. It was fun!” 

• Kindergarten students joined together with their buddies in Grade 4 to get to know each other and read together.  Grade 4 student Ellie noted, “Something I liked about Reading Buddies was having another person with another perspective. She thinks differently, and that was interesting!” Her classmate Arina shared, “My buddy was really nice, and he was a great listener. He wasn’t shy at all. It was very fun and cool getting to know him.” Grade 4 teacher Ms. Park noted, “Reading buddies are a great way for students to connect across grade levels and build their literacy skills. It also helps students develop and grow their empathy and provides a way for them to practice their leadership skills.”

Through Reading Buddies, students develop a meaningful appreciation of reading, form lasting relationships, build appreciation and compassion for other students.